| Term
|
Definition
|
| bandwidth |
The amount of data a network can transport in
a given period of time. Higher bandwidth means
more data per second can be transferred. |
| biometric |
A security identification system which measures
a physical feature (such as hand geometry, retinal
scanning, fingerprints, facial or vocal feature),
translates it into a digital form, and then compares
it with the values found in the approved database. |
| bullet-resistant glazing |
Glass consisting of two or more plates bonded
with plastic interlayers, generally resistive
to penetration by bullets from medium to high
power arms. |
| burglar-resistant glazing |
Any glazing which is more difficult to break
through than the common window or plate glass,
such as glass designed to resist smash and grab
burglary attacks. It typically consists of two
layers of plate bonded with a plastic interlayer. |
| buried sensor |
A sensor that detects perimeter intrusion. It
is activated when hydraulic pressure in a tube
buried near the surface changes as a result of
an individual or vehicle passing over the protected
area. |
| damped sensor |
An inertia or vibration sensor having low sensitivity.
Damped sensors are used in locations where heavy
ambient movements or vibrations would cause a
standard sensor to activate. |
| day zone |
A feature of an intrusion detection system that
uninterruptedly monitors a highly sensitive area
even when the system is disarmed. |
| delay circuit |
An alarm system feature that allows the user
a preset number of minutes/seconds to enter or
exit the protected premises. |
| detector |
Any device for detecting intrusion,
equipment failure or malfunction, unsafe equipment
operation, presence of smoke or fire, or any other
condition requiring immediate action. Detectors
include a means for translating the detected abnormal
condition into a form of alarm signal. |
distributed card access
system |
An access control system in
which each card reader has all the intelligence
and data required to make access decisions. |
| dome camera |
A CCTV camera installed
in a tinted dome-shaped housing, so that the camera
and its direction are unseen. |
dual technology motion
detector |
A sensor that utilizes two technologies,
such as microwave and infrared, in a logical combination
to reduce false alarms. |
| electric door strike |
An electrically operated door
lock with a solenoid and a mechanical latch. Applying
power causes the solenoid to withdraw the latch
pin so that the door may be opened. |
| electric field sensor |
A perimeter-type sensor that
responds to a disturbance of the electrical field
surrounding it. |
| electromagnetic lock |
A type of lock that uses magnetic
attraction to hold the latch in the locked position. |
| electronic vibration detector |
A detection device that employs
a sensitive contact microphone. It is used to
protect safes, vaults, files, and art and cultural
property, and to monitor entry attempts through
walls, floors, and ceilings. |
| emergency call panel |
A panel having one or more push
buttons that connect directly to a central station
or emergency response agency such as the fire
department or ambulance service. |
| exit button |
An electrical switch that releases
the lock on an exit door from a protected area.
It is typically used where an access card is required
for entry, but not for departure. |
| fail safe lock |
A type of lock that automatically
opens when a power failure occurs. Typically,
a fail safe lock will have an electrically released
strike plate or a solenoid operated bolt. |
| fail secure lock |
A type of lock that automatically
locks when a power failure occurs, as opposed
to a fail safe lock. |
| fence sensor |
Any of the several varieties
of vibration, taut-wire, and electric cable sensors
designed for installation on fences. |
| fiber optic system |
A transmission system that uses
light-transmitting fibers. A fiber optic system
that transmits light but not images is called
a non-coherent system. A fiber optic system that
transmits images is called a coherent system.
The image resolution capability is a function
of the size and number of fiber optic links. Optic
fibers are extremely fine and thousands of them
may be combined into what is called a bundle.
Because they do not emit electromagnetic emissions
they are difficult to detect and interdict electronically,
thereby making them desirable for use in high-security
data transmission systems. |
| field disturbance sensor |
A sensor that triggers an alarm
upon detection of change in a radiated or ambient
energy field. These sensors are generally used
in perimeter security applications. |
| fingerprint reader |
A fire detection sensor that
works like a thermostat. Typically, a detector
sensitive to heat will cause electrical contacts
to close when the temperature around it reaches
a pre-set, fixed number of degrees. |
| fixed temperature sensor |
A fire detection sensor that
works like a thermostat. Typically, a detector
sensitive to heat will cause electrical contacts
to close when the temperature around it reaches
a pre-set, fixed number of degrees. |
| floor sensor |
A sensor installed under, in,
or upon a floor and designed to trigger an alarm
when an intruder moves across the floor. Typically,
a floor sensor operates on a weight or pressure
principle. |
| f-number |
The ratio of the focal length
to the clear aperture in a lens, expressed in
the form f/1.8. |
| foot candle |
The unit of illuminance on a
surface one square foot in area on which there
is a uniformly distributed flux of one lumen. |
| f-stop |
The lens designation indicating
the relative diaphragm opening or aperture diameter. |
| glass break sensor |
An electronic detector that
evaluates the sound frequencies generated by breaking
glass. Contact-type sensors can be mounted directly
on the glass; acoustical detectors listen for
soundwaves. |
| graphic annunciator |
A mimic board or CRT display
that has special graphics to delineate alarm zones
or sensor locations. It presents an overall picture
of a system's status on a map or facility outline
and depicts the location and current reporting
condition of each sensor. |
| hand geometry |
A technique of access control
verification that analyzes relative variations
in finger lengths. Typically, a person is enrolled
in the system through a stored image of one hand.
When seeking access, the enrollee places his hand
on an imaging plate; a comparison is made of the
stored and active images; and if the images match
to a predetermined accuracy, access is granted. |
| hardening |
Enhancements to make an object
or material more difficult to penetrate. |
| heat detector |
A sensor that detects the presence
of heat, with or without the presence of smoke
or fire conditions. The device operates either
by a rapid change in temperature or by a rise
in temperature above a given level. When the temperature
change occurs, an alarm is activated. Fixed temperature
and rate-of-rise sensors are examples. |
| high-pressure sodium lamp |
A security lamp having a long
and dependable service life. When combined with
the proper ballast, it will tolerate 40 to 50
percent dips in power. A power interruption of
only one-twentieth of a second, however, can cause
this type lamp to extinguish and begin its re-strike
sequence. Re-strike is rated as instant, but the
lamp will not be at the fully rated output until
it has returned to its normal operating temperature.
High-pressure sodium luminaires are an excellent
choice for lighting systems to be used in conjunction
with TV surveillance systems, both indoors and
outdoors. They provide high efficacy, uniformity,
and a short re-strike. A possible disadvantage
of high-pressure sodium is electromagnetic radiation,
which could cause interference with electronic
equipment or systems, including alarms. |
| high-resolution monitor |
A CRT display unit having a
horizontal resolution greater than the standard
500-line monitor. When the number of lines of
picture information is increased, the display
is sharpened and the detail improved. |
| inertia sensor |
A sensor that causes an alarm
condition when it has experienced a movement caused
by shock or vibration. The term also refers to
an intrusion detector capable of tolerating background
vibration without loss of sensitivity to intrusion
attempts. |
| infrared card reader |
A card reader that uses an infrared
light source to read information encoded in an
access control card. It operates on an optical
density principle. |
| infrared motion detector |
A passive, low-power, area-protection
device that detects a change in ambient temperature
caused by movements of a body or objects within
a protected zone. Sensor circuitry generates an
alarm when a moving object causes a change in
a radiated energy pattern covering the protected
zone. For example, an intruder moving into a protected
zone would introduce a heat change caused by the
intruder's body heat. |
interior microwave motion
detector |
A sensor designed specifically
for indoor use, and usually consists of a single
transceiver. Microwaves are transmitted into the
protected area so that a constant pattern of microwaves
are reflected back. Movement within the protected
area disturbs the constant pattern and a comparison
circuit trips an alarm. |
| interior zone |
A protective zone established
inside a perimeter zone. |
| intrusion detection system |
A system combining mechanical
or electric components to perform the functions
of sensing, controlling, and announcing unauthorized
entry into areas covered by the system. |
| keypad |
An arrangement of finger-touch
buttons on a wall plate or similar mounting device.
Pressing the buttons in a pre-designated sequence
will transmit electronic signals to achieve a
security purpose, such as to turn an alarm system
on or off. In computer usage, it is the small
set of keys next to the main keys on the keyboard
of a terminal. |
| lacing sensors |
A network of very fine wire
placed in a concealed fashion around a protected
object or at a point of entry such as a skylight
or cellar window. If the lacing is broken, an
alarm results. |
| laminated sensor |
A thin lamination of metallic
foil layered between paper or some other nonconductive
substance. The laminate is attached to a surface
such as a wall surrounding a protected area and
electrified. A penetration of the laminate will
cause an alarm. |
| laser identification |
Property identification system
in which a laser beam applies to high value items
microscopic identification numbers too tiny to
be seen by the naked eye. |
| laser intrusion detector |
A sensor that activates upon
detection of a break in a beam generated by a
low-power laser. |
| layered security |
A physical security approach
that requires a criminal to penetrate or overcome
a series of security layers before reaching the
target. The layers might be perimeter barriers;
building or area protection with locks, CCTV and
guards; and point and trap protection using safes,
vaults, and sensors. |
| line amplifier |
A device that compensates for
line loss, generally a broadband amplifier. A
line amplifier permits extension of an audio signal
across a greater distance. |
| local alarm |
An alarm that is annunciated
in the immediate vicinity of the protected premises. |
| logical access |
Access to the information content
of a stored record. |
| lumen |
The quantity of luminous flux
intercepted by a surface of one square foot, all
points of which are one foot from a uniform source
of one candela. |
| lux |
A metric unit of measurement
for light; one lux equals one lumen per square
meter. |
| magnetic contact |
A device that activates when
the magnetic field set up between two contact
points is broken. |
| magnetic lock |
A door lock consisting of an
electromagnet and strike plate. The electromagnet
is mounted in the door frame opposite the strike
plate, which is mounted in the door. When current
is applied, the strength of the magnet holds the
door locked. Magnetic locks operate on low voltage
and consume little power. |
| mantrap |
A double-door booth or chamber
that allows a person to enter at one end, undergo
an access identification routine inside the booth,
and if the routine is satisfied, the lock on the
booth door at other end is released. When cctv
is used, it is called a video access booth. |
| mercury vapor lamp |
A lamp that emits a blue green
light caused by an electric current passing through
a tube of conducting luminous gas. It is more
efficient than the incandescent lamp of comparable
wattage, and is used for interior and exterior
lighting, especially where people work. |
| microwave motion detection |
Detecting the presence of an
intruder in a specific area, through the use of
radio frequency generating and receiving equipment
operating in the range of 1 GHz to 300 GHz. |
| microwave sensor |
A sensor that detects the movement
of a person or object through a pattern of microwave
energy. Microwave sensors which use the Doppler
Effect to recognize movement within a protected
area (monostatic sensors) are most effective for
indoor applications. Microwave sensors employing
the beam break principle (bistatic) are often
used in outdoor applications. |
| motion detection |
Detection of an intruder by
making use of the change in location or orientation
in a protected area as the intruder moves around.
In video motion detection, this means changes
in key parameters of a viewed scene from a recorded
reference image of that scene. |
| multiplexer |
A device that allows two or
more signals to be simultaneously transmitted
on a single communication or data channel, or
carrier wave. |
| optical fibers |
Glass or plastic threads used
to transmit light energy. |
| outrigger |
The angled metal extension at
the top of a fence. |
| outside perimeter |
A line of protection, such as
a fence, surrounding but not immediately adjacent
to the structure or area under protection. |
| Proximity |
Proximity identification credentials
are of two types; active and passive. Both have
a micro- miniature electronic tuned circuit and
a switching mechanism, and active credentials
also have a power source |
| radiation detector |
A sensor that emits radiation
waves and annunciates when the pattern of normal
waves is disturbed. |
| redundant design |
A design of alarm equipment
involving two or more components so arranged that
failure of one will call one or more of the others
into service. |
| remote keypad |
A keypad mounted away from the
alarm system's control panel and used to arm/disarm
an alarm system and/or shunt circuits. |
| RFI |
Radio frequency interference;
undesired radio frequency signals that compete
with desired signals in amplifiers, receivers,
and instruments. |
| risk |
The analysis and measurement
of potential loss or damage of an asset, based
on the probability of an undesirable occurrence. |
| risk acceptance |
A willingness to accept the
maximum probable loss associated with a successful
criminal attack |
| risk assessment |
Identification of risks and
vulnerabilities to persons, property, operations,
or business function or activity, and evaluation
of the importance of the function to the continuation
of the operation or activity. |
| Smart Card |
Smart card is a generic term
for a single card that serves many functions.
The smart card is the state of the art access
control technology. The basic card provides access
control and can double as a photo ID card or debit
card, as well as serving other functions. |
| tamper switch |
A switch is used to sense unauthorized
tampering of equipment. The switch is mounted
on the inside of control panels and siren housings |
| target hardening |
Using physical barriers or changes
in a location to reduce the opportunity for crime
and make completion of a crime more difficult. |
| tiger team |
A team of experts who assess
the security measures of a computer system by
conducting unannounced penetration attempts such
as trying to circumvent access controls of a data
center or by-passing password protections installed
on desk top computer assets. |
| time/date generator |
In CCTV, a monitor display of
the time and date. It is useful for logging and
documentation. |
transmission control
protocol/Internet protocol
(TCP/IP) |
An Internet standard that makes
communicating possible among different computers. |
| transmitter |
A device that produces a radio
frequency or other electrical signal for conveyance
to a compatible receiver. A transmitter/receiver
is a device capable of maintaining two-way communication. |
| turn-key system |
A system that is supplied to
the user in a ready-to-run condition. Preparatory
procedures such as installation, setup, and testing
are usually performed by the supplier. |
| turnstile |
A mechanical or electromechanical
entry-exit device that controls the flow of individuals
between areas. A turnstile may be activated
remotely or locally by a key or access card, or
by a switch or keypad. |
| ultrasonic motion detector |
A sensor that detects motion
by transmitting an inaudible, high-frequency
sound emission that reflects off objects. |
| ultrasonic |
Sound waves generally above
20 KHZ, which are too high to be heard by the
human ear. |
Underwriters Laboratories
(UL) |
An independent, not-for-profit,
US testing and certification organization for
testing product safety. |
uninterruptible power-
supply (UPS) |
A system that provides continuous
power to an AC line within prescribed plus or
minus tolerances. A UPS protects against over-voltage
conditions and brownouts |
| user identification code |
A unique sequence of alphabetic
or alphanumeric characters assigned to an authorized
computer system user. |
| vibration sensor |
A sensor pre-set for a degree
of vibration which if exceeded will cause an alarm
to be given. It is commonly used for door and
window protection. |
| video motion detector |
A sensor that sends an alarm
signal when the electrons on the face of a closed
circuit television camera tube are excited by
an object moving into the field of view or a designated
portion of the field of view. This system allows
the operator immediate viewing of the act causing
the alarm. |
| video window |
A portion of a CCTV image in
a video motion detection system that has been
selected for constant analysis. Any movement or
change in the window portion will produce an alarm.
The window is typically a square or rectangle
and may be bordered. |
| volumetric sensor |
A sensor with a protection pattern
extending over a volume such as a room or an open
field. Infrared and microwave sensors are volumetric
in nature because they detect the presence of
an intruder within a defined three-dimensional
space. |
| vulnerability |
An exploitable capability; an
exploitable security weakness or deficiency at
a facility, entity, venue, or that of a person.
|
| vulnerability analysis |
A method of identifying the
weak points of a facility, entity, venue,
or person. |
| window switch |
A sensor that detects the open
or closed position of a window, or an in-between
position when a window is set to a partially open
position while the alarm system is armed to permit
outside air to enter a room without the window
open enough for an intruder to enter. |
| zone |
A section of an alarmed, protected,
or patrolled area. A zone often means a space
having one or more sensors. |
| zone expander |
A device that allows more than
one individual zone to be monitored over a single
pair of wires. The device is armed and powered
from a main controller. |
| zoom lens |
A single lens with a variable
focal range. |
| zoom ratio |
The ratio between the longest
and shortest focal length of a single lens. |
