Brazilian mobile provider strengthens perimeter security of antenna sites with RISCO Group solutions

RISCO's intruder detectors protect the sites while preventing false alarms

A leading Cellular Provider in Brazil required a reliable security solution to protect its numerous antenna sites around the country. With over 8000 antenna sites spread around the country, the company is one of the largest cellular providers in Brazil. Remote control over the systems installed on-site from a Central Control Room was also required.

The challenge

Remote antenna sites in Brazil are usually located in isolated areas and many of them in harsh outdoor environments. The company's antenna sites are open, have no fence and contain expensive equipment. A security system with reliable outdoor detection that can handle unstable weather conditions with frequent flooding, growing wild vegetation, heavy rain and strong winds.

As the antenna sites do not have PSTN infrastructure, a solution employing IP or GSM/GPRS communication was required for reporting and remote control. The Cellular Provider's Security Manager emphasised the importance of protecting the sites from burglars and vandals while being immune to false alarms that may be caused by the open structure of the sites.

The solution

RISCO Group's ProSYS Integrated Security Systems with ACM Advanced IP Communication Module and WatchOUT Outdoor Detectors were chosen by the Cellular Provider as a solution that met all requirements. The project's integrator, Promont, developed a device that uses the E1 channel of the GSM network to create a "hot point" connection for IP communication. WatchOUT Detectors are installed on the sites structures and on the antennas themselves inside a protective metal shield. The detectors protect the sites while preventing false alarms caused by heavy rains, floods, growing vegetation and winds.

The highlights

• Currently hundreds of antenna sites are protected with RISCO Group's Security Solution.
• Programming and remote control of the ProSYS is performed via IP using the ACM and the special hot point enabling IP communication.
• WatchOUT outdoor detectors provide reliable outdoor detection in the extreme outdoor environment while eliminating false alarms. The detectors are installed on the antennas and on site structures within metal protective shields for sabotage protection.

Customer's point of view

The Cellular Provider's Security Director commented on the solution: "It seems unbelievable; RISCO Group's security systems at the antenna sites have been operating for over a year with no problems! Even the extreme weather conditions with frequent water overflow, heavy rains, winds and swaying vegetation have not caused false alarms!"