Security Digest

Data centers are experiencing expansion rates often described as a ‘gold rush’, with hyperscalers and colocation providers racing to meet unprecedented demand. This breakneck pace necessitates a phased or partial operation approach. Maintaining physical security during buildouts however, remains a non-negotiable requirement. In this post, we look at how Senstar can help secure data centers during the different phases of construction. 

Perimeter Security Without Fences 

During early construction phases, traditional perimeter fencing may not yet be installed, leaving sites vulnerable to intrusion. Senstar, with over 40 years of experience protecting critical infrastructure, has a comprehensive technology portfolio for securing non-fenced open areas, including those still under active construction.  

Senstar’s Smart 3D LiDAR and AI video analytics provide flexible, cost-effective solutions for establishing virtual perimeters without physical barriers.  

• Smart 3D LiDAR is an extremely compact, PoE-powered sensor that uses highly precise 3D detection zones to detect and track objects based on their true size, ensuring that the system ignores movement caused by environmental effects as well as small animals. The sensors can be rapidly deployed at any location requiring intrusion detection. Open interfaces and field-tested integrations with video and security management systems ensure they become operational in hours, not days or weeks. 

• Senstar’s AI-powered DNN (Deep Neural Network) video analytics complement perimeter sensors by leveraging existing video surveillance infrastructure for intelligent, automated threat detection. Its advanced DNN AI, trained specifically for security applications, can distinguish between people, vehicles, background movement, and environmental effects. 

Its compact size and software-defined detection zones enable Smart 3D LiDAR to be rapidly deployed and easy to adapt to changing sites during early data center buildout phases

Upgrading Fences with Intrusion Sensors 

As temporary or permanent fencing is erected, Senstar’s fence-mounted intrusion detection systems transform passive barriers into active security assets. Easy to install, Senstar’s guided RF (FlexZone) and fiber optic sensors (FiberPatrol) detect climbing, cutting, and other disturbances to the fence fabric with exceptional accuracy over large distances. These systems can be installed immediately after fence construction and provide reliable detection even in challenging environmental conditions.  

Both systems are also easily extendable onto new sections of fence as construction advances. For FlexZone, this is done by connecting additional processors and sensor cable to the sensor cable previously installed, from which power and data connectivity can be obtained. For FiberPatrol, it is simply a matter of splicing in additional fiber optic cable and extending the license. 

For challenging fence segments that experience frequent disturbances caused by ongoing construction or transportation activity, Senstar’s Sensor Fusion technology can be applied to eliminate nuisance alarms. Sensor Fusion intelligently combines data from multiple detection technologies to verify threats, ensuring that only genuine intrusion attempts trigger alarms while filtering out non-threat disturbances. 

Protecting Server Cages During Nearby Construction 

Inside the data center, phased buildouts often result in operational server cages being located just feet away from active construction zones. This proximity creates a security gap where high-value assets require strict protection despite the chaotic environment. 

Senstar’s fence-mounted intrusion detection sensors such as FlexZone can effectively secure wire mesh, wall partitions, and server cages. Advanced signal processing allows the system to filter out background vibrations while maintaining high sensitivity to attempts to infiltrate the partition. FlexZone’s ability to precisely pinpoint the location of the disturbance enables different detection zones to be created using a single sensor cable, thus enabling alarm masking/unmasking based on construction progress and/or daily schedules.  Together, these features ensure distinct separation between secure zones and work zones without generating nuisance alarms. 

Protecting Data Links 

Data centers depend on uninterrupted fiber optic connections. During construction, these critical communication links face risks from accidental damage or deliberate tampering. Senstar FiberPatrol FP1150 for data conduit protection can repurpose dark fiber within the cables to detect, locate and classify potential threats, generating alarm notifications before service interruptions occur. 

Communication links traverse public rights-of-way and easements where they face constant threats from construction crews, environmental shifts, and malicious actors.

Adjusting to Changing Site Conditions 

Construction sites are inherently dynamic. Senstar solutions are designed for this fluidity. Smart 3D LiDAR’s compact size allows for easy relocation, while its 3D detection zones can be remotely updated via a browser interface with live preview. Senstar AI video analytics, on the other hand, can be moved between cameras without requiring new licensing.  

All these diverse sensors are unified under the Senstar Symphony Common Operating Platform, providing a single “pane of glass” for security management. Symphony links alarms to video, integrates access control, and provides the rigorous audit trails required for SOC2 and ISO 27001 compliance. Senstar Symphony is licensed per camera/sensor, meaning you only need to pay for what you need, and add additional devices and servers as needed down the road.    

About Senstar 

Senstar has decades of experience securing critical infrastructure worldwide, including numerous data center deployments across all construction phases. Our solutions are trusted by leading hyperscalers and colocation providers to protect billions of dollars in assets while maintaining operational flexibility. With innovative sensing technologies designed for the highest level of performance under challenging conditions, Senstar offers the security solutions that modern data centers require. 

For more information, download our guide, Physical Security for Data Centers or contact your local Senstar representative.