Security Solutions

Nov 1, 1997 12:00 PM, G. F. Bryant

A master plan ensures smooth growth

Q What strategy should be considered when developing a master plan for an integrated protection system controlled by a master host and using several remote substations? Is it possible to integrate the protection systems into the existing Ethernet local area network? Gary Owens physical security coordinator Fannie Mae, Washington, D.C.

A The problem at hand is complex. There are a variety of systems hardware, field devices, communications schemes and wiring topologies to consider. If all the subsystems are to communicate and function as an integrated system, an architecture must be established that will serve as the design/growth guide, not only for specific applications at the local level (bottom up design) but also to establish a platform from which the subsystems will be specified in order to communicate with the central host (top down design).

Objectives of the design strategy: * to provide a sophisticated solution that appears "simple"; * to provide flexibility for additional subsystems and new applications; * to support multiple communications facilities and topologies; * to make use of existing and supported technologies with off-the-shelf components; * to provide for a manageable system that permits growth and easy migration; and * to offer a distributed-intelligence network that can provide autonomy, speed and modularity.

The Master Plan Criteria for Optimizing the Network (MAPCON) strategy can be applied to the requirements identified, and the resulting MAPCON design (or master plan) is the recommendation for the best overall systems package. The design will maintain flexibility for future enhancements based on the ever-growing influence of the computer industry on security and building management.

MAPCON design provides a solution with built-in modification options. The design incorporates four-dimensional flexibility that prevents reaching growth capacity and does not constrain growth in a predetermined direction.

* Horizontal growth allows for continued expansion of local systems. MAPCON allows for attaching additional networking components to the information systems (IS) master plan data network. * Vertical growth allows for selecting larger and faster host computers while requiring only the "smallest" model to initiate the implementation program. If solutions are selected for speed, the expansion capability may be under-used. If solutions are selected for expansion capacity, it may be cost-prohibitive to increase speed, since the entire architecture and configuration may require duplication. There is no guarantee that newer machines will be designed to use the same operating system and serial I/O cards as older ones. The strategy is to provide continuous migration paths from the smallest solution to the largest by virtue of the same integration platform.

* Software growth allows for only the smallest package to be implemented initially, while maintaining the option to upgrade to the largest. This requires that the software run on a uniform operating system. Software-based designs permit easy migration to various hardware platforms as new technology is introduced.

* Network growth uses data communications techniques to optimize speed and distributed processing capabilities for both computers and field panels. This networked/data communications backbone strategy allows for a constant upgrade of the throughput of the system in direct relationship to information services' collateral expansion of their data and telecommunications network. A common wiring/network architecture will provide easy retrofit and additions where required.

The four-dimensional design aspects considered should be tested against the Integrated Assets Protection Plan (IAPP), as established by the security department and information services. In this case, the master plan incorporates an Ethernet LAN for future use. The LAN exists presently throughout your company. A dedicated fiber-optic infrastructure will easily provide the backbone for internal communications of integrated security systems.

Offering answers to questions relating to security systems integration, the column draws on the expertise of the World Institute for Security Enhancement (WISE), Greensboro, N.C., a non-profit organization offering education and consultation on safety, security, investigations and loss prevention. G.F. Bryant Jr. is executive director of the WISE and president/CEO of Bryant and Associates, Greensboro, N.C.

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