Strategies to protect critical infrastructure and stadiums

Altronix:-Strategies-for-critical-infrastructure-and-stadiums

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Ronnie Pennington, Director of Sales for the Americas, Altronix Corp. outlines essential power and data transmission strategies for critical infrastructure and stadiums.

Attacks on critical infrastructure

In an era where cyber-attacks on US utilities have surged by nearly 70% in 2024 alone and stadiums face escalating security challenges – safeguarding critical infrastructure and high-profile venues has never been more imperative.

Recent incidents, such as the pitch invasion during the Paris Olympics football match between Argentina and Morocco, highlight vulnerabilities in stadium security.

Addressing these threats demands the deployment of advanced perimeter intrusion protection solutions that integrate cutting-edge power and data transmission technologies. 

Key innovations in PoE, media converters and centralised power systems are revolutionising security infrastructure.

These technologies enable the seamless integration of cameras, access systems and intrusion detection devices, ensuring coverage and real-time responsiveness.

By leveraging advancements, facility operators and security teams can build resilient, scalable frameworks that enhance system reliability whilst streamlining installation and maintenance processes. 

Power and data innovations for infrastructure security 

Critical infrastructure sectors – spanning healthcare, financial services and energy systems—are crucial to national security, public safety and economic stability, according to the US Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA).

Protecting these assets demands continuous monitoring and rapid response, with an emphasis on perimeter security and access control to prevent unauthorised intrusions. 

For critical infrastructure and high-profile venues, maintaining robust power and data systems is key to ensuring seamless operation of perimeter cameras, access control devices and other security measures.

These expansive sites often face challenges in remote or difficult-to-access locations, where reliable power delivery is crucial.  

The latest advances in PoE technology, such as the IEEE 802.3bt standard, have greatly improved capabilities, enabling the powering of high-demand devices over extended distances.

This innovation simplifies installation and reduces the need for localised power sources, making it easier to maintain security integrity across vast and complex facilities.

By adopting advanced power and data solutions, teams can achieve greater resilience, streamline system management and enhance response times. 

The role of 802.3bt PoE in perimeter security 

The 802.3bt PoE standard, also known as 4-Pair PoE or 4PPoE, enables simultaneous transmission of power and data over a single Ethernet cable, delivering up to 90W per port.

This capability supports energy-intensive devices like multi-sensor cameras, infrared illuminators and wireless access points, which are essential for monitoring large perimeters, parking lots and entrances.  

Products that support 802.3bt are invaluable in remote or expansive areas where standard power options are limited.

By utilising switches and injectors that provide 90W of power over extended distances, teams can deploy a wide range of devices without relying on separate power sources.

This simplifies infrastructure design, particularly in stadiums and other venues with sprawling perimeters. 

Addressing perimeter security at UBS Arena 

A prime example of effective power and data infrastructure in action is the UBS Arena, a 745,000-square-foot Long Island City venue where intricate security systems were implemented to monitor and control access across hundreds of entry points.

This large-scale project required reliable power and seamless data connectivity, not only to secure the arena itself, but also to manage the flow of thousands of spectators and employees. 

Working with LPCNY and Altronix, UBS Arena developed a comprehensive approach to security.

This involved configuring power supplies, panels and networked systems to power and control everything from card readers to gates.

Given the arena’s scale, the security team needed adaptable solutions to extend power and data across long distances and ensure all systems could be centrally monitored.  

Long-range Ethernet and fibre connectivity for remote security devices 

For expansive sites like UBS Arena, distance and network reliability are key considerations.

Fibre optic connectivity, often coupled with long-range Ethernet solutions, is effective for extending network reach.

Ethernet extenders and media converters provide a means to connect and power remote devices, ensuring they stay online and responsive without requiring extensive local power sources.  

In outdoor environments, these converters and Ethernet extenders are particularly advantageous, reducing signal degradation and enhancing resilience.

They also simplify deployment by connecting remote devices to centralised network hubs, minimising infrastructure costs and reducing installation complexity.

This versatility enables integrators to install devices at perimeter locations, like fences or light poles, while maintaining centralised control. 

Integrated power panels for streamlined installation 

Power distribution panels are critical for managing the complex wiring and power needs of large-scale venues.

Custom power panels simplify installations by allowing integrators to control devices from central locations, reducing the need for multiple power sources scattered across the facility.  

At the UBS Arena, customised panels were prepared to manage power for multiple devices, including cameras, access control and intrusion detection systems.

These panels were designed with room for expansion, allowing the arena’s security system to grow as needed.

The integration of these panels facilitated streamlined installation, as each enclosure came pre-configured and ready for easy setup. 

Battery backup and remote management for 24/7 security 

Consistent power is essential for perimeter security systems. Battery backup solutions have become indispensable in maintaining system continuity during outages or disruptions.

The use of advanced batteries, such as Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4), or integrated rapid battery chargers, offers superior charge cycles and requires less maintenance.

This is crucial for remote or hard-to-access locations, as it reduces the need for frequent replacements and guarantees long-term reliability. 

Alongside battery backup, remote management capabilities provide centralised monitoring and control over security infrastructure.

Solutions with a centralised dashboard enable security teams to oversee system performance, adjust power outputs and receive alerts for potential issues.

This proactive monitoring enables early intervention, minimising system downtime and enhancing response times for breaches or device malfunctions.

In stadiums and critical infrastructure, remote management solutions are a game-changer for maintaining secure and continuous operations. 

Compliance and futureproofing for expanding needs 

Compliance with industry standards, such as the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) and UL safety certifications, is essential for protecting critical infrastructure and ensuring long-term operational viability.

By adhering to these standards, power and data solutions can be deployed confidently across sectors that demand rigorous security protocols.  

The UBS Arena project demonstrates how planning for future expansion can contribute to sustainable security.

By reserving additional panel space, the arena’s security infrastructure can grow in response to evolving security needs without requiring major system overhauls.

This futureproof approach is beneficial for critical infrastructure as well, allowing for scalable upgrades that meet changing compliance requirements. 

The path forward in perimeter intrusion protection 

As security threats strengthen, the demand for reliable, adaptable perimeter protection will continue to grow, particularly in high-profile venues and critical infrastructure sectors.

With advances in PoE, fibre connectivity and remote management, integrators have a diverse range of tools to enhance security systems while optimising costs and installation times. 

For stadiums and critical sites alike, a robust approach to power and data transmission provides the foundation for effective perimeter intrusion protection.

By integrating reliable, standards-compliant power solutions and planning for future scalability, today’s security teams can build resilient systems capable of defending against increasingly sophisticated threats.

This focus on power and data integrity is key to safeguarding the infrastructure that underpins public safety and national security. 

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