Communication networks and infrastructure have a strong interrelationship that goes to the heart of their capability, efficiency and usefulness.
Almost no form of technical infrastructure that I am aware of, as built, can exist without there being a communication network that allows [the infrastructure] to be managed, monitored, maintained and protected.
Previously, we discussed the various attributes a communications network provided for the management of infrastructure.
We looked at the internal and external components of the communications network, as it influenced or enabled the communication networks, its stakeholders and partners to collaborate, share information, and perform their various functions and responsibilities towards the key goal of any infrastructure system – Delivery.
The next key aspect we need to review is the protection and security of the infrastructure. Having installed the infrastructure system, with all the sunk costs entailed, both human and capital, the key to realising of the Return on Investment (RoI) for the investment is to maintain and protect the assets installed.
To achieve this, communication networks play a key role in providing security and protection for the infrastructure assets.
They do this in a variety of ways.
Firstly, alarm and intruder systems can be installed that warn of intrusion, unauthorised access, illegal activity or presence within the infrastructure environment or perimeter. Secondly, monitoring systems can be installed that keep watch and monitor the performance of the infrastructure asset itself.
Another key area of growing concern and interest to owners of infrastructure assets is the capability to track and remotely control access and/or use of their assets. This especially relates to two types of assets.
The first of these are those types of infrastructure assets that are ‘in the field’. Field equipment, drilling, mining, pipeline, grid, distribution and communication infrastructure equipment are examples that are typically deployed out in the field and are often remotely situated from operational bases or other points of closer human monitoring.
The second type are mobile assets. These could include mobile equipment and machinery that are moved from site to site as part of their function and utilisation within the system.
The Oil & Gas, extractive industries, utility companies (power, water, telecommunications, gas), transport, haulage and logistics companies are examples of industries that will typically have an infrastructure, operational and deployment profile that fits the scenario and characteristics as described above.
Generally, for the fixed site infrastructure (plants, factories, pumping stations, operational centres, etc.) the key security concern is External (perimeter) security.
External security will normally be deployed using devices sensors, motion detectors (Passive Infra Red) which are linked via communication networks to central monitoring systems and personnel that control and confirm who and what is allowed access to the assets, and also as defined by the security system, what functions are allowed. A well designed and implemented security system, based on an effective communications network will efficiently allow access to be managed, at any level, within a variety of functional (or geographical) areas; change any mix or range of controls and/or activities.
For field and mobile infrastructure assets GPS tracking and remote sensing are key security tools that are increasingly being used.
With GPS tracking, you can effectively track where and when a piece of equipment has been moved, in some cases used, and where necessary you can control its function (immobilisation, e.g.) for the purpose of recovery.
This form of infrastructure security is focused on the management of misuse, or outright theft of the asset, and in those networks with the necessary communication and GPS features installed, recovery of the stolen or misplaced asset.
These are all key objectives to the infrastructure manager in being able to effectively use their assets, manage the costs of ownership (TCO) and reach the utilisation and performance levels required for meeting efficiency and productivity targets that are often required or set as objectives.