Siemens Granta And Visilynx Systems Secure European Airports

It takes just one security breach in one airport for whole nations to be at risk.  The events of 9/11 made this clear.  And with free movements within the EC, airport security is now mission critical to prevent the spread of terrorism from within.  Throwing money at the problem does not necessarily deliver the right security – fknowing what to secure and how to secure it are key questions.

At Heathrow Airport, the “ gateway” to the UK and Europe, flexibility and speed of response to alarms is key.  With such a wide area to cover, systems can become very complex and difficult to use and control.

Siemens Visilynx matrices were chosen to meet this challenge: to control cameras monitoring immigration, baggage reclaim areas, and all 4 terminals.  Installed by Touchstone, the system relies on Visilynx 3 matrices installed in each of the terminals, and centrally connected to a master Visilynx 3 in the central control room.  The flexibility of Visilynx 3 means that over 256 cameras – including 3rd party equipment - can be linked and controlled, ensuring the monitoring of all 4 terminals.  The system is easy to control, and can be expanded to include security sub-systems of new terminals or security areas.

At Brussels Airport, nine levels of access to restricted areas were implemented by Siemens.  Photo-ID badges are colour coded on Siemens Cotag proximity cards that control various areas.  Cotag controllers are used to operate the 450 card readers.  The controller can handle eight readers each, and are connected to a central computer by a LAN.  Plans for future expansions (including a new airport railroad station called for expansion capability: the present system can be expanded up to 480 readers, but even more can be installed with the addition of controllers.  Readers decide who accesses which area, and this can help report any attempt to breach security using personnel badges.