Perimeter security for critical infrastructure faces sophisticated threats that require detection systems capable of identifying intrusions in real time. Traditional sensors, including infrared beams, microwave, fiber optic, and tension-wire systems, can struggle with wind, rain and other environmental factors, high false alarm rates, and limited detection capabilities for certain attack methods, particularly fence climbing.

Magnasphere’s MACS (MEMS-Based Anti-Climbing System) introduces a highly accurate, environmentally stable solution that closes a longstanding vulnerability in perimeter defense, namely cutting, climbing and lifting detection.

The challenge of vertical intrusions

While many perimeter intrusion detection solutions focus on ground-level penetration or forced entry, perimeter fence scaling remains one of the most effective methods used by intruders to breach perimeters quickly and with minimal detection risk. Substations, utility facilities, military sites, and data centers are especially vulnerable due to extensive perimeter fencing that can be compromised in seconds if climbing attempts are not detected promptly.

Conventional vibration-based or tension-line systems often generate high false-alarm rates from wind, wildlife, or precipitation, forcing operators to balance sensitivity against nuisance alarms. This compromises both detection capability and system credibility.

MEMS-based detection: precision sensing for real-world conditions

Magnasphere’s MACS leverages MEMS (Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems) accelerometer technology to precisely monitor resonance frequency changes on fencing infrastructure. MEMS sensors offer several critical advantages:

  • High sensitivity with advanced filtering MACS sensors capture minute vibration signatures unique to climbing behaviour, while advanced algorithms filter out environmental noise such as wind-induced swaying, rain, or minor wildlife contact. This significantly reduces false alarms while maintaining rapid detection of legitimate climbing events.
  • Distributed sensing architecture Sensors are installed directly on fence fabric or panels, creating a distributed network that provides localized detection zones. This allows operators to pinpoint intrusion attempts with high positional accuracy, enabling faster response.
  • Tamper resistance Unlike conventional perimeter systems, MACS sensors are highly resistant to common tampering techniques. External magnets, wire bypassing, and localized manipulation are ineffective against the MEMS-based detection method.
  • Environmental stability MEMS sensors maintain consistent performance across extreme temperatures, humidity, and wind loads. This makes them ideal for outdoor deployment across wide geographies and diverse climates without requiring frequent recalibration.
Operational benefits in critical infrastructure protection

MACS has been deployed in high-security environments such as:

  • Electrical substations Protecting against physical attacks on transformers, control cabinets, and switchgear by detecting climbing attempts early in the breach sequence.
  • Utility & energy facilities Providing scalable coverage for long fence runs across remote and unmanned locations, where reliable detection and low maintenance are mission-critical.
  • Data centers & secure campuses Preventing physical access to sensitive operational areas by detecting fence climbing before intruders breach inner perimeters.

By delivering early detection at the perimeter intrusion stage, MACS allows security teams to respond before attackers gain access to protected zones, closing a critical gap that many traditional perimeter intrusion detection technologies leave exposed.

For operators tasked with protecting national security assets, utilities, and high-value infrastructure, MACS delivers precision perimeter awareness where conventional systems fall short.