GB2346469A - Security system - Google Patents

Abstract

An alarm system is provided for computer and similar equipment in a building. Connections between a central alarm unit (138) and a plurality of local sensor arrangements are made using spare cables (124, 126) in a network of data or voice communication cables already installed within the building. Through each cable, a single piece of equipment may be protected (114), or a local hub unit (134) may be provided to protect a number of pieces (112, 116-120) through the same cable. A form of sensor housing is provided (Figs 6 and 7, not shown) to protect against theft of internal components, using an attachment screw which cannot be reached without disturbing a cover and actuating a disturbance sensor for the cover.

Description

SECURITY SYSTEM The present invention relates to an anti-theft security system for information technology (IT) equipment and related items.

The system operates by monitoring IT equipment the equipment connected together over a network to an intruder alarm system.

The system is designed to monitor and protect IT equipment over a communications network utilising existing network infrastructure equipment and components. The embodiment described utilises UTP (unshielded twisted pair) cabling, a known high speed international cable standard. The benefit of this choice is that it utilises spare capacity usually present in existing UTP network cabling and therefore no addition or special cabling is needed thus providing a low cost and easily installed anti-theft solution. The security system components are interconnected with the cables using standard data connectors, so that the same data cabling is useful either for security monitoring or for its normal applications. The invention can equally be implemented where the cabling and connectors provided are of a type suitable for data and voice communication, for data only, or for voice only. A mixture of different types of cable and connector can be used, if necessary.

In one aspect, the invention provides an alarm system and method of installing an alarm system, wherein connections between a central alarm unit and a plurality of local sensor arrangements are made using spare cables in a network of data or voice communication cables installed within a building. The cables and connectors used in the security system and the data or voice communication infrastructure of the building will be identical, and interchangeable according to the desired capacity of the two systems.

The term"building"will be understood to include a complex of buildings, or just one part of a large building.

In the preferred embodiments, certain of these cables (for example, one to each room) are dedicated to the security system, so that there is no need for expensive data interfaces and standard protocols to be implemented in the security components. Power can be supplied to the local units via the chosen cables.

The invention further provides a set of equipment comprising the central alarm unit and one or more local sensor arrangements for use in a system in accordance with the invention as set forth above, these being provided with standard connectors compatible with a network of data and/or voice communication cables.

The invention in another aspect provides security system comprising: * central alarm monitoring equipment, including a plurality of connectors for distribution of respective monitoring signals to and from remote locations within a building; * remote security sensing equipment at said remote locations, each being arranged to detect interference with a specific items to be protected ; * a plurality of communication cables installed within said building each connecting at least one local security sensor with a respective one of the connectors on the central alarm monitoring unit; wherein said building is also provided with a plurality of communication cables for the distribution of voice or data signals between communication equipment at different locations in the building, said network of cables, each cable terminating at a remote end in a respective one of said remote locations and converging physically with the other cables and terminating at a hub location, and wherein the connectors of said central alarm monitoring equipment are positioned at said hub location, and connected there to respective ones of the communication cables, the local security sensing equipment at each remote location being connected to the remote end of one of said communication cables, being a cable not for the time being used for said voice or data communications but otherwise identical in type of cable and terminations, the central alarm monitoring equipment and the remote security sensing equipment being adapted to use the same type of terminations as the voice and/or data communication equipment.

In a preferred embodiment, the system comprises, besides the standard data/voice cabling and data/voice distribution cabinet (s) equipment conventionally provided: 'Alarm Monitoring Equipment (AME).

* Alarm Hub Unit, located in the standard communication cabinet, linking specific sensor inputs of the AME to individual cables via short patch cables within the cabinet.

* Master Distribution Boxes (MDBs) acting as local hub units located in individual rooms where equipment is located, each MDB being connected to the AME via one of the existing data cables installed in the building.

* Individual sensors mounted on the pieces of equipment to be protected, several such sensors being connected via a dedicated loop of cable to the local MDB.

The central alarm monitoring equipment can be located in a relatively secure room, already provided for the communications equipment. The central alarm monitoring equipment and sensors can be purchased off-the-shelf, being of the same type as protects houses and larger building, or expensive items in shop displays. In the preferred embodiment, however, the sensors used are specifically designed for the present application. The alarm monitoring equipment can be PC based, using commercial software, and can be remote from the alarm hub unit. Alternatively, both functions (AHU and AME) can be combined in a single unit.

The local hub units may include coded identification circuits, interrogated by the central equipment so that an alarm can be given which indicates which local hub unit is involved.

Different types of sensors can be provided for different types of equipment. In particular, some items such as PCs may contain valuable components, liable to theft separately from the PC itself. These may for example be fitted with a motion sensor, or be arranged to detect removal of an access panel. Other items which are vulnerable primarily to bodily removal can be fitted with a cheaper sensor. It may also be that room heat/motion sensors not specifically associated with individual items of equipment are provided and connected to the central alarm monitoring equipment.

In a second aspect, the invention provides a security sensor for protection of components within an equipment housing, the sensor comprising a sensor housing with a backplate to be fitted against the equipment housing and a cover, the sensor further comprising means within the sensor housing for detecting disturbance or removal of the cover relative to at least one of the back plate and the equipment housing, the housing further comprising means for attaching the backplate to the equipment using a screw which closes a housing of the equipment itself, the screw being inaccessible without disturbing the cover of the sensor housing. The detecting means may comprise a switch carried internally of the cover, contacting the equipment through an aperture in the backplate.

The back plate may be in one or two parts. In a preferred embodiment, a cable retainer is also provided, such that peripheral devices of the equipment and their cables cannot be removed without disturbing the sensor housing cover. The cable retainer may cover said screw, and be held to the back plate by means inaccessible without removing the sensor housing cover.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a security system in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention, using spare cables within a voice and data communications network Figure 2 shows in more detail a communications cabinet in the system of Figure 1 ; Figure 3 shows part of a security system in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention ; Figure 4 shows the internal circuit and connector wiring for a local security hub unit in the system of Figure 3.

Figure 5 shows the internal circuit and connector wiring for an individual sensor in the system of Figures 3 and 4.

Figure 6 shows the principal mechanical components of the sensor; and Figure 7 shows the sensor assembled with a PC cabinet to be protected.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS Figure 1 illustrates a simplified example anti-theft system layout, showing the relationship between the various components which embody the system, each of which will be described in detail later. Computer data and voice signals are distributed in a building through a network of cables 100 etc. A central communications cabinet 102 includes hubs and patch panels of conventional type, for configuring data and voice communication paths throughout the building. Two groups of local outlets are shown at 104 and 106 respectively. In each group one or more sockets are used for voice terminals (telephones 108, 110 and facsimile 112). Other sockets are used to carry data for computer equipment, including PCs, 114,116 and printers 118,120 (printer data connections not shown, for clarity). All of the network sockets and cables are of the same type, for example UTP cables with RJ45 standard connectors, and each piece of equipment is provided with a compatible lead and connector 122 etc.

Two"spare"cables 124 and 126 in this infrastructure are used as connections in a centrally controlled security system. Either a single piece of IT equipment such as PC 114, or several items (110, 112, 116,118,120) linked together into a group can be protected. PC 114, being a single piece of equipment to be protected contains or is attached to a security sensor 128. Sensor 128 is linked to the"spare"network cable 124 by a compatible UTP cable 130 and RJ45 connector. The group of items (110, 112,116,118,120) to be protected have individual security sensors connected via leads 132 to a local hub unit referred to in these examples as a Master Distribution Box (MDB) 134. The MDB in turn links to the network communications cabinet via its own lead 136 and RJ45 connector plugged into the local outlet of spare cable 126.

Alarm monitoring equipment 138 is located in or near the communications cabinet 102 and, through the cables 124 and 126, and monitors signals from the security sensors attached to the equipment 114,116 etc. connected to the anti-theft system.

Figure 2 illustrates in greater detail the network communications cabinet 102 which contains the patch panels 200 and 202 and Ethernet hub 204 which distribute the computer network data services. A different patch panel 206 distributes voice services and so on. As described above, the network of cables and communications cabinet provides another service by the addition of Alarm Monitoring Equipment (AME) 138 which is wired into the system firstly through an Alarm Hub Unit (AHU) 208, security monitoring signal then being fed from the AHU 208 through the user patch panels onto the"spare"cables 124,126 etc.

AME 138 in this embodiment comprises a proprietary alarm system such as Castle Care-Tech 2500 alarm panel. Different types of panel with more or fewer sophisticated features can of course be used instead. In the embodiment, each MDB is seen as a "zone"by the AME, an identity chip commonly referred to as the"biscuit"giving the location of the zone to the AME. The system is monitored through the AME by computer. When a sensor alarm is activated by a breach of security, the computer receives the information via commercially available AME software, and identification of the location of the breach of security can be found. On investigation of the location it is possible to identify which sensor has been tampered with, by visible illumination of an LED on the sensor. The AME is connected to the rest of the network through the AHU.

Referring to Figures 3 and 4, a second form of Master Distribution Box (MDB) 300 is connected to one socket in the wall or floor outlet 301 via an RJ45 lead 304. A sensor is fitted to each piece of equipment 306,308 etc. to be secured. Each sensor is connected to the next by means of an RJ45 lead and socket 310,312 etc so that the equipment becomes linked in a"daisy chain"configuration back to the MDB. The MDB 300 (circuit of Figure 4) contains the electronic ID chip 400 which allows the AME 138 to identify the location of an alarm. The MDB 300 has two LED displays 410 and 412. The first LED 410 flashes continuously to indicate that the system is switched on. The second LED 412 indicates that the alarm has been activated and allows identification of the area of the security breach. The second LED display remains activated until the alarm has been reset. Other components shown include a CMOS logic package 414 type 4001 and flasher chip 416 type LM3909N. A first RJ45 socket 418 receives power and communicates with AME 138 via the network cable. A second RJ45 socket 420 provides the start of the daisy chain connection to the individuals sensors. The power is connected directly between the two sockets.

The type of sensor used can be tailored to the type of equipment to be protected. A "smart"type of sensor is designed to be connected to personal computer or server type equipment, while a simpler sensor is designed to be connected to any piece of equipment where internal access and theft of components is not a problem, for example a printer or scanner.

Figure 5 shows the schematic of the circuit used for the PC type of sensor, while Figures 6 and 7 shows the mechanical construction and illustration. This type of sensor is designed to be fitted where internal components as well as the equipment itself require protection. The sensor unit 600 is connected by means of a back-plate 602a, 602b which is fixed to the equipment 604 using the fixing screws (not shown) of the equipment itself. The cover 606 of the sensor carries the internal components and is fitted on to the back-plate by means of security screws. A cable retainer 608 is also screwed to the back-plate 602b. This covers the equipment screw, and is also designed to secure cables for monitor, keyboard and mouse, thus reducing the opportunity for theft of these components. When this assembly is in place it is not possible to access the screw to the equipment cover without activating the alarm sensor.

Referring now also to the circuit of Figure 5, a micro-switch 500 projects through an aperture 610 in the back-plate and makes contact with the equipment so that if the cover of the sensor is removed in order to gain access to the cover screw and the sensor inside the micro-switch triggers the alarm.

A pair of RJ45 sockets 502 and 504 connect by cables to the neighbouring devices in the daisy chain, the cable connector being located inside the sensor cover so that it cannot be detached in any way from the sensor without triggering the alarm. In addition the sensor has two LED displays 506 and 508. The first LED 506 serves to indicate that the sensor is active and the second LED 508 activates when the alarm is triggered and which remains lit until the system has been reset. This display indicates which piece of equipment has been tampered with. A CMOS logic package 510 of type 4001 is again used, with associated minor components.

The simpler variation of the alarm sensor is designed for equipment where protection of inner components is not necessary and connects to the equipment by means of attaching the back-plate with a screw fixing or adhesive. This variation of the sensor also contains a micro-switch contacting the equipment and an RJ45 socket inside to connect the device to the network. An LED display identical to the PC sensor is included, allowing identification of which individual piece of equipment has been tampered with.

The skilled reader will appreciate that the invention is in no way limited to the specific embodiments disclosed herein. Various modifications are possible within the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims (24)

1. An alarm system wherein connections between a central alarm unit and a plurality of local sensor arrangements are made using spare cables in a network of cables installed within a building, each cable being interchangeable between use in the alarm system and another primary use.

2. A system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said cables are identical to cables of a computer data network installed in the building, and interchangeable between use in the alarm system and a computer network.

3. A system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said cables are identical to cables of a voice network installed in the building, and interchangeable between use in the alarm system and a voice terminal network.

4. A system as claimed in claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein power is supplied to the local units via the chosen cables.

5. A set of equipment comprising the central alarm unit and one or more local sensor arrangements for use in creating a system as claimed in any preceding claim, these being provided with standard connectors identical to those of equipment implementing the primary use of the cables.

6. A set of equipment as claimed in claim 5 wherein said connectors are identical to standard connectors of data and/or voice communication cables.

7. A security system comprising: * central alarm monitoring equipment, including a plurality of connectors for distribution of respective monitoring signals to and from remote locations within a building; * remote security sensing equipment at said remote locations, each being arranged to detect interference with a specific items to be protected; a plurality of communication cables installed within said building each connecting at least one local security sensor with a respective one of the connectors on the central alarm monitoring unit; wherein said building is also provided with a plurality of communication cables for the distribution of voice or data signals between communication equipment at different locations in the building, said network of cables, each cable terminating at a remote end in a respective one of said remote locations and converging physically with the other cables and terminating at a hub location, and wherein the connectors of said central alarm monitoring equipment are positioned at said hub location, and connected there to respective ones of the communication cables, the local security sensing equipment at each remote location being connected to the remote end of one of said communication cables, being a cable not for the time being used for said voice or data communications but otherwise identical in type of cable and terminations, the central alarm monitoring equipment and the remote security sensing equipment being adapted to use the same type of terminations as the voice and/or data communication equipment.

8. A system as claimed in claim 7 comprising, besides the standard data/voice cabling and data/voice distribution cabinet (s) equipment conventionally provided: * Alarm Monitoring Equipment (AME); an Alarm Hub Unit (AHU), located in the standard communication cabinet, linking specific sensor inputs of the AME to individual cables via short patch cables within the cabinet; * Master Distribution Boxes (MDBs) acting as local hub units located in individual rooms where equipment is located, each MDB being connected to the AME via one of the existing data cables installed in the building; and * Individual sensors mounted on the pieces of equipment to be protected, several such sensors being connected via a dedicated loop of cable to the local MDB.

9. A system as claimed in claim 8 wherein the central alarm monitoring equipment is located in a relatively secure room, already provided for the communications equipment.

10. A system as claimed in claim 8 wherein the alarm monitoring equipment is based on a personal computer and is remote from the alarm hub unit.

11. A system as claimed in claim 8 or 9 wherein the functions AHU and AME are combined in a single unit.

12. A system as claimed in any of claims 8 to 11, wherein the local hub units include coded identification circuits, and wherein the central equipment is arranged to interrogate the coded identification circuits and to give an alarm which indicates which local hub unit is involved.

13. A method of installing an alarm system, wherein point-to-point connections between a central alarm unit and a plurality of local sensor arrangements are made using spare cables in a network of data or voice communication cables preciously installed within a building for some other, primary use.

14. A method as claimed in claim 13, wherein said cables are primarily unused cables of a computer data network installed in the building, and interchangeable between use in the alarm system and a computer network.

15. A method as claimed in claim 13, wherein said cables are primarily unused cables of a voice network installed in the building, and interchangeable between use in the alarm system and the voice terminal network.

16. A method as claimed in claim 13,14 or 15, wherein power is supplied to the local units via the chosen cables.

17. An alarm system for protecting equipment distributed through a building, substantially as described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings.

18. A set of equipment for use together with an existing cable network to form an alarm system, substantially as described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings.

19. A method of installing an alarm system for protecting equipment distributed through a building, substantially as described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings.

20. A security sensor for protection of components within an equipment housing, the sensor comprising a sensor housing with a back-plate to be fitted against the equipment housing and a cover, the sensor further comprising means within the sensor housing for detecting disturbance or removal of the cover relative to at least one of the back plate and the equipment housing, the housing further comprising means for attaching the back-plate to the equipment using a screw which closes a housing of the equipment itself, the screw being inaccessible without disturbing the cover of the sensor housing.

21. A sensor as claimed in claim 20 wherein the detecting means comprises a switch carried internally of the cover, contacting the equipment through an aperture in the back-plate.

22. A sensor as claimed in claim 20 or 21, wherein the back plate is may be two parts.

23. A sensor as claimed in claim 20,21 or 22, wherein a cable retainer is also provided, such that peripheral devices of the equipment and their cables cannot be removed without disturbing the sensor housing cover.

24. A sensor as claimed in claim 23, wherein the cable retainer is arranged to cover said screw, and be held to the back plate by means inaccessible without removing the sensor housing cover.