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QinetiQ’s OptaSense product suite provides Telecom companies with the ability to both establish the precise location and path of existing buried fibre and identify when buried cables are in danger of being accidentally damaged due to mechanical digger activity. |
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Preventing accidental damage
OptaSense Fibre’s central sensor unit, which interrogates standard single-mode optical fibre to provided precise detection, classification and localization of any mechanical or manual digging in the vicinity of the cable up to 100m away.
Remote access and control allows the sensing fibre to operate on vulnerable unmanned sites, providing automated alerts to operators.
Integration with CCTV provides additional visual information. The system uses either specially installed or existing unlit ‘dark’ fibre for sensing. |
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Locating fibre optic cables
Using a combination of OptaSense Fibre’s central sensor and a Mobile Acoustic Stimulator (MAS), field operatives are able to precisely plot the path of buried cable. The operator uses the MAS to sweep the prospective area.
OptaSense determines when the MAS unit is directly over the target cable and cross references this with its GPS location to accurately determine the position of the cable. The system works in both urban and rural environments. |
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Rapid, low-cost deployment
Commissioning OptaSense onto existing dark fibre is extremely simple, typically taking less than 1 hour (depending on access). |
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Low false alarm rates
High acoustic bandwidth ensures that all disturbances are effectively classified though powerful algorithms , ensuring all type of ground movements are rapidly picked up but only those that could potentially damage cable are flagged to the operator. |
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Integration of sensors
OptaSense Fibre can be used with multiple central processor units reporting into a single command and control centre where a range of other technologies such as CCTV can be integrated. |
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Remote Sensing
Remote access via broadband internet allows the sensors to operate on vulnerable unmanned sites. |
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Mobile capabilities
OptaSense Fibre is a ruggedised mobile unit, deployable in the field, allowing engineers to take the unit with them to problem sites for investigative work. |
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Intuitive interfaces; user friendly
OptaSense Fibre has a highly intuitive interface and simple operation requiring little operator training before a high level of proficiency is reached. |
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Implementation Requirements
OptaSense Unit
OptaSense unit comprises COTS based components, configured to be either rack mounted [standard 19 inches] or freestanding. Installation is straightforward requiring three connections to (1) a mains power supply [standard IEC connector], (2) the sense fibre [standard ST, or other fibre connector], and (3) a network connection [standard RJ45 connector]
User Interface
Whilst OptaSense is user interface independent [with the ability to integrate into a variety of customer specified Command and Control systems] QinetiQ’s supplied user interface is supported by standard PC based platforms. The user interface PC connects either directly to the OptaSense sensor unit, or can be connected via the internet or a private network. A well-defined communications protocol allows
other security products and alarm enunciators to easily interface with OptaSense. |
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Trials
An evaluation unit is available on application.
Our test site is located in Worcestershire. Please contact us for a detailed demonstration of OptaSense capabilities.
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