Ronnie Pennington, Director of Sales for the Americas at Altronix explores the impact of power and data transmission for stadium security.
Stadiums and large public venues are perhaps the most difficult spaces for law enforcement and security personnel to protect given their inherent nature – lots of people occupying lots of open space.
Incidents such as the security breach at Karachi Stadium in Pakistan this past February – where a massive wave of fans breached the VIP area of the stadium days prior to the opening of the 2025 Cricket championship – highlights the sporadic type of security vulnerabilities that stadiums face around the world.
Addressing threats from lack of crowd control and the ability to effectively monitor and detect impending problems at large venues demands the deployment of wide scale and extended stadium security systems that require foundational power and data transmission technologies.
Key innovations in long distance power and data distribution are revolutionizing security infrastructure for large venues and open public spaces.
These technologies enable seamless integration of surveillance cameras, advanced sensors, intrusion detection devices and lighting to ensure comprehensive coverage and real-time monitoring and responsiveness.
By leveraging these advancements, stadium security system designers can build resilient, scalable security frameworks that extend the electronic security perimeter to enhance system reliability, streamline installation and maintain processes, ultimately increasing overall security and safety.
Maintaining robust power and data systems is essential to ensure seamless operation of stadium security devices installed at the edge.
Expansive venues like stadiums, arenas and even public parks often face challenges due to the distances between the stadium security operations center (SOC) and endpoint devices.
The latest advances in hardened Power over Ethernet (PoE) solutions that utilize fiber or composite cable, which combines fiber with copper to simultaneously deliver power and data, continue to include new and innovative features that reduce the need for localized power sources, making it easier to install myriad types of security devices at greater distances to maintain security integrity across vast venues.
New hardened PoE solutions are now also available with rapid battery chargers to keep systems up and running 24/7.
Aside from powering devices in the event of a power failure, these highly integrated power and data transmission solutions will power security cameras, sensors, WiFi points and more when local available power is not available.
Perfect example… cameras and sensors mounted on light poles in parking lots are often powered by the same power used for the pole lighting.
When the lights are off during the day, these new integrated hardened power solutions, which were charging their batteries all night while power was on to the pole lighting, will now supply power to cameras from their fully charged on-board batteries and transmit data via fiber back to the headend.
This ingenious combination of features resolves a longstanding and expensive problem for public venue and stadium security.
The widespread adoption of the 802.3bt PoE standard, also known as 4-Pair PoE or 4PPoE, represents another significant advancement for public venue and stadium security.
4PPoE enables the transmission of power and data over a single Ethernet cable, delivering up to 90W per port to support energy-intensive devices like multi-sensor cameras, infrared illuminators and wireless access points.
Such products are invaluable in remote or expansive areas where local power is unavailable.
By utilizing switches and injectors that provide 90W of power over extended distances, stadium security teams can deploy a wide range of devices without relying on separate power sources.
This simplifies infrastructure design and reduces costs, particularly in stadiums and large venues with sprawling perimeters.
A prime example of a large venue with effective power and data infrastructure is UBS Arena, a 745,000-square-foot Long Island City venue where intricate security systems monitor and control access across hundreds of entry points.
This large-scale project required reliable power and seamless data connectivity to secure the arena and manage the flow of thousands of spectators and employees.
UBS Arena’s comprehensive stadium security infrastructure integrates power supplies, panels and networked systems to power and control everything from card readers to gates.
For expansive sites like this, distance and network reliability are key considerations.
Fiber-optic connectivity coupled with long-range Ethernet solutions proved to be highly effective for extending the system’s reach.
Ethernet extenders and media converters provide a means to connect and power remote security devices, ensuring they stay online and responsive without requiring local power sources.
In outdoor environments surrounding the arena and accompanying entertainment complex, these converters and Ethernet extenders are particularly advantageous, reducing signal degradation and enhancing resilience.
They also simplified deployment by connecting remote devices to centralized network hubs, minimizing infrastructure costs and reducing installation complexity.
This versatility enables integrators to install devices at perimeter locations, like fences or light poles, while maintaining centralized control.
Customized panels were designed for UBS Arena to manage power for multiple stadium security devices.
These panels were designed with room for expansion, allowing the arena’s security system to grow as needed.
The integration of these panels facilitated a streamlined installation process, as each enclosure was pre-configured and ready for easy setup.
Ensuring consistent power is essential for perimeter security systems.
Battery backup solutions have become indispensable in maintaining system continuity during power outages or network disruptions.
The use of Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4), or integrated rapid battery chargers, offers superior charge cycles and requires less maintenance.
This is crucial for remote or hard-to-access locations, as it reduces the need for frequent replacements and guarantees long-term reliability.
Alongside battery backup, remote management capabilities provide centralized monitoring and control over security infrastructure at UBS Arena.
A centralized dashboard enables stadium security teams to oversee system performance, adjust power outputs and receive alerts for potential issues.
This proactive monitoring enables early intervention, minimizing system downtime and enhancing response times for perimeter breaches or device malfunctions.
In stadiums and public venues where downtime can have severe consequences, remote management solutions are a game-changer for maintaining secure and continuous operations.
Compliance with industry standards, such as the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) and UL safety certifications, is essential for protecting critical infrastructure and ensuring long-term operational viability.
By adhering to these standards, power and data solutions can be deployed confidently across sectors that demand rigorous security protocols.
The UBS Arena project demonstrates how planning for future expansion can contribute to sustainable stadium security.
By reserving additional panel space, the arena’s security infrastructure can grow in response to evolving security needs without requiring major system overhauls.
This future-proof approach is beneficial for critical infrastructure as well, allowing for scalable upgrades that meet changing compliance requirements.
The need for reliable and adaptable perimeter protection continues to grow, particularly in high-profile venues and public spaces that are increasingly susceptible to threats.
With continued advancements in power and data transmission, security professionals across every vertical have a diverse range of cost-effective solutions to enhance security and safety.
Innovative and robust power and data transmission solutions provide the foundation for highly effective and cost-efficient security systems at large venues and public spaces.
By integrating reliable, compliant power solutions that accommodate future scalability, security professionals can implement resilient systems capable of defending against increasingly sophisticated and evolving threats.
This article was originally published in the September edition of Security Journal Americas. To read your FREE digital edition, click here.