Founded in 1991 and headquartered in Jihlava, Czech Republic, OPTOKON a.s. is a leading research center, manufacturer and supplier of premium active and passive fiber optic components. With an octagonal organizational structure of eight production units and OPTOKON GROUP's global network, the company provides cutting-edge solutions for the most demanding industries.
OPTOKON's core competencies include manufacturing connectors and cable assemblies, tactical technologies for harsh environments, and providing high–quality services such as calibration and testing. No wonder OPTOKON has the NATO supplier code: 1583G.
The company's portfolio includes the innovative FOTAS (Fiber Optic Based Acoustic Sensing) perimeter security system, a reliable early warning solution that takes the concept of protecting extended borders and facilities to a new level.
How FOTAS Works: An Intelligent Acoustic Sensor
FOTAS is an advanced acoustic sensor system that uses an already laid or specially deployed fiber-optic infrastructure to protect perimeters. Its operating principle is based on distributed acoustic sensing (DAS) and artificial intelligence.:
- Laser Sensing: The laser beams are sent by the source and travel the entire length of the fiber optic cable, collecting vibration information.
- Data Analysis: The returning laser beams are analyzed by specialized computer software.
- Noise Reduction: The software effectively filters out noise and irrelevant data.
- Classification of Threats: The artificial Intelligence (AI) FOTAS classifies the remaining signals, determining the type of threat (human, transport, excavation, fence cutting).
This ensures reliable detection of third-party interference, illegal crossing attempts, and unauthorized excavation along lines ranging from several to thousands of kilometers.
The main advantage: The FOTAS system requires no power supply or electronic devices along the protected area, making it perfectly reliable, invisible, and economical to deploy and maintain.
Areas of Application of FOTAS – Security without Borders
Due to its flexibility and high sensitivity, the FOTAS system can be easily distributed over various types of terrain and is effectively used in a wide range of mission-critical facilities.:
| Object Category | Application Examples |
| Industry and Infrastructure | Industrial, residential and commercial facilities; power plants; mining enterprises. |
| Transport Security | Airports, railways, and highways. |
| Government and Military Facilities | Military, public and private facilities; border protection. |
| Vital Communications | Ensuring the safety of pipelines (oil, gas, water) and telecommunication lines. |
The FOTAS system is capable of detecting a wide variety of activities remotely along the entire length of a fiber-optic line.:
- Perimeter and Border Security: When buried in the ground, the fiber-optic sensor detects unauthorized excavations, as well as the movement of people and vehicles. When mounted along a wire fence, it immediately registers attempts to climb over or cut through.
- Communication Security: The advanced FOTAS AI allows for real-time monitoring, easily detecting any damage or unauthorized excavation along the communication lines.
- Pipeline Protection (FOTAS DF-30): When deployed along pipelines, the DF-30 reliably detects acts of sabotage and unauthorized excavation at great depths.
FOTAS Product Line – Models for Any Task
OPTOKON offers three main models of the FOTAS system, each of which is optimized for specific scales and security requirements.
1. FOTAS DF-5: Dual-Channel Reliability
The DF-5 is a two–channel system designed to provide perimeter security at medium range.
- Key Features: Two-channel operation mode (2 fibers per device).
- Detection range: 5 km to the canal.
- Positioning accuracy: ≥ 4 meters.
2. FOTAS SF-10: An Efficient Single-Channel Solution
The SF-10 is a single-channel acoustic sensor ideal for enhancing the security of fences and borders that require rapid response.
- Key Features: Single-channel operation mode (1 fiber per device).
- Detection range: 10 km to the canal.
- Positioning accuracy: ≥ 4 meters.
- Features: It has the ability to integrate with the robust OPTTA-PP62X AI server.
3. FOTAS DF-30: Maximum Range and Sensitivity
The DF-30 is the most powerful solution in the line, designed to protect extended perimeters, including pipelines and borders, with the need for maximum range.
- Key Features: Dual configuration.
- Detection range: 60 km (single channel mode) or 30 km (dual channel mode).
- Positioning accuracy: Less than 10 meters.
- High sensitivity: The sensitivity range is up to 10 meters, which allows you to detect threats at a considerable distance from the cable (unlike 4 meters for other models).
| Characteristic | FOTAS DF-5 (Dual Channel) | FOTAS SF-10 (Single Channel) | FOTAS DF-30 (Dual Channel) |
| Detection Range | 5 km / channel | 10 km / channel | 30 km (Dual), 60 km (Single) |
| Number of Channels | 2 fibers / device | 1 fiber/ device | 1 fiber/ device |
| Positioning Accuracy | ≥ 4 м | ≥ 4 м | ≤ 10 м |
| Max. Sensitivity | 4 м | 4 м | 10 м |
| Energy consumption | ~125 W | ~125 W | ~400 W |
Key Functionality and Integration
FOTAS systems have a number of functional advantages that make them leaders in the field of integrated security.:
Management and Monitoring
- GIS Interface (GIS based HMI): The fiber-optic line can be monitored in real time using a convenient human-machine interface based on a Geographic Information System.
- Web Interface: FOTAS is accessed via a web interface (Web 2.0) compatible with mobile devices, which ensures fast, reliable and 24/7 access access from multiple devices.
- Flexible Configuration: The user can determine the types of threats and desired control regions along the entire length of the fiber cable.
- Threat Archive: All received alarms are stored, can be exported and analyzed to improve the security system.
Integration and Deployment
- Integration with CCTV: Threatened areas can be immediately localized and visually monitored thanks to integration with video surveillance systems.
- Compatibility: FOTAS integrates seamlessly with other security solutions and can use both previously laid and dedicated fiber optic cables.
- Easy To Install: The installation and use of the operator interface does not require any special installations.
Operating Conditions
The FOTAS system is highly resistant to external conditions:
- Sensor Cable Temperature: From 40 to 70C.
- Lack of Electronics: The complete absence of the need for electricity or electronic devices in the protected area eliminates the risks of power failures or weather conditions.
Conclusion: Why FOTAS is Your Choice for Perimeter Security
OPTOKON's FOTAS is not just a sensor, it is an intelligent, reliable and scalable early warning system that ensures the safety of key assets at unprecedented long distances. Using advanced fiber optics technology and artificial intelligence, FOTAS provides 24/7 protection, significantly reducing operational costs and risks associated with perimeter maintenance.
Do you need the highest reliability and accuracy to protect your borders, pipelines or critical facilities? FOTAS is a proven solution that ensures security today and in the future.
