Data center construction rose by almost a percentage point while all other construction decreased by nine percent, according to the Dodge Momentum Index (DMI), a measure of nonresidential building projects in planning. This surge in construction, which is planned to increase through 2027, also comes with complex security challenges. While cybersecurity is often at the forefront of security discussions, physical security measures, including high-security fencing, play a key role in fortifying the resilience and reliability of these essential components of the global infrastructure.

In terms of physical security, high-security fencing can work with other measures throughout a data center property to minimize vulnerabilities. That said, selecting the right data center fence can be a nuanced undertaking-often requiring project teams to consider their full security plan to ensure an efficient and effective approach.

Determining which fence is the most secure depends on context

By considering the full picture when selecting a data center fence, project teams can more readily assess which features will support their current and long-term goals.

For instance, a data center that is remote and mostly monitored virtually may benefit from a high-security fence that has the strength to resist ramming and an anti-climb design to deter trespassers on foot. For these data centers, high-security fences that provide both qualities, like Ajax™ welded wire 358 fence panels from Fortress Perimeter Solutions, can be essential for a robust approach to physical security. Engineered for high-impact strength, Ajax is constructed from premium galvanized steel with an anti-climb mesh pattern, ensuring uncompromising protection. ARES™ high-security steel fencing systems address perimeter intrusion risks.

More centrally located buildings may have different demands, such as anti-vehicle barriers that restrict access to the property. For these properties, a dedicated barrier, such as Valkyrie™ a cable barrier system, with the appropriate rating and installation configuration for the project can provide top-tier anti-ram performance. This barrier system is suitable to nearly any type of high-security environment, from a data center to a military base to a government facility. Versatile and cost-effective, this system pairs high-strength materials with low-maintenance requirements to defend against vehicular impact.

Selecting high-security fences that are compatible with other technologies and measures

Creating an imposing physical barrier can deter, deny and delay unauthorized individuals from gaining access to a data center. Achieving this can be done by utilizing data center fences with anti-climb features and the strength of pale through rail design. It can also be done by incorporating CCTVs, motion sensing alarms and other surveillance technologies. As such, high-security fences that can accommodate data and communication cables (IDS) can support an integrated and layered approach to data center security.

Likewise, aggressive landscaping can make vehicle access more difficult, in accordance with Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) principles. It can also create challenges in fence installation by creating gaps between the ground and a fence.

ARES™ High-Security Steel Fencing from Fortress Building Products not only has the strength to withstand vehicular impact and the ingenuity to accommodate IDS cables, but is also rackable to follow changes in elevation and minimize vulnerabilities from gaps along the bottom of the fence.

The importance of data center fences that provide multiple points of resistance

No matter their context or other security measures being implemented, high-security fences can be more effective and efficient when they include multiple features that deter, deny and delay intruders.

For instance, fencing systems that are built from premium, galvanized steel and precision welded offer the strength to withstand vehicular ramming and other intrusion methods. When these fences also include elements that make tampering and vandalism more difficult, they provide a higher level of security. In addition, fences that have anti-climb elements and can follow aggressive terrain can create a more difficult physical barrier for skilled and semi-skilled intruders to breach.

Data center fences that offer several features focused on thwarting intrusion can contribute a high degree of value to a full security plan.

What is the best option for a data center fence?

Designing and enhancing the physical security measures around data centers is complex and is often dependent on multiple individual factors that can vary significantly between properties. As such, there is no one-size-fits-all option for effective data center fencing.

Project teams planning security enhancements to existing data centers or laying the groundwork for new construction can look to systems that leverage high-strength steel construction and anti-climb features to deter, deny and delay multiple physical threats.

Built from more than 50 years of innovation, high-security fences from Fortress are designed to protect assets and people through material strength, system adaptability and compatibility with other security measures.

Explore our newest high-security perimeter solutions today!