A datasheet does not say whether a solution will work on your site. Comparing free-field range figures only makes sense after a site survey. Here is how to structure your choice.
Site survey: what to look at
- Topography (relief, physical obstacles, building heights).
- Surrounding RF noise (industrial zones, train stations, antennas).
- Cellular coverage (4G/5G for sensors with failover).
- Available power (PoE, 12-24 V DC, mains, battery backup).
- Network connectivity to the security control room (LAN, fibre, 4G).
- High points (poles, masts, rooftops) for optimal antenna placement.
Scalability and modularity
Buy a system that can grow. The ability to add more sensors without replacing everything, plug in a radar later, or wire a new alert channel avoids fast obsolescence.
That is one reason the DECTYR RX-5 + DECTYR Hub architecture is designed as a modular platform: start small, grow with the need.
Sovereignty criteria
For public bodies, critical-infrastructure operators or defence-related sites, check: design and manufacturing origin, software hosting location, on-premise deployment without external dependencies, supply-chain transparency.
The future "EU Trusted Drone" label (end of 2026) and its counter-drone counterpart will be an objective reference. In the meantime, demand the corresponding documentation.
Operational criteria
- Intuitive interface usable by non-specialist teams.
- Alerts on messaging already in use across the organisation.
- Local-language support and field maintenance within 24 business hours.
- Regular software updates (patches, new drones, new standards).
- Signed evidence report for the legal chain.
FAQ
How many sensors for a 5-hectare site?
Often a single passive RF detector is enough, absent major blocking obstacles. A site survey validates this assumption.
How do I integrate detection with video surveillance?
Through the ONVIF standard, natively supported by DECTYR RX-5. Most VMS on the market automatically retrieve detections and alerts.
What if the site changes?
Modular architecture allows adding or moving sensors, which preserves flexibility for sites undergoing transformation.