Hi-Ed Campus Security Solution

Deploying Verkada Alarm Sensors and Advanced Monitoring Technology Across Campus Facilities

The Challenge: Enhancing Campus Safety and Security Operations

This Maryland higher education institution recognized the need to strengthen campus safety and modernize its security infrastructure to better protect students, faculty, staff, and campus facilities. Existing security measures lacked the advanced monitoring capabilities, centralized visibility, and comprehensive alarm coverage necessary to support a secure and responsive campus environment.

The institution required a modern campus security solution capable of improving real-time incident detection, enhancing emergency response procedures, and integrating seamlessly with existing campus security operations. Additional goals included increasing operational efficiency for security personnel, reducing monitoring complexity, and improving coverage across key academic and residential areas throughout the campus.

To address these challenges, the institution partnered with Data Networks to deploy a comprehensive campus security solution leveraging Verkada cloud-managed alarm technology and integrated wireless monitoring systems.

The Solution: Verkada-Based Campus Security Solution Deployment

Data Networks designed and implemented a scalable campus security solution centered around Verkada alarm devices, wireless motion sensors, alarm keypads, and integrated monitoring capabilities.

The engagement began with a formal project kickoff process involving college stakeholders, Data Networks engineers, and designated subcontractors to establish implementation timelines, project responsibilities, communication procedures, and operational objectives.

To support the new security infrastructure, Data Networks and its subcontractor installed three new fiber optic cable runs between the campus Main Distribution Frame (MDF) and Intermediate Distribution Frames (IDFs). These backbone upgrades strengthened connectivity between critical network and security infrastructure components supporting the new alarm environment.

The deployment included installation of six Verkada BR32 wireless motion sensors strategically placed to maximize motion detection coverage across designated campus areas. Data Networks also installed two Verkada BK21 alarm keypads and wireless hubs to provide centralized control and management functionality for the security system.

To improve accessibility and operational redundancy, the team additionally deployed one Verkada BK11 alarm keypad positioned for convenient user access and alarm management. A 106dB two-tone indoor siren was also installed and integrated into the environment using a Verkada BX21 wireless relay and dedicated power adapter to ensure effective audible notification during alarm events.

Following physical installation, Data Networks completed system configuration, wireless relay integration, alarm programming, and operational validation testing. The engineering team verified proper communication between all alarm components, confirmed sensor functionality, and tested monitoring workflows to ensure the new system aligned with the institution’s security and operational requirements.

Ongoing Value: Improved Visibility, Faster Response, and Simplified Management

Through this campus security solution, the institution significantly enhanced its overall campus safety strategy with a centralized, cloud-managed alarm platform built for scalability, reliability, and ease of management.

The new Verkada-based environment delivers improved real-time monitoring capabilities, streamlined alarm administration, enhanced emergency response readiness, and more comprehensive visibility across campus facilities. Wireless alarm sensors and centralized monitoring tools now enable campus personnel to respond more quickly and efficiently to potential incidents while reducing the administrative burden associated with traditional alarm systems.

Data Networks also provided configuration documentation, operational guidance, and knowledge transfer sessions to help campus personnel confidently manage the new security environment moving forward. Ongoing maintenance, monitoring, and support services for this solution are delivered through the institution’s existing Managed IT Services agreement with Data Networks.

Tags: higher education