Security is layered — from the fence to the rack.
Good physical security works in concentric rings: perimeter, building, white space, and finally the rack itself. Each ring adds a control, so a breach at one level still meets another. For colocation especially, control down to the individual cabinet is a core requirement, not a luxury.
Access control
Access control decides who passes each ring — using cards, PINs and increasingly biometrics. A mantrap (an interlocked two-door vestibule) prevents tailgating into the white space, and rack-level locks restrict who can open which cabinet.
| Brand options | Honeywell, HID, Bosch, Matrix, ZKTeco |
|---|
Surveillance
CCTV provides continuous recorded coverage of entrances, aisles and equipment, tied into the access and alarm systems so events can be reviewed and correlated. Retention and coverage are often set by compliance requirements.
| Brand options | Hikvision, Axis, Bosch, CP Plus, Dahua |
|---|
How it scales
| Small | Door access control and basic CCTV. |
|---|---|
| Medium | Multi-zone access, mantrap, comprehensive CCTV, visitor management. |
| Large | Perimeter security, rack-level access, integrated with BMS and audit logging. |