Year
2016
Abstract
Research Test Reactors (RTR) by their design and purpose are often co-located within college or university campuses. This makes them a challenge to secure in such an open environment, while concurrently providing access to those who need to use them for research and testing. One such RTR, which is the focus of this paper, is located at a prominent university within the United States. Like most college campuses the student population is made up of domestic and international students, as well as a diverse faculty and staff. Moreover, adding to the security and safety risk, the RTR is situated adjacent to the university’s sports stadium. So in addition to the existing campus population, the location of the RTR posed even a greater threat to a large number of concentrated attendees during sporting events. After performing a thorough assessment of the RTR, it was evident the majority of the antiquated physical security system needed replacing, as well as revamping its access control by introducing a multilayered and multifactor approach. Biometric authentication was also added as an additional factor for access to the target; as well as ensuring tightly managed ACLs (Access Control Lists). The existing safety interlocking portals were also security enhanced. The RTR and associated entry points encompassed several buildings, as well as vehicle access points. Once critical pathways were identified, nested security zones along with external controls were incorporated into the overall design. Moreover, a separate dedicated secure LAN (Local Area Network) was considered for the RTR security system, in lieu of a VLAN (Virtual LAN) that would ride on the existing unsecure university’s network backbone. Through many secure discussions, design reviews, and modifications, the final design was accepted and incorporated, allowing the RTR to operate in a much more secure and safe manner within the campus community.