During a physical security review of a new on-premises data center, you are asked to recommend perimeter fencing that balances cost with effectiveness. Which of the following fence configurations would BEST align with widely accepted industry guidance for deterring and delaying intruders at a commercial site?
8-foot (2.4 m) chain-link fence topped with three strands of barbed wire angled 45° outward
6-foot (1.8 m) chain-link fence with warning signs posted every 50 ft
12-foot (3.6 m) vinyl privacy fence that blocks line-of-sight into the facility
4-foot (1.2 m) ornamental steel fence combined with motion-activated lights and CCTV cameras
Industry references for critical-facility perimeters call for a minimum fence height of about 8 ft (2.4 m) so that most people cannot easily reach the top. Adding three strands of barbed wire angled 45° outward further discourages climbing while adding only modest cost. Chain-link fabric preserves line-of-sight for guards and cameras and is less expensive than high-end privacy or palisade systems, meeting the "good security at reasonable cost" criterion.
The 6-ft chain-link option is too low and can be scaled quickly. A 12-ft solid vinyl fence is expensive, hinders surveillance, and may violate fire-code sight-line rules. A 4-ft ornamental fence, even with lighting and CCTV, provides little physical barrier because it can be stepped over or vaulted.