What kind of alarm system communication is better?
Many people choose to ditch their conventional phone lines for newer, more robust solutions offered through cell phone companies or the Internet. But do these modern telecommunication technologies work with home alarm systems?
In short, yes, new communication systems can work with home alarm systems. However, each service has trade-offs. Before you disconnect your existing phone system, check out these frequently asked questions about burglar alarm systems and phone lines from consumers like you.
Alarm FAQ
I am considering changing my phone service. That I have to do?
The first thing to do is contact your alarm system company. Talk to your company about the impending change and discuss the communication systems that are suitable for your alarm system.
After selecting a new phone service, make another call to your security alarm company to make sure the new service works properly with your alarm system.
What communications technologies are available for use with security systems?
Thanks to technological advances, security systems are designed to work with many types of communication solutions. The most popular solutions consist of traditional phone lines, cellular radio, VoIP, and the Web. Let’s explore each service a little deeper by looking at the pros and cons.
Conventional telephone lines make use of a copper line to send the communication signal to the alarm system monitoring company. The telephone line is usually used by both the home and the security alarm system.
Standard telephone line communication for your alarm system
Advantages of a standard telephone line
Conventional phone lines are known as the most reputable among services.
Monitoring service connected by a conventional telephone line can operate during power outages via telephone company power.
Cons of a standard phone line
Conventional phone lines use copper lines, which are vulnerable to both natural and strategic blackouts. (Thief cutting phone line)
Since traditional phone lines rely on dial-up, the connection is slower than other solutions.
Mobile radio signals use wireless digital transmission, just like your cell phone, to transmit alarm signals to the monitoring station.
Cellular Communication for your Alarm System
Advantages of using cellular communication
Compared to other phone services, mobile radio can carry more data at higher speeds.
Since the connection is wireless, cellular radio is generally tamper-proof, so deliberate interruptions are rare.
Cons of using cellular communication
Cellular radio devices require household power to function. During a power outage, the alarm relies on a backup battery to function. Backup batteries generally last between 2 and 4 hours.
VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) for your Alarm System
This is a newer communication service that takes analog audio signals, like the ones you hear when you talk on the phone, and turns them into digital data that can be transmitted over the Internet.
Advantages of using VOIP communication
Most traditional residential alarm panels can connect to a VoIP phone system without upgrading any of the panel equipment.
VoIP is often more cost-effective and feature-rich than other phone services.
Cons of using VOIP communication
Some Voice over Internet protocol providers use voice compression to reduce the amount of bandwidth needed to carry voice traffic, which can cause distortion of the signal coming from the home alarm system, effectively disabling monitoring system remote. Choose a provider that makes use of a managed facility voice network (MFVN). MFVN does not use voice compression and is the most compatible with alarm systems.
When using a VoIP system, the power of the telephone line will depend on the power of the home. Depending on your provider, you may lose phone service if the internet or power goes out.
Internet communication for your alarm system
The Internet offers some of the best features for alarm users by connecting your alarm to the monitoring station through DSL, cable, or wireless Internet connections.
Advantages of using Internet communication
Internet services are feature-rich: You can access cameras, entry systems, lighting, thermostats, and a host of other devices in the home from any web browser.
An alarm connected by an Internet service is always on and connected to the central station.
Cons of using Internet communication
The Internet lacks reliability for security applications, as it also requires power and home Internet connectivity to function.
Internet-monitored alarm systems require specific hardware to enable the connection, so an updated panel will be necessary.
Many internet providers use peak hour throttling to allow adequate usage for all of their customers. Throttling can cause unpredictable problems with alarm signals.
How reliable are the services?
Ultimately, standard phone lines still offer the most reliable service for alarm communications, but they lack the speed and features of newer technologies. Mobile and VoIP can offer almost the same level of reliability as traditional phone lines if the battery units are well maintained in your home. The Internet, while offering the most feature-rich design, is the least reliable communication method and should only be used as a means for supplemental communications and functions, not as the sole method of alarm communication.
For the most reliable and secure alarm communication system, consider combining two services in one unit. You can use a traditional phone line or VoIP as the primary method of communication and cellular radio as secondary communication. In case the main communication fails, the system will still communicate with the alarm monitoring station via cellular radio.