As mentioned in the previous page, many homes and businesses have gone away from traditional phone lines to IP based phones and cell phones. Now alarm companies have to find a different path to deliver those critical alarm signals.
The predominate alternative to telco for alarm transmission has been cellular alarm communicators. Another choice thats growing in popularity is IP over the web.
Several companies offer black boxes to convert the signal from the alarm panel and transmit it over the internet to the cenrtral monitoring station.
The pros:
Lower up front equipment cost, typically 50% less than a cellular communicator.
Lower monthly “relay” fees for directing your signals and insuring that they make it to the monitoring center; again about 50% less, depending on optional features. ($4.95 and up in addition to your regular monitoring charges)
The ability to access your system remotely through the web for arming, disarming, code changes, etc.
Very fast transmission of signals compared to telco dial up.
Ability to recieve text messages for system troubles or alarms.
The Cons:
In some cases, less stable connection and more down time, depending on your service provider.
Make sure the modem and other components are covered with battery backup or UPS. Otherwise, signals could be dropped.
Requires an available ethernet port and reliable modem, more hardware that could go down.
Alarm monitoring has come a long way in the last 5 years. Both home and business security systems are rapidly become integrated through the internet. Feel free to contact us if we can be of any assistance in determining the best way for you to get your alarm signals to the proper authorities when needed.
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