Blog

Do You Know How Your Alarm System Communicates?

January 11, 2022|fsstechnologies

What is alarm monitoring?

One of the most sought-after features for residential and commercial security systems is 24/7 alarm monitoring. Monitored security systems are connected to a central monitoring facility with staff who review tripped alarms, verify emergencies, and contact relevant emergency services. Monitors generally reach at least two phone numbers connected to a residence or business to alert a homeowner or employer of the tripped alarm system. If no point of contact is reached, the monitor will immediately contact emergency personnel and request that they address the potential issue.

Alarm monitoring services are not required for your security system but are strongly recommended. Your alarm system is a solid line of defense against intruders or other issues, but monitoring elevates the level of protection for your home or office by giving you around-the-clock security measures that work just as well when you’re away.

How do alarm systems communicate with monitoring companies?

Monitoring is a dependable and helpful service, but its semantics are not always understood. For monitoring to be effective, your alarm system must communicate directly and efficiently with the alarm monitoring company. Many alarm systems have various communication configurations, each with specific benefits and drawbacks. Knowing how your alarm system communicates could significantly impact the overall effectiveness of your system and its 24/7 monitoring capabilities.

Four ways alarm systems communicate with monitoring companies

The telephone landline is the original form of communication for telephones and alarm systems. This monitoring method connects a business or home’s telephone line to the alarm panel to communicate signals. While this type of communication has been tested and confirmed, technological advances have spurred weaknesses in landline-based alarm systems. Potential thieves could easily cut a phone line, leaving your business or home vulnerable. Because the technology is significantly outdated compared to newer options, landline connections are often viewed as a last resort.

Broadband internet is a newer and far more flexible communication type. The alarm panel typically connects directly to your home or business Wi-Fi network to access the internet. This option has gained popularity due to its lower costs and ease of installation and use. Unfortunately, an internet connection can sometimes be unstable, and a clever intruder could sever an internet cable to disconnect your alarm from its monitoring service. Also, if your panel and Wi-Fi setup lack a battery backup, a power outage would render your system and monitoring services useless.

This communication method transmits information through wireless signals and is steadily gaining popularity. One of the significant benefits of choosing a cellular alarm system is that it is far less vulnerable to tampering or inconsistencies. An intruder cannot sever a wireless signal, and most models include battery backups to maintain function if your home or office building loses power.

Before committing to a cellular system, homeowners and employers should note their potential system’s specific wireless transmission specifications. If you decide to invest in a cellular alarm system, purchase a brand or model that uses LTE wireless data instead of 3G or other older technology methods. Older wireless technologies are constantly being phased out, so any technology older than LTE could become unusable. Today’s LTE wireless technology is designed to be updated, so it is likely to remain viable.

This is the latest and greatest technology for alarm monitoring communication. It combines internet and cellular signals and chooses the faster, more reliable connection path that is available at the time of need. This type of alarm system typically relies on its internet connection as a primary path since it can transmit more data faster. The cellular connection is available as a backup if the system’s internet connection or power supply experiences disruptions. If the internet connection performs slower than the cellular connection, the system can change its primary method to accommodate any issues with communication.

How do I choose?

Finding the right security system and monitoring service for your residence or business can be difficult. When selecting an alarm monitoring communication method, consider all your options and think holistically about your security needs. If you need help finding the right solution, the security professionals at FSS Technologies are experts on the cutting-edge security technology required to protect your home or business.

Contact Our Friendly Pros Today

Explore Our Other Blogs

local-vs-national-Hero-min

Local Alarm System vs. National Home Security Company

When looking for home security, you may find yourself stuck between local alarm companies and national home security. Find out why more and more people are turning to local home security companies. Knowledge One of the biggest advantages of using a local company is that they will be familiar with local safety concerns, any jurisdiction regulations…

Continue reading
home-security-systems-same-Hero-min

Are All Home Security Systems the Same?

Home security used to be synonymous with burglar alarms, but this is no longer the case. Home security today is not only about protection, but also comfort, convenience, communication, and information.   All home security systems never were the same—there were different manufacturers, different types of equipment, and various providers. Today, there are entirely new…

Continue reading
smart-home-automation-solutions-Hero

What is a Smart Home and How Can Home Automation Solutions Help You?

Home automation solutions are no longer the ideas of science fiction. These intelligent home systems can save you hundreds of dollars through energy conservation, and they can provide state-of-the-art security to protect your home and the loved ones inside of it.  What is A Smart Home?   A smart home is equipped with lighting, heating,…

Continue reading
2019-06_FSSTechnologies_blogs_what-is-an-area-of-refuge-min

What Is an Area of Refuge?

Area of Refuge Systems  An area of refuge, also known as an area of rescue assistance, is a place within a building where people can safely wait for rescue and call emergency responders for help.     An area of refuge is part of U.S. federal law, enacted in 1990 as part of the Americans with Disabilities…

Continue reading
holiday-safety_Hero

Holiday Safety Tips for Homes and Businesses

With the holiday season right around the corner, burglars are on the lookout for unguarded homes or businesses to prey on. Unlike the Grinch, holiday robbers don’t often have a heart that grows three sizes, making it more important than ever to protect your valuables and your loved ones.  Our security experts have come up…

Continue reading
2019-12_FSSTechnologies_blogs_simplisafe-review_hero-min

The Only SimpliSafe Review You Need to Read

What is SimpliSafe? SimpliSafe is one of several do-it-yourself home security systems on the market. The challenge with any DIY home security system, in our opinion, comes down to the customer experience. SimpliSafe’s customer support offers minimal assistance to ensure you adequately install and troubleshoot your system. While they do provide an 800-telephone number, the…

Continue reading
2020-02_FSSTechnologies_blogs_wireless-doorbells_hero

How Do Wireless Doorbells Work?

A doorbell is a pretty self-explanatory tool—you press the button outside, and a chime goes off inside, alerting the homeowner that someone is at the front door. Like everything else, though, today’s technology has brought even the humble doorbell into the limelight as an indispensable tool for convenience and security. Pros and Cons of Wireless…

Continue reading
weakness-diy-security-system-Hero-min

Cons of DIY Home Security Systems

When considering getting a home security system, some people might assume they can set up a fully functioning system themselves.     The reality is that DIY systems come with some significant drawbacks. Here are some of the things to consider before you decide to take on this project yourself. Not Professionally Installed  The importance of…

Continue reading
Hero-SmallBusinessSetup-min

Best Small Business Security Systems

While no two small businesses are the same, they share commonalities when it comes to what they want in a security system. Most small business owners want to do three things: Protect their people, property, and assets from fire Protect their people, property, and assets from theft See what is happening in their business even…

Continue reading
BusinessBurglary-Hero-min

Which Businesses are Burglarized Most?

The idea of business theft and burglary is not a pleasant one; however, the likelihood of your business being burglarized is rather high. In fact, approximately 37% of small business owners were impacted by burglary or theft over the past year. Retail businesses in particular are highly targeted as thieves are seeking the opportunity to either use or resell stolen items. Everything from simple shoplifting to employee theft can contribute to overall business…

Continue reading
24h emergency
Secure My Space
chat with us