Security Alarm Connection Options for Monitoring
Protect your home or business with our top-rated alarm system. Find out which alarm connection options will work best for your family or business. Contact us for more information!
Monitored alarms have traditionally communicated using copper landlines but new technology and the introduction of fibre has revolutionized alarm monitoring. As more people opt to remove landlines in favour of naked broadband and VoIP phone systems, communication units have been developed to enable alarms to communicate via the internet and cellular networks. There are several factors that determine what communication options are available to you, and which type best suits your needs.
Landline
Any copper phone or fax line that is connected to an alarm system will remain a reliable way for the alarm to communicate for monitoring. If you have changed to a fibre landline you may have had the option to install an adaptor that enables older phones, modems and alarms to continue working over fibre. Traditional phones and alarms do not work over fibre unless an adaptor is supplied.
IP
IP stands for ‘Internet Protocol’. IP units use your own internet connection so require no additional monthly monitoring charges, but it is vulnerable to the reliability of that connection. It can only be used in buildings where it’s possible to run a cable from the alarm panel to the modem. This type of unit is often the most affordable, but depending on how far cable must be run, installation costs can add up.
The IP alarm system is a remote monitoring system that uses Internet Protocol to send alarm messages to the designated recipient. The system can be accessed by any computer or smartphone with an internet connection and is capable of sending alerts about various types of emergencies, such as fire, flooding, burglary, and medical emergencies.
Cellular
These units use 4G, 3G or GPRS mobile networks to send signals. Mobile network units cost slightly more but can be wireless so installation time may be reduced. There are two sim cards in the units and one or both can be activated so the alarm system can utilize whichever network is available. This unit won’t be affected by a brief power cut as it can run off the back-up battery installed in the alarm. There is a small additional monthly fee for monitoring if you choose this type of unit; however it remains much more affordable when compared to phone line rental fees.
