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Interested in a new alarm system but no longer have a landline? No problem!

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When talking about security and/or life-safety solutions most people have the misconception that you must still rely on a landline. However, by utilizing today’s technology there are many other methods of communication that your alarm system can use to transmit an emergency without the needed expense of a landline.

The Basics

As consumers have moved more towards  cell phones and away from traditional landlines, the alarm industry has embraced new ways to ensure that alarm signals are received. Today security systems can send alarm signals via the Internet, cellular, or proprietary radio systems. This gives you peace of mind that your system is being monitored 24/7.

Types of Wireless Technology

POTS (Plain Old Telephone Service)

You read that right, the most reliable residential or commercial security connections are still through the old telephone line that most locations still have. Just because the line is no longer being used for a phone doesn’t mean it can’t be utilized to connect a home or business to the central security station. This proven and trusted system is not affected by power outages or poor internet connections; many times an old telephone line still provides the best option for your security needs.

Cellular radio

Similar to a cell phone, this technology uses wireless digital transmission to communicate alarm signals to the central station, relying on the same cell tower network that cell phones use. Because of this, the system still functions without power. Additionally, an intruder cannot disable your system simply by disabling your internet connection or cutting a phone line. You must consider, however, that as cell technology changes so must your system (3G vs 4G vs 5G etc.) and also if your location has spotty cell coverage or your bandwidth gets bogged down your service could suffer.

The Internet

By utilizing DSL, cable or wireless internet connections you can connect an alarm to the monitoring station. An internet connection is cheap and most everyone already has an internet service up and running. This system has many features, giving you access to many smart home devices from your web browser or smartphone device. However, this type of connection is not always reliable so we suggest having two or more paths of connectivity (Satellite internet specifically performs questionably at best). If the power is out, then a residential or commercial security/life safety system will not be able to send out an alarm signal via an internet modem.

Wireless mesh-radio technology

Wireless mesh radio is a communications network that consists of radio nodes that are organized in a mesh topology.

“....In areas where mesh-radio is available, the system can be as reliable as traditional phone lines. Also, since the network is owned and operated by the alarm company, there is no additional equipment or services to purchase from telecommunication providers.” (Alarm.org)

These systems are easy to scale and offer a robust platform with redundancy if one node goes down the whole system will not go down.

Here at Tasco Security, we utilize AES-IntelliNet® the industry’s premier wireless mesh radio solution.

Conclusion

As with anything when talking about security and life safety there is no “one-size-fits-all” solution. Each business or residence has its own unique challenges and everything must be taken into account when setting up a new security solution. The good news is that modern life safety and security systems are proven, reliable and effective regardless of the technology you choose. At Tasco Security, our professional staff will work with you to discuss your options and develop a plan to meet all your security and life safety needs. Give us a call today if you want to learn more about alternative methods of alarm communication.

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