Alarm Signal Transmission Methods: Cellular
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Cellular (GSM)
Few technologies have expanded as fast and completely as cellular. Using existing GSM networks, alarm systems can communicate quickly and efficiently with monitoring stations. Even so, cellular is still mainly used as a backup communication method for those who feel their phone line is vulnerable. The exception being for installations without standard phone lines.
Few control panels have cellular technology built-in, and if they do their price reflects it. Typically a separate module with its own backup battery is used, costing around $300. But the expense doesn't stop there. Most monitoring stations don't directly support cellular. Therefore, a SIM card and phone number is usually obtained through a third-party cellular provider or clearing house. An additional charge is added to your regular (landline based) monthly monitoring fee (usually $10-$20). And no, you cannot use the line for regular cell phone calls.
When an alarm condition occurs, a signal is sent by the cellular module to the clearing house, which then forwards it (typically by broadband/IP) to the monitoring station. This all happens very fast and where cellular signals are strong, this can be a great solution. But if you've ever been in a "dead zone" where you don't have any bars on your cell phone, you'll understand why sometimes this solution can be problematic. Depending on the alarm company you're with, you may get phone calls (usually in the middle of the night!) or a constantly beeping keypad to let you know cellular module has lost its signal. If this occurs for more than 24 hours, you may require a service call or updated equipment.
While not as common as phone line tampering, cellular signals can be jammed if the thieves have the technology, which gets cheaper every year. The cellular module is also a complex electronic component, which can break down. This is another reason, despite cellular popularity, that this is usually a backup to the standard phone line method.
Bottom Line On Cellular Alarm Monitoring:
Few technologies have expanded as fast and completely as cellular. Using existing GSM networks, alarm systems can communicate quickly and efficiently with monitoring stations. Even so, cellular is still mainly used as a backup communication method for those who feel their phone line is vulnerable. The exception being for installations without standard phone lines.
Few control panels have cellular technology built-in, and if they do their price reflects it. Typically a separate module with its own backup battery is used, costing around $300. But the expense doesn't stop there. Most monitoring stations don't directly support cellular. Therefore, a SIM card and phone number is usually obtained through a third-party cellular provider or clearing house. An additional charge is added to your regular (landline based) monthly monitoring fee (usually $10-$20). And no, you cannot use the line for regular cell phone calls.
When an alarm condition occurs, a signal is sent by the cellular module to the clearing house, which then forwards it (typically by broadband/IP) to the monitoring station. This all happens very fast and where cellular signals are strong, this can be a great solution. But if you've ever been in a "dead zone" where you don't have any bars on your cell phone, you'll understand why sometimes this solution can be problematic. Depending on the alarm company you're with, you may get phone calls (usually in the middle of the night!) or a constantly beeping keypad to let you know cellular module has lost its signal. If this occurs for more than 24 hours, you may require a service call or updated equipment.
While not as common as phone line tampering, cellular signals can be jammed if the thieves have the technology, which gets cheaper every year. The cellular module is also a complex electronic component, which can break down. This is another reason, despite cellular popularity, that this is usually a backup to the standard phone line method.
Bottom Line On Cellular Alarm Monitoring:
Above:
Home security systems equipped with cellular monitoring use the GSM (Global Systems for Mobile communications) network.
Recently, many cell networks converted from analog to digital to allow for more capacity and user services. Therefore, many consumers needed to update the cellular module in their alarm systems. The alarm companies themselves had no control over this change.
Home security systems equipped with cellular monitoring use the GSM (Global Systems for Mobile communications) network.
Recently, many cell networks converted from analog to digital to allow for more capacity and user services. Therefore, many consumers needed to update the cellular module in their alarm systems. The alarm companies themselves had no control over this change.
Pros: You could potentially drop your landline if you have confidence in this method; Most alarm companies, national and local, offer this service.
Cons: Signal reliability still not 100% (can be affected by user load, placement of cell towers, weather and terrain); Signal can potentially be jammed by an intruder who has the right equipment (very rare); More expensive than long range radio.
Cons: Signal reliability still not 100% (can be affected by user load, placement of cell towers, weather and terrain); Signal can potentially be jammed by an intruder who has the right equipment (very rare); More expensive than long range radio.
Transmitting Your Alarm Signal: Standard and Dedicated Phone Line Cellular Long Range Radio IP, Broadband, Voip
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