Voip And Alarm Systems - Monitoring Providers, DIY Solutions

Voip And Home Security Monitoring: Providers, DIY Solutions

We have sent messages to many of the larger alarm companies (i.e. ADT, Broadview, etc) to hear their views on VOIP and alarm systems, and steps they are taking to solve these compatibility issues. After two weeks, we have not heard back from them, but we will surely update this article when we do.

"Next Alarm uses an ABN (Alarm Broadband Network) adapter to transmit signals directly over your broadband connection".

We also received an email from myvirtualmonitoring.com about their services:

"We offer a VM101 Broadband Alarm Transmitter (BAT) that was made just for transmitting alarm signals over the a Broadband Internet connection. Our service also offers a virtual keypad and Android, Blackberry and iPhone apps on newer DSC and Ademco panels and it can also be used with any cell phone that has a Internet connection. Signals can be sent to the customer only via email, text and or automated phone call if they want self monitoring or can be sent or our central station or the customer's central station. The central station does not need any special equipment to receive signals. Signals are retransmitted over standard POTS Lines.

At this time our VM101 works with Ademco and DSC systems. However in July (2010) we will be coming out with both a wireless VM101 so no network cable will need to be run to the router, along with a universal VM101 (will require a network cable) that will work for reporting on any system that sends Contact ID format. With the Universal VM101 the virtual keypad and apps will work on most older DSC systems, along with most older Ademco systems that support addressable keypads such as the Vista 50P".

Re: MyVirtual Monitoring.Com: "Our service also offers a virtual keypad and Android, Blackberry and iPhone apps on newer DSC
and Ademco panels".

The many incompatibility issues with alarm panels, ISP's, VOIP providers, and monitoring services make it next to impossible to guarantee that any of the solutions below will work for your particular situation. Proceed at your own risk:

DSC (Digital Security Controls) now offers a TCP/IP transmitter (Burglary/ Fire IP communicator) that will send alarm and fire signals through your LAN/WAN of your home or office; They call it their T-link Ethernet Communicator. They offer 3 different models: TL150 (Residential), TL250 (Commercial), and a TL300 that is touted to be a Universal Model. The device will simulate a dial tone for your alarm, and send your alarm signal to the central monitoring station (or your pager, smart/cell phone) through your broadband network. This should solve the VOIP problem for those who own a newer DSC alarm panel. You can install and program the device yourself, or ask your potential alarm company if this device is compatible with their monitoring service.

Surely There Are Alarm Companies That Offer Reliable Monitoring Over VOIP?

Are There Any Do-It-Yourself Solutions To The VOIP Issues?

Some consumers have used Lynksys' line of VOIP adaptors to physically connect alarm panels to their home network. They then pay a third party (such as www.voip-alarm.com) to convert the signals from digital to analog and send them to their existing monitoring provider, without going through your VOIP service. These third parties have arrangements with telco providers, and assist you in programming your adaptor in order for the whole system to work. They also claim that your existing monitoring station will not notice the difference between this service and regular landline monitoring. Since the Lynksys PAP2T is a two line device, it can be used for both alarm transmission and VOIP service. You can use Linksys model SPA3102 to add cellular backup.

In the event of a signal transmission failure, it would be interesting to know who would be liable and/or responsible: The third party? Your ISP? Your alarm monitoring provider? As we mentioned above, use these methods at your own risk.

For the advanced, here is a more detailed and technical guide to VOIP and alarm systems.

(Continued from VOIP and Alarm Systems - Intro)

Yes, there are alarm companies that claim to offer a solution to the VOIP issues. Next Alarm uses an ABN (Alarm Broadband Network) adapter to transmit signals directly over your broadband connection. Essentially a modified and proprietary Lynksys VOIP adaptor, it sends the signal alongside, rather than through your VOIP service. The adapter is $119, and the monitoring rates are comparable to regular land-line monitoring.

Alarm Relay also claims to have a broadband monitoring solution. According to Alarm Relay's VP George Vahle, "we are able to monitor any alarm panel, communicating over contact ID format, through VOIP or IP". They have several solutions (i.e. modules) available, depending on your internet service or VOIP provider. Alarm Relay is generally aimed at the "do it yourself" crowd who plan to install their own alarm, or already have one installed.

If you have discovered a method or service that solved your VOIP issue, let us know about it! We are particularly interested in those that have worked with Linksys, IP Alarms DigiNet, DSC T-Link, Napco Netlink, Sky Labs, and/or AlarmNet-i. We will post the responses here as we receive them.

What's Your Solution To The VOIP Issue?

Back To VOIP And Alarm Systems: Intro