Disadvantages of IP/Wi-Fi alarm system

Since the rapid development technologies of smart phone and tablet. More and more people are willing to monitoring their home or business via these tech gadgets. Hence, several new security companies launched alarm system based on IP (Internet Protocol).

What’s IP communication alarm system?

IP alarm system is electronic security system which based on Internet for alarm signal communication between alarm system and central monitoring station or end-users. These systems have same components like the traditional alarm system, including front-end detection sensors (intrusion & fire, flood…etc) and the control unit-alarm panel. The major difference is IP alarm panel has built-in IP communication module which designed for remotely access, alarm signal transmission through IP address. Thus IP alarm system need to connect your Internet router.

Unreliable connection is primary disadvantage

Reliability for alarm connection is crucial for each kinds of alarm system. As we know, most traditional alarm systems are using the telephone line for alarm connection, which means it’s a troublesome weak point, or great vulnerability to your home security. This kind of alarm system relies on wired telephone line to send out the alarm to the central monitoring station (ARC or CMS). With a cheap pair of wire cutters, the burglar can enter into your home or business undetected.

How about the IP connection? Unfortunately, this happens to your internet connection too. Intruders likely to cut your telephone line and internet connection together. Without internet connection, your alarm system will not notify you in the event of intrusion.

The worst things are the internet connection will lose once your house loses power. It’s true that your alarm can still work with its built-in backup battery, but the alarm signal still can’t transmit out, because your router is down. By the way, sometimes internet service may go down, and modems and routers need to be reset for internet connection. All these case against IP communication alarm system.

For this reason, some security companies recommend the installation of a Uninterrupted Power Supply (UPS) to your modem/router. The UPS power supply can ensure that even in the event of a power-cut, your internet stays “live” and the alarm system can still send alarm signal to alarm monitoring station.

Limited Internet (IP) Alarm Monitoring

Typically monitored alarm connects with the monitoring station through a traditional phone line, but few of them can support latest IP monitoring. If you choose the IP communication alarm system, unlikely you will find local security company to do the alarm monitoring.

What's the best choice?

As you can see, the IP communication is still immature technology for alarm connection. For reliable alarm connection, we recommend the cellular alarm system. Cellular alarm system use the global cellular communication network to transmit the alarm signal. They don’t require hardwired connection. The cellular transmission can ensure that your home or business is monitored around the clock by security company or end-users.