It is nice to install a siren to make noise to deter intruders. However, an alarm system is better when someone is listening to it. For this reason, alarm system communication is integrated in the panel. Actually, all panels can cummunicate through communicator modules. it communicates its status, alarm events. And also the troubles on the system
In this article we I am exposing Alarm system communication modes
Where does a system communicate ?
The system communicates to the monitoring station, which observes the signals 24/7 hours. When an alarm happens. The central alerts the owner and dispatch police or fire department or take any appropriate actions.
The panel also can send signals directly to the owner via applications or additional modules that we install with the panel. We call those systems self monitored systems
Read more about monitoring stations and self monitored systems on the following page
How does a system communicate ?
All alarm panels can use central station monitoring, to proceed we just to program a telephone number and account number into it. This allows it to dial out to the central monitoring station using a regular telephone line. When an alarm or other event occurs, the alarm panel sends the account information and event codes to the central station.
On the other hand, if a system is self-monitored, the alarm system sends alerts to the owner’s smartphone or other device via landline or a cellular or IP relay service. Then the owner decide on what action to take, whether it be to call a friend or neighbor, or the police
Communication modes
communication modes include :
- Phone Line Dialing
- Cellular Communicator
- IP Communicator
Phone Line mode
The basic communications mode to the central station is via a telephone line at the site. The control panel picks up the phone, dials the phone number for the central station, and transmits codes that are interpreted by software and operators. Almost all models have a built in dialer for phone line communications. This form is usually the least expensive and reliable as phone lines are stable. However, a burglar could cut the line so the panel loses the connection to a monitoring station.
In the event of phone line cut. The siren still sound if an alarm happens. However, the panel display the communication trouble and prompt the owner to repair it. In addition the monitoring station call to let the owner know about the trouble
Cellular Communicator
A cellular communicator is a device that transmits signals from the security system to the central station using the cellular network. The panels are not built in with the cellular module. However, it is a separate component that we install near the panel and connect them together
If a cellular communicator is Installed as a primary communicator, no phone line is required at the site. Most have their own battery backup and are immune to power failure and phone line cut
We can also install a cellular communicator as a backup. Thus the panel sends signal through it if the primary communication mode fails
IP Communication
The system sends signals through internet. To enable this communication mode, simply we need to install an IP communicator module
The IP communicator module takes an IP address and uses the home internet network, for this reason, in institutions the alarm installer coordinate with IT team to open ports and firewalls to allow the communication
An IP communicator also allows the remote access to a panel to arm or disarm and even make some configuration.
the three alarm system communication mode can be used all together. The system can send signals through all modes through one and two others as back ups
