When it comes to VoIP, there are two issues related to burglary alarm systems. The first is that alarm monitoring itself is moving to IP. This eliminates the need for a POTS line or dry pair for monitoring. Over time, alarm systems will use IP as the new standard for communicating with the monitoring station. So the monitoring mechanism will become the Internet, not a phone line from Ma Bell.
The second issue relates to power. The power required to keep an alarm brain running, 12 volts on a lead acid battery usually, is quite similar to the kind of power required to backup an IP router and cable/dsl modem. In fact, some customer premise devices only require 9 volts on low current, so the possibility of equipping a cable modem with a very inexpensive DC backup is quite good. For now, however, I advise most people to invest in some kind of UPS (uninterruptable power supply) for their cable modem and broadband router.
Finally, most VoIP telephone service providers are incapable of providing reliable alarm notification service because the modem in the alarm system doesn't communicate well over the VoIP link. It is for the same reason that FAX machines can't be used to transmit reliably over VoIP links. This is why alarm systems and FAX applications will themselves transition to IP based solutions within several years. Look for the manufacturers your alarm system firm represents to begin offering IP-based monitoring solutions.
Also, check out some IP-based alarm system monitoring firms and equipment vendors that already have this capability:
UHS
NextAlarm
Alarm.com
Some of the implications are covered in my book, Switching to VoIP.
VoIP and Alarm Systems
Reader Comments
(Page 1)2. This is interesting, I'm glad to see Vonage reaching out to other markets. If they can grab enough contract deals they might be able to salvage their little IPO fiasco.
Posted at 8:20PM on Jun 29th 2006 by voip reviews
1. As you mention, many alarm systems are now moving to VoIP themselves or will eventually. In Washington DC, the alarm inustry has succesfully lobbied Congress to require VoIP providers to warn customers that their alarm system may not work with VoIP (HR 5252 COPE biil, S. 2686.) Ironically, when pending legislation passes requiring the alarm industry warning, the alarm industry itself, as it transition to VoIP, will be required to warn its own new customers that their alarm system may not work if they buy the alarm system. Quite ironic. I presume the alarm industry hasnt thought through their own transition to VoIP.
Posted at 11:42PM on Jun 11th 2006 by Jim Kohlenberger