How Are Burglar Alarms Connected?
There are multiple different ways that burglar alarms can be connected. Some alarms are just communicating within your home, sending sensor data to a central unit. Other alarms, like Verisure’s home security solution, which need to communicate with external services, like our Alarm Receiving Centre, need more than just an internal connection.
This is where other connection types will come into play:
- Sub-GHz Wireless — Many low-power sensors communicate using lower-frequency, lower-power wireless technologies that help reduce the impact on your Wi-Fi networks and provide longer range.
- Wi-Fi — Allows sensors to communicate over short distances when more data bandwidth is required, and allows the system to connect to the Internet via your Wi-Fi router.
- 4G/LTE — Next-generation mobile internet provides a crucial redundant connection to the internet should your internet connection drop out for any reason.
- GSM — The traditional mobile phone network, that can be used to make alert phone calls in case of an alarm activation.
- Ethernet — Stable, wired internet connectivity for critical alarm components where it is available.
A combination of these connection types provide a fully-redundant alarm system that provides complete protection, under almost any circumstances.
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Get QuoteWhy Does a Burglar Alarm Need an Internet Connection?
In our connected world, many of our devices are connected to the internet to help provide us with real-time updates on the status of the device and remotely access functionality. An alarm is no different.
In Verisure’s case — an internet connection to the burglar alarm allows you to remotely control the alarm, review your alerts in real-time and keeps software on the equipment is up-to-date.
It also lets you check live camera feeds when you’re away, giving you a live view of your home — even when you’re not there!
Does A Burglar Alarm Require a SIM Card?
Many of the systems currently on the market do not require a SIM card, as they are relying either on your internal internet connection, or only operating locally, likely in a bell-only configuration.
However, to provide complete protection, every Verisure Central Unit comes with a 4G-enabled SIM card. This SIM card allows your alarm to communicate with our SSAIB Approved Alarm Receiving Centre.
This means that even if your internet connection has dropped, or an intruder has interfered with the communication infrastructure into your property, our security experts will still be receiving alerts.
What Are The Advantages of Multiple Connection Methods?
The biggest advantage of having multiple connections is the protection against dropped internet connections or radio interference.
This ensures your alarm, and the related sensors, are always able to communicate with the services needed to keep your property safe. We all know how frustrating it is when the Wi-Fi drops, but a secondary connection ensures your burglar alarm won’t be impacted.
Verisure’s alarms have the option to then connect via Ethernet or 4G — so your property is still protected when the internet connection to your home or business is not live.
