November 19th, 2011 | 
Author: Article by Jon Jacobson
Setting up a home security system in any house involves two important processes: First, installing the alarm itself and its accessories; second, figuring out the best way to respond to any signals sent by the alarm. Without a quality monitoring service, your alarm will not be able to do its job properly. The latest developments in communications technology may convince homeowners to utilize the cost-effective options of VOIP and other services. However, this choice may work against a security plan. Here are some important points to consider in home security monitoring.
1. Doing away with the land line. Because of the widespread use of cell phones, many homeowners are questioning the need for a land line. When every member of the family has their own phone line, it could make sense. However, home alarm systems should not be monitored on cell phones alone — it’s too risky. While dropped call records have improved drastically, the potential for broken lines still exists. Land lines ought to remain the primary source of communication between a security company and customers.
2. Backing up monitoring with radio wave support. Another option available to homeowners as a backup mechanism, radio waves can transmit an alarm signal to a security company if the land line connection is unavailable. Still, the type of transmission is inferior. Radio waves will not be able to signify what type of situation must be addressed, whether it’s a broken window or a heat alarm. Nonetheless, the message will be sent to notify security providers that your home has become a cause for concern.
3. Home alarm monitoring and VOIP technology. The rise in VOIP in recent years has revolutionized the telephone industry, making local and long distance charges irrelevant, along with providing low-cost international service. Yet the problems with VOIP can’t be ignored: Calls are routinely dropped, making it less than a sure thing in communication. Many home security companies will not monitor your alarm using VOIP, so there’s another reason to keep traditional land line services.
4. How VOIP works. The action of a VOIP line has very much in common with traditional land lines in terms of passage routes. The tricky part comes when a different protocol must be used, requiring a change in signal type. While this process is taking place, the signal is likely to crash, causing calls that were waiting to go through or change protocol to instead disappear. Alarm system monitors don’t consider this compatible with consumer safety.
5. The course of action in the event of a power failure. When the power in your area fails (or is cut, depending in the circumstances), a signal will be sent to your security company to notify them of what happened. This feature is not available when using VOIP technology, as once the power goes, then the entire line goes (the internet connection will have disappeared).
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