Alarm Signal Transmission Methods: Long Range Radio Monitoring
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The difficulties with radio are mostly infrastructure related. Depending on the area, your alarm company may require several receivers in different locations to ensure a strong and reliable signal. The device you have connected to your panel, most often, is a transmitter. Without one or more receivers, the system is not complete (it would be like walking around with one walkie-talkie). Most alarm installers who sell radio-based systems -- and there aren't many -- also act as the central monitoring station. Purchasing and maintaining a radio frequency is the only way they can ensure the infrastructure will be there, in most cases, for their customers. The problem is you're putting all your eggs in one basket. If the installer/monitor company goes under, you lose everything.
The amount of information that radio can send is also quite limited. For example, with a standard landline your monitoring station knows exactly which device initiated the alarm i.e. front door contact, living room smoke detector, panic button, etc. With radio, they will most likely only know if the alarm was burglar or fire-related.
Since radio waves travel in a straight line, geography can be a factor, as well. Those who live in a valley may have problems getting a reliable signal to the monitoring station. Your salesperson may use a portable unit to test the signal before you buy.
As GSM and IP monitoring becomes more popular, component manufacturers have started to discontinue their radio equipment. You can certainly still find it, but it is far from the sure bet most people want in their home protection plans. You may hear industry professionals you speak with refer to "cellular radios". More than likely, they're actually referring to cellular communication.
The Bottom Line On Radio Monitoring:
The amount of information that radio can send is also quite limited. For example, with a standard landline your monitoring station knows exactly which device initiated the alarm i.e. front door contact, living room smoke detector, panic button, etc. With radio, they will most likely only know if the alarm was burglar or fire-related.
Since radio waves travel in a straight line, geography can be a factor, as well. Those who live in a valley may have problems getting a reliable signal to the monitoring station. Your salesperson may use a portable unit to test the signal before you buy.
As GSM and IP monitoring becomes more popular, component manufacturers have started to discontinue their radio equipment. You can certainly still find it, but it is far from the sure bet most people want in their home protection plans. You may hear industry professionals you speak with refer to "cellular radios". More than likely, they're actually referring to cellular communication.
The Bottom Line On Radio Monitoring:
Long Range Radio Monitoring:
Long range radio is the fastest communication method available for alarm systems. It is generally less expensive than a cellular backup, and offer many of the same benefits. As with cellular monitoring, a stand alone unit (transmitter) is required for the system to work. The cost for these units can vary, but expect a figure of ~$300 installed. Also similar to cellular, a nominal charge is added to your regular (landline based) monthly monitoring fee (usually $5-$10). If you're in a rural location with no reliable internet or cellular service, or need a more affordable back up for your phone line, radio can be a great solution. Radio can be used as your primary transmission method, but we do not recommend it.
Long range radio is the fastest communication method available for alarm systems. It is generally less expensive than a cellular backup, and offer many of the same benefits. As with cellular monitoring, a stand alone unit (transmitter) is required for the system to work. The cost for these units can vary, but expect a figure of ~$300 installed. Also similar to cellular, a nominal charge is added to your regular (landline based) monthly monitoring fee (usually $5-$10). If you're in a rural location with no reliable internet or cellular service, or need a more affordable back up for your phone line, radio can be a great solution. Radio can be used as your primary transmission method, but we do not recommend it.
Above:
Most privately-owned radio networks rely on dedicated repeaters and towers for transmissions. AES IntelliNet units act as both a transceiver and repeater, sending alarm signals and strengthening your alarm company's radio network simultaneously. Both methods are fast and effective.
Most privately-owned radio networks rely on dedicated repeaters and towers for transmissions. AES IntelliNet units act as both a transceiver and repeater, sending alarm signals and strengthening your alarm company's radio network simultaneously. Both methods are fast and effective.
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Pros: Costs less than cellular backup, but with similar benefits; May be an option for those in remote areas; Does not need to rely on cellular networks (no "dropped calls" or problems with user load); Very fast signal transmission (usually 5 seconds or less); Very reliable signal transmission.
Cons: Geography and weather can interfere with signal; Limited information in transmission; Can be difficult to find an alarm company that offers this service (usually local or regionally based).
Cons: Geography and weather can interfere with signal; Limited information in transmission; Can be difficult to find an alarm company that offers this service (usually local or regionally based).
Transmitting Your Alarm Signal: Standard and Dedicated Phone Line Cellular Long Range Radio IP, Broadband, Voip