Electronic security provider Supreme Security Systems is providing its customers and the alarm industry with recommendations on system compatibility with voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP). Among the main recommendations Supreme Security, of Union, N.J., makes is to consider maintaining a land line even if VoIP is installed to avoid interference with an alarm system or 911 service.
“We understand that VoIP offers numerous advantages to residential and commercial users. However, they need to be aware of how it may negatively impact their security and systems,” said Supreme Security Systems COO David Bitton. “If users are aware of these issues, they can take proactive steps to resolve them before an emergency situation strikes.”
VoIP has the potential to provide the first real alternative to plain old telephone service (POTS) while also likely creating compatibility difficulties for alarm and monitoring services.
Supreme Security Systems says it has identified the following security risks associated with VoIP systems:
- Signal distortion: Most alarm systems were designed to transmit alarm signals as a series of beeps and tones over analog phone lines. Because VoIP systems utilize digital communications, the conversion of the beeps and tones are not always translated correctly. This can result in an alarm signal not being recognized by its central monitoring station.
- Power failure: In the event of a power failure, cable modems and DSL lines will not work unless there is an on-premise power backup or generator. Losing power can mean losing communication with the outside world. Not only will the alarm system not be able to communicate with the central station, it will not be able to dial 911 or access other emergency services.
- Line seizure: Alarm systems are designed with line-seizure capabilities – enabling them to take over an open phone line to communicate with the central monitoring station in case of an emergency. Often, the cable company or ISP will actually install the VoIP modem in a residence by “back-feeding” the house circuit and disconnecting the old telephone circuit as it enters the premise. Because the alarm control panel is configured to have the telephone circuit connected first, ahead of any telephone instruments, it can interrupt and disconnect an existing call to give the alarm signal priority.
- Service outage: Internet service providers and cable companies are also susceptible to service outages. The Internet is not always accessible to transmit alarm signals. Service outages, server malfunctions, and system upgrades and regular maintenance are just some of the reasons that VoIP systems may not be as reliable as analog phone systems to transmit alarm signals.
