The National Burglar and Fire Alarm Association (NFBAA) has released a report designed to help its members understand voice over Internet protocol (VoIP). The Industry Affairs Update, titled “Report on Voice Over Internet Protocol,” also provides tips on how to keep VoIP from interfering with alarm signals.
Worries about alarm system and monitoring compatibility with VoIP has been a growing issue in the alarm industry as the number of those who have switched from plain old telephone service (POTS) to VoIP continues to rise. VoIP is being offered as an alternative to POTS where phone calls are transmitted over the Internet or other computer network.
The report came about through a March meeting between representatives from alarm associations, alarm manufacturers and many major cable service providers.
The report recommends that installing companies take a proactive approach to dealing with VoIP and make sure that customers inform them when they plan or have switched over to VoIP service. Among the other recommendations:
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Program existing and new accounts to send periodic test messages
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Meet with the local cable provider
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Purchase the local cable provider’s VoIP service and test it with your own alarm system
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Sell alarm transmitters that use IP or radio transmissions for new clients
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Monitor missed or garbled communications to the central station
The complete report is available free at the NBFAA’s Web site, www.alarm.org.
