Digital Dawn Lights Up Alarm Industry
Market Responds to GPRS-SMS Wireless Combination
In locations that do not allow for a hardwire Internet connection, wireless services such as AlarmNet-G from Honeywell are now being provided for digital GSM/GPRS (General Packet Radio Service). The GPRS service will be the primary method of alarm delivery. Alarms will be delivered using standard AlarmNet™ I protocol over a GPRS connection. Secondary uses for the GPRS service will be connection-oriented functions such as up/download (compass connect), device management and configuration (AlarmNet direct) and, in the future, real-time remote control functions.
The robustness of GSM cellular technology is proven in that dealers can quickly and easily up/download panel settings — a nagging problem alluded to earlier — through this wireless medium. “Very exciting” is the way dealers have put it.
“The integration with GSM/GPRS is great! I like the fact that, integrated with GSM/GPRS, you get full contact ID transmission,” says John Lutz, general manager of Warrendale, Pa.-based Guardian Protection Services. “An increasing number of households are cell-phone-only households. This product allows us the ability to upload and download panels without a landline. That’s pretty big. For those desiring a higher level of security and/or those who opt not to have a traditional landline phone installed in their homes, it is a good fit.”
Wireless systems such as AlarmNet will connect to the GPRS network via several APNs (Access Point Names). These APNs define how GPRS devices connect. AlarmNet will have APNs that connect via three methods to the AlarmNet NOC. Two private APNs will allow connection over frame relay from either of the two main carrier NOCs. A third will report to a VPN connection, which can be brought up to support disaster recovery in the event of a loss of both frame circuits.
SMS is designed as the backup technology for GPRS. While this text-based service is not seen as a primary communication technology, it is a suitable alternative to the GPRS. The SMS technology will be the base for basic data transmission for up/downloading. Even more exciting are the cell phone remote services based on SMS, such as remote alarm system control and status reporting.
Honeywell, which introduced the alarm industry’s first line of GSM-based dual- and triple-path communications products in 2006, has announced these exciting remote services will be available in the third quarter of 2007.
Customer satisfaction rates high and dealers are happy with the performance of the GSM digital systems. The range is better and more consistent than the older analog AMPS systems.
“Customers today are very communications knowledgeable and want the latest technology. They are not using traditional hardwired phone lines,” says Jimmy Boggs, vice president of Virginia’s Richmond Alarm Co. “As we are able to offer more access to our systems through cell phones and the Internet, we will be able to acquire a larger base of customers.”
Stories of burglars trying to compromise wireless systems have always been interesting. Even when burglars think they have an avenue of defeat they are often surprised.
Boggs recounts such a scenario: “We have had an attack against a system with the unit installed. It was a commercial store and the phone lines were cut prior to a rooftop entry. They entered the building directly above the alarm control equipment and proceeded to cut wires and destroy equipment.
They removed the AlarmNet unit from the wall and tossed it to the floor. Because it has its own internal battery, it continued to work and transmitted to our central station, which dispatched the police.
“Although no apprehension was made, it did prevent a loss. Interestingly, the police took the AlarmNet unit as evidence and we began to receive signals again as they opened the unit at the police station nearby.”
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