The following security risks are associated with VoIP systems, which include dial tone provided by Optimum and Cablevision. Please carefully review this BEFORE YOU SWITCH.
Signal Distortion
The way that VoIP systems convert and transmit complex series of the beeps and tones can result in an alarm signal not being recognized by its central monitoring station. A distortion of the signal is no signal.
Some older panels cannot transmit any signals over VoIP lines. If your security system is more than 15 years old, please check to see if this applies to your system.
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 may 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, 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.
If you are considering switching to a cable phone or another VoIP phone signal, please contact Hammond to see how this will affect your security.
Fire Safety
Consider adding centrally monitored smoke detection to your security system. If your alarm system is less than twelve years old this can be done without upgrading the central alarm panel.
If you are consider switching to a cable phone or another VoIP phone signal, please contact Hammond to see how this will affect your security.