Alarm systems and VoIP: what to look out for
If you want to switch your telephony to VoIP, do not forget your alarm monitoring center. The center is likely currently running via an analog line or perhaps via your current ISDN connection. As soon as you transfer your telephone numbers to another provider, the line that your alarm monitoring center probably also uses will be cancelled. Many companies only discover this once the move to VoIP is complete. It is, of course, more convenient to have this properly arranged in advance. If an alarm can no longer transmit notifications to the monitoring center, you are likely no longer insured against burglary.
There is a lot of uncertainty regarding the discontinuation of ISDN. It is good to know that ISDN consists of multiple analog lines. Therefore, single lines from companies like KPN will remain available.
Start using an alarm system via VoIP
If you are switching your telephony to VoIP, you can technically also connect your alarm system to VoIP. For example, you can use a gateway that converts VoIP to analog. However, many insurance companies do not accept this. This often also depends on the alarm class. Therefore, there is a good chance that you will need to provide your alarm with a separate connection, independent of VoIP. Below, we offer two alternatives.
1) If you have a fairly recent alarm panel, you can probably opt for alarm transmission via the internet. The panel then sends its messages to the monitoring center via the internet. Such a system often includes a GSM backup. Should your traditional internet connection fail, the alarm panel can still transmit its alerts. This is done via the internet of the GSM chip. In addition to the GSM backup, an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) can also be installed to which the modem is connected; this ensures that power remains supplied to the modem during a power outage and your alarm system continues to function normally.
2) If your control panel does not have the option to transmit notifications via the internet, it is probably possible to purchase a separate box that makes this possible. Prices vary enormously, from 250 to 1,500 euros. As an alternative, you could consider an analog line from KPN. Your telephony would then run via VoIP, while your alarm system would continue to operate in the old way.
If you are unsure which requirements your alarm system must meet, it is best to call your insurance company. They will inform you whether they accept an alarm system using a GSM signal.
For customers purchasing VoIP from us, we recommend simply opting for a single line; should this not be possible due to circumstances. In that case, tailored advice will be required.
When will ISDN stop?
| Product | End date | Remark |
|---|---|---|
| Analog telephony single line | September 1, 2019 | For elevator, alarm, fax, etc. |
| Analog telephony multiple | September 1, 2019 | |
| ISDN1 single | September 1, 2019 | |
| ISDN1 multiple | September 1, 2019 | |
| ISDN2 single | September 1, 2019 | |
| ISDN2 multiple | September 1, 2019 | |
| ISDN15 | January 1, 2021 | |
| ISDN20 | January 1, 2021 | |
| ISDN30 | January 1, 2021 |
What are all the possibilities?
With traditional connections such as analog/ISDN, the line is fed from the KPN exchange.
In the event of a power outage in your premises, the backup battery in the control panel will ensure that the intruder alarm system provides a number of
can work for another hour. [Line reliability/quality is good].
Alarm transmission via GSM is performed using a GSM converter/module.
The GSM converter will convert the GSM signal into an analog line to which the burglar alarm system can be connected.
be. This does require a SIM card with sufficient coverage at the location where the central equipment is installed.
hangs. We advise you to take out a SIM subscription and not a prepaid SIM, because then there is no control over
the call credit. [Line reliability/quality is reasonable] (though highly dependent on provider and location).
The abbreviation VOIP stands for Voice Over IP and, simply put, is making calls over the internet.
It is possible that your modem has a connection for an analog telephone.
This is not a true pure analog telephone line; an alarm system works with DTMF tones, among other things.
Devices communicate with each other using these tones.
Many VoIP providers will not pass through high and low tones to save bandwidth, because they are not audible.
are for people. As a result, the alarm equipment may not work or may not work properly. Reliability/quality
The line is not very good..
IP reporting works over the internet, just like you are connected to the internet with your PC.
This connection generally works well, but it is still internet that can occasionally drop out.
For both VoIP and IP, providers regularly perform maintenance on the network.
This usually happens during the night hours so that you will be bothered by it little to not at all.
The intruder alarm system operates 24 hours a day, so it is possible that the alarm control panel will trigger an alert as a result.
because he misses the connection or the control room calls due to the absence of the test message.
[Line reliability/quality is good].
The modem that enables you to use the internet and make phone calls will be located in your building and requires 230V.
In the event of a power outage, the burglar alarm system will continue to operate on the battery located in the control panel.
Your modem will likely drop out; for proper operation, this should be handled by a UPS.
(emergency power supply). Your modem will then be connected to the UPS so that it powers the modem in the event of a power outage.
keep active so that a power outage notification can still be reported before the modem fails.
Another option is backup reporting via GPRS (mobile internet).
GPRS and SMS operate via the mobile network, with GPRS being a data connection that only goes to the control room.
can and SMS can only send a text message to the mobile phone. [Line reliability/quality is reasonable]
(though highly dependent on provider and location).
