Types of Home Security Systems

One main difference between the security systems you’ll find during your research regards how your alarm system is connected to your home and to the other components or devices in the system. In this case, you’re looking at the difference between wired and wireless alarm systems.

A wired security system is one that physically connects the system’s components to each other and to a main control panel. One plus about this system is that having direct wiring throughout the system means that the control panel will have real-time updates about what’s going on with the sensors or cameras in your home. This solution also indicates a more reliable and cohesive network of protection since your system’s device unity does not rely on Wi-Fi or radio frequencies to stay connected. A potential downside is that there is a chance that the wiring of the system can be tampered with (although an intruder would have to make it to your system in order to do said tampering). Additionally, this solution is typically not a DIY solution—it’s more reliable when installed professionally. An example of a system like this would be ADT.

A wireless security system is one that is not hardwired into the home. This setup makes your security system more easily repositionable or portable and can come in a DIY kit depending on the brand. Although this means that there are physically no wires to be cut by burglars, it can mean this system may be remotely hackable. The devices in this system may be powered by batteries and may communicate with your system’s other devices. Some big industry names which offer wireless home alarm systems include ADT, Frontpoint, and Vivint.

Another factor to your home security solution is to find an alarm system that provides you with the peace of mind you want. You’ll therefore want to look into whether or not you would like a monitored or unmonitored home security system.

An unmonitored home alarm system will rely on a person in the alarm’s vicinity to respond to the system if a sensor or camera is triggered. Sometimes called a local alarm system, a triggered alarm may rely on high-decibel alerts or alerts to a smartphone, or both. One main consideration of this system, again, is that it is up to the homeowner to respond accordingly. An unmonitored alarm system will not independently contact authorities if an intrusion occurs.

One of the biggest advantages to a monitored alarm system is the extra layer of security that can be had when you’re not at home. This goes especially for a company-monitored product, which typically allows access to a monitoring center which is staffed 24/7. This means that there would be a human to respond to an emergency if one of your alarms is triggered for any reason. Such a setup is helpful, since a monitoring agent may be able to respond to an alert more quickly than you may be able to.

A smart home security system uses the latest and greatest home automation devices to keep your home secure. Many of the leading security providers offer smart home devices that work to automate your home by alleviating task management while also bolstering security. For example, ADT offers a line of smart home sensors, smart thermostats, smart locks, cameras and more. These devices communicate with each other in a wireless mesh system to make things easier on you – such as adjusting your thermostat whenever you aren’t home versus when you are – and alert you when something is wrong.

For example, if you forgot to lock your door or if you left a window open, your smart lock will send an alert directly to your phone. Or if you are in your basement and one of your smart sensors is triggered, the wireless signal will bounce from smart device to smart device until it reaches you. When your home is automated and protected with a smart home security system, you can breathe a sigh of relief.

To learn more about smart home security systems, call National Broadband today.