Honeywell LTEUPGKT-L57A Posts

Alarm Grid is now offering Honeywell LYNX Touch LTE upgrade kits that each include a brand-new LTE communicator and a Honeywell LYNXTOUCH-MSD Updater Tool for updating the system to the latest firmware version. It has never been easier to upgrade a Honeywell LYNX Touch System to use LTE!

The two (2) new Alarm Grid LTE upgrade kits for the LYNX Touch Panels are the Honeywell LTEUPGKT-L57A (AT&T LTE) and the Honeywell LTEUPGKT-L57V (Verizon LTE). These kits are recommended for anyone with an L5200, L5210, or L7000 that needs a firmware update to support a new LTE communicator. The AT&T LTE version requires firmware update 9.00.201 or higher, while the Verizon LTE version needs update 9.00.209 or higher. If your system is already on a high enough firmware version, then you should just simply buy the standalone communicator module. Also keep in mind that these kits cannot be used with the older L5100 and L5000 LYNX Touch Panels. Those two panels cannot be used with any LTE communicator in any circumstance.

If you aren't sure what firmware version your LYNX Touch Panel is running, you can check by choosing the following options from the main screen: Security > More > Tools > enter your Master Code > Test. You will then access the system's Test Menu, where the firmware version will be displayed at the top of the screen. As you can see in the photo, this L7000 is on a high enough firmware version to support both the AT&T LTE Communicator and the Verizon LTE Communicator.

Any alarm system using cellular communication should be set up with an LTE communicator. And if you have a system that is using a 3G or CDMA communicator, then it is imperative that you upgrade to LTE as soon as possible. Although Alarm Grid will continue to support non-LTE communicators for as long as possible, these communicators will stop working once their associated cellular networks are shut down. This is expected to occur sometime in 2022. The clock is ticking, and you will need to upgrade to LTE if you want to continue using the same system.

Additionally, an LTE communicator will provide better reliability and overall performance than a non-LTE communicator. This is because LTE cellular networks offer faster speeds and improved dependability when compared with older 3G and CDMA networks. By using an LTE communicator, you will receive a quicker emergency response if an alarm occurs on your system. You may also notice that your system responds more quickly to remote commands sent from Total Connect 2.0. This simple change is a great way to improve your alarm system and help it work more effectively.

Some users have expressed concern with LTE communicators, stating that they too will eventually need to be replaced in favor of eventual 5G cellular communicators. We want to address those concerns and say that this will most likely not be an issue until decades in the future. Cellular service providers have repeatedly stated that they plan to maintain and support the infrastructure for their LTE networks for a very, very long time. Even as 5G networks are inevitably introduced and 5G communicators for security systems become a thing, your LTE communicator will still work fine. This is truly a long-term solution that you can count on.

With the impending shut down of 3G and CDMA networks, Resideo stopped allowing activations for those communicators in June of last year. Any new cellular activation must be done with an LTE communicator. You also have the option of activating a LYNX Touch System on IP only by using a Honeywell L5100-WIFI Communicator. This can be a good option if you want to save money in monitoring expenses, as most alarm companies charge less for IP only service. But you should be aware that an internet outage will take your panel offline if you don't have cellular backup. A new L5100-WIFI module will require Firmware Version 8.00.183 on a Honeywell LYNX Touch Panel.

You might also be wondering whether you should get the Honeywell LTEUPGKT-L57A for AT&T LTE service or the Honeywell LTEUPGKT-L57V for Verizon LTE service. The answer is that it depends on the network coverage in your area. You should go with whichever network provides more reliable service in your area, regardless of what provider you use for a personal phone. You should check coverage maps and decide based on the available information. And if you live in a rural area without adequate coverage from either network, then we will be happy to discuss cellular antenna and cellular amplifier options that can boost your system's cellular signals to reliable levels.

Whether you use LTE cellular, IP only, or dual-path connectivity with both IP and cellular, activating an AlarmNet Communicator with your LYNX Touch System will make it compatible with Total Connect 2.0. This is an interactive security and automation platform that you can use to control your system remotely from a web browser or mobile app. The service can be used to arm/disarm, check system status, and perform automation functions from pretty much anywhere in the world.

Remember that any communicator will require monitoring service in order to be activated. If you are shopping around for a monitoring plan, make sure to check out Alarm Grid. Our Gold and Platinum Level Plans (Self or Full) can be used with a LYNX Touch System that is set up for cellular service. Our lower-level Bronze and Silver Plans are good if you decide to use the system for IP only, without cellular backup. More information on all our plans can be found on our monitoring page.

If you have any questions about our new Honeywell LTEUPGKT-L57A and Honeywell LTEUPGKT-L57V Upgrade Kits, or any of the other products on our website, then we encourage you to reach out to us. The best way to contact us is to email support@alarmgrid.com. This is also a great email to contact if you are considering starting service with Alarm Grid. Remember that our support hours run from 9am to 8pm ET M-F. We look forward to hearing from you!