Can I Set Up WIFI as Primary & Cell as Backup on a Qolsys IQ Panel 2?

Yes, you can set up communication through both WIFI and Cellular on a Qolsys IQ Panel 2. When both paths are present, all signals are sent via both paths. The signal that is received first by Alarm.com is processed, the "losing" signal is discarded, ensuring the fastest path is used.

A panel must be connected to the network in order to receive active monitoring service. Like most modern wireless alarm systems, the IQ Panel 2 does this via a WIFI connection and a cellular connection. Both a WIFI card and a cellular communicator are built into a Qolsys IQ Panel 2 System. This means that a user will not need to obtain any additional add-ons to use a dual-path communication setup with their IQ Panel 2. Qolsys and Alarm.com do not allow WIFI only monitoring, so users will still need an alarm monitoring plan that includes cellular service. For Alarm Grid, these are the Gold and Platinum level plans. Please check out our monitoring page for more information.

WIFI is typically the fastest communication path, so it will often wind up being used as the primary signal path. A user can configure the WIFI settings for their IQ Panel 2 by accessing the WIFI Settings menu from within Advanced Settings. The user will need to know the system's Master, Installer or Dealer Code to access this menu. These codes are respectively 1234, 1111 and 2222 by default .

However, since WIFI is often down because of unreliable signals and power outages, having cellular backup is very important. In fact, we consider it to be the most important communication path. Cellular service is almost never down, and modern LTE speeds are nearly as fast as WIFI itself. The user's alarm monitoring company will activate the cellular communicator for their IQ Panel 2 when they initially activate their monitoring service.

Additionally, with cellular monitoring through Alarm.com users will also be able to access the Alarm.com interactive service platform. This service can be used to control the user's alarm system. A user can access Alarm.com to arm and disarm their system, control Z-Wave devices, check the status of sensors and more. And by using the Alarm.com Mobile App, these actions can be performed from virtually anywhere.