How Do I Run a Dual Path WIFI Test on the IQ5 Hub?

To run the Dual Path WIFI Test on the IQ5 Hub, swipe down from the top of the screen and select Settings, then Advanced Settings. Enter your Installer Code (1111 by default) and select System Tests. Tap Dual Path WIFI Test, then select Start. This test verifies a WIFI connection to Alarm.com.

Even if your IQ5 Hub has a strong cellular connection, WIFI still plays an important role. IQ panels only download and install firmware updates over WIFI, not cellular. If the panel loses its WIFI connection, alarm monitoring and communication with Alarm.com will continue working over cellular, but the panel won't be able to install firmware updates until WIFI is restored. Firmware updates often include new features, bug fixes, and security improvements, so a stable WIFI connection helps keep your system current even when cellular alone would keep it running.

Before You Begin

The dual path test checks the IQ5 Hub broadband connection to Alarm.com through your WIFI network. This is different from the standard WIFI Test, which only checks the connection between the panel and your router. The IQ5 Hub (available in AT&T LTE and Verizon LTE) uses both cellular and WIFI for communication when dual path is enabled. The panel must be connected to a WIFI network before you can enable or test dual path. By default, Dual Path Control is enabled on the IQ5 Hub. You can access System Tests using the Master Code (1234 by default) or the Installer Code (1111 by default).

Running the Dual Path WIFI Test

1. Go to Advanced Settings. Swipe down from the top of the screen to open the Settings Tray. The tray slides down showing quick-access controls including volume, brightness, and a row of shortcut icons. Tap the Settings icon, then on the next screen select Advanced Settings. The panel displays a keypad for code entry.
2. Enter a valid code. Both the Installer Code (1111 by default) and the Master Code (1234 by default) can access the tests menu. After the last digit of a valid code is entered, you'll see the Advanced Settings menu, including System Tests. Tap this option to continue.
3. Select Dual Path WIFI Test. The Dual Path Configuration Options page appears showing the WIFI status, the Dual Path Control checkbox, and Start and Cancel buttons. Confirm that Dual Path Control is enabled with a checkmark. Select Start to run the test. The panel sends a test signal to Alarm.com through your WIFI broadband connection. After a few seconds, the screen displays the result. A successful test displays a message confirming the WIFI communication path passed. Your alarm dealer can verify that the signal was received at Alarm.com.

What the Results Mean

A successful dual path WIFI test confirms that the IQ5 Hub can reach Alarm.com through your WIFI broadband connection. With dual path enabled, the panel uses both paths simultaneously for alarm monitoring signals and communication. If the test fails, check that the panel is connected to a working WIFI network with internet access. You can run a separate WIFI Test from the System Tests menu to verify the connection between the panel and your router. If the WIFI Test verifies a connection to the router, but the dual path test still fails, try rebooting the router then the panel and try again. If the test still fails, contact your monitoring provider to verify the Alarm.com account is active.

You might be wondering why it's called a dual path test when it only checks one path. Presumably, this is because your system becomes a dual path system when WIFI is added to the cellular path. A cellular path is mandatory for Alarm.com accounts, while a WIFI path is optional. This allows for a distinction between the WIFI Test, which only checks the connection between the panel and the router, and the dual path test, which verifies the WIFI connection all the way to the Alarm.com server. A Cellular Test can also be run to verify a cellular connection to Alarm.com. Running both a Cellular Test and a Dual Path WIFI Test successfully verifies that your dual path capable system is fully connected.

Tips

Run the dual path test after connecting the IQ5 Hub to a new WIFI network or after making changes to your router configuration. If you are experiencing communication issues, run both the WIFI Test and the dual path test to help isolate the problem. The WIFI Test checks the local connection to your router, while the dual path test checks the end-to-end connection to Alarm.com. For home automation features and remote access through the Alarm.com app, a reliable dual path connection provides the best experience.

Running regular dual path tests on the IQ5 Hub helps ensure reliable communication with Alarm.com. For help with dual path testing or other system tests on your IQ5 Hub, contact the Alarm Grid support team at support@alarmgrid.com, call us at 888-818-7728, or visit our website and chat with a live support agent. We are here Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM Eastern Time.