How Do I Run a Dual Path Connection Test on the IQ5 NS?

To run a dual path test on the IQ5 NS, open the IQ Installer app on your mobile device and connect to the panel. Navigate to System Tests, then select Dual Path Test and press Start to begin. This verifies the panel communicates with Alarm.com over WIFI alongside its LTE cellular connection.

Before You Begin

The dual path test checks the IQ5 NS 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 NS (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. You need the Installer code (1111 by default) or Dealer code (2222 by default) to access System Tests through the IQ Installer app.

You will also need to have the IQ Installer App downloaded in order to run this test. If you have not yet connected the IQ Installer app to your panel, see our guide on setting up the IQ5 NS with the IQ Installer app before proceeding.

Running the Dual Path Test

1. Open the IQ Installer app on your mobile device and connect to the IQ5 NS panel. Enter your Installer code (1111 by default) when prompted. The app dashboard appears showing the panel status and configuration options. Make sure your mobile device is within range of the panel during the entire process.
2. Navigate to System Tests, then select Dual Path Test. The Dual Path Test page appears showing the Dual Path Control toggle and a Start Test button. Confirm that the Dual Path Control toggle is turned on (enabled). If dual path is disabled, toggle it on before running the test. The IQ5 NS must be connected to a WIFI network for dual path to function.
3. Select Start Test to run the dual path WIFI test. The IQ5 NS sends a test signal to Alarm.com through your WIFI broadband connection. After a few seconds, the app displays the result. A successful test confirms that the WIFI communication path is working properly. If the test fails, verify that the panel is connected to WIFI and that your internet connection is active.

What the Results Mean

A successful dual path test confirms that the IQ5 NS can reach Alarm.com through your WIFI broadband connection in addition to the LTE cellular path. 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 WIFI is connected but the dual path test still fails, contact your monitoring provider to verify the Alarm.com account is active.

Tips

Run the dual path test after connecting the IQ5 NS 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 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 NS helps ensure reliable communication with Alarm.com. For help with dual path testing or other system tests on your IQ5 NS, contact the Alarm Grid support team at support@alarmgrid.com 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.