Is the DSC Impassa Compatible w/ Total Connect?

No, the DSC Impassa is not compatible with Total Connect. The Total Connect interactive service is operated by AlarmNet, and it is only compatible with Honeywell Alarm Systems. However, the system will work with Alarm.com, which provides similar features to the Total Connect service.

Alarm.com is an interactive service platform that allows a user to control their alarm system. By accessing the service, a user can arm and disarm their system, check the status of sensors, control Z-Wave devices and more. The service can be accessed using a web browser. A user can also download the Alarm.com Mobile App to their Android or iOS device to perform these actions from virtually anywhere in the world.

However, a DSC Impassa will need a few upgrades before it can connect with Alarm.com. Like any panel, the Impassa will need to be receiving active cellular monitoring service. A compatible cellular communicator with need to be installed, and the system will need to be running firmware version 1.3 or higher. Both AT&T and Verizon communicators are available. Remember, this has nothing to do with the user's regular cellular service. We recommend choosing whichever cellular network tends to work better in the area where the panel will be installed. Finally, the user will also need an alarm monitoring plan that includes cellular service.

Upgrading to cellular provides more benefits than just merely allowing a system to connect with Alarm.com. Cellular connectivity is widely recognized as the most reliable communication path for an alarm system. The service is rarely down, and it is nearly impossible for others to tamper with or disrupt the connection. Cellular connectivity also provides very fast speeds that are generally on par with a WIFI connection. Additionally, without cellular connectivity, a DSC Impassa is forced to rely on a telephone line for alarm monitoring. This type of connection is both slow and generally unreliable. For these reasons, upgrading to cellular is very important for any user of a DSC Impassa Alarm System.