Dual Path Monitoring vs Cellular Monitoring Only?

Whether you have a wired VISTA series alarm system or a wireless LYNX Touch panel, dual path monitoring is a great option and lets talk about why. First and foremost, 'dual path' refers to an alarm system having two forms (paths) of communication. The most common dual path layout uses IP communication as the primary path and GSM cellular communication for the secondary path. When the primary IP path drops out the secondary cellular path picks it up instantly. An internet connection can be compromised for reasons such as: a line cut on the coaxial/fiber feed to your modem, IP or DNS conflicts, AC loss to the router, modem. Now the question is: why do we need the primary IP path to begin with if the cellular path will ultimately be what makes a system reliable?

Well its a great question and the answer is: SPEED. The internet is much faster than the cellular network. Yes, it is faster than 4G. This added speed may not make a noticeable difference for transmitting signals to a central station for our no contract Basic Monitoring plan. However, if you are looking to utilize Total Connect 2.0's interactive features which are included in our no contract Self Monitoring and Monitoring Plus plans then this added speed will make a huge difference. Arming the system will be instantaneous from just about anywhere in the world!

There are dual path security system kits which come with a L5100-WIFI communicator and a GSMVLP5-4G cellular communicator. These units slide into the LYNX Touch panel like a card and allow the system use both the WIFI and cellular networks to transmit signals.

Meanwhile, the Honeywell iGSMV4G is an integrated dual path communicator which is compatible with wired VISTA panels. It has an RJ-45 jack which requires an ethernet connection to a router or network switch. There is also an included SIM card that is capable of sending data via 2G, 3G, and 4G AT&T cellular towers.

We have all become accustomed to the faster speeds of the internet when it comes to remote access and control. Although the cellular communicators will transmit the signals, the IP communicators offers more fluid and less latent control of your alarm system. Whether your point of control (i.e. your smartphone, tablet) is using WIFI or cellular is irrelevant.

All in all, two is always better than one. Although you have to pay the one time cost of the internet communicator it is an investment that will pay for itself very quickly; especially if you plan to use Total Connect.