Before You Purchase: Four Things You Should Know About Your VOIP Security System

September 15th, 2008

Most everyday consumers do not understand what a VOIP alarm system is and many choose to settle for second rate security systems with poor technical support. First let's address what VIOP means. VIOP stands for Voice Over Internet Protocol and uses a broadband internet connection for placing calls digitally over IP networks. VOIP security systems work by digitizing voice signals and and sending the information over the internet connection the the alarm monitoring service. Switching from the traditional analog alarm systems to VOIP systems have grown in popularity 100,000 VOIP users in 2003 to more than 500,000 users in current service (Lombardi, 2008).

Before you decide to make a switch to the digital age and purchase a VOIP alarm system, there are a couple of warning areas that VOIP users need to be aware of.

• First, if there is a power outage or a power failure, it is most likely that the VOIP system will fail as well. There is a way to protect your self from power failure to your VOIP system, simply use a backup power supply on your computer making sure that it is always fully charged.
• The second issue VOIP users should know is that 911 emergency calls may not be accessible as compatibility issues with your VOIP system may not capture data for emergency response.
• The third issue is that your VOIP signal may or may not go through giving anyone a false sense of security.
• The fourth and foremost issue is that some consumers fail to check to see if their service is being monitored.

When having your VOIP alarm system installed, you should ask questions to insure you are fully protected in case of an emergency. Make sure that your system is running a signal test every month to make sure your VOIP system is functioning correctly. Many alarm companies and alarm system manufactures are working together to solve computability issues with the VOIP systems. If you are going to purchase a VOIP alarm system, research the system and the service plans thast are available before you make your choice.