Solutions to Problems Created by VoIP
EMERgency24 offers several solutions so that a protected premise is not inadvertently compromised as landline technology is dropped for Voice over IP (VoIP) phone service. The problems result when VoIP is installed and the adapter is connected to a DSL or cable modem for Internet connectivity.
Thats because digital phone service and dial-tone is back-fed to all phone-jack wiring on the premises. This incorrect installation procedure by the installing VoIP provider defeats line seizure, which is required so the alarm-system panel cannot be interrupted by a local phone call during an alarm transmission.
VoIP Compression Affects Alarm Communication
When an alarm system communicates via a POTS line - or Plain Old Telephone System - a telephone call requires the same amount of bandwidth whether someone is talking or during a silent pause. VoIP protocol, on the other hand, compresses the signal to minimize the file size it needs to transmit. The conversion process is what often causes alarm-system glitches. To compound the problem, the compression ratio used by VoIP providers varies greatly. Even within the same providers network, the compression ratio may be based on current network capacity.
Other VoIP Concerns Include:
- RJ-11 wiring concerns
- Inadequate battery back-up to meet UL-NFPA standards
- On-Hook and Dial tone issues
- Potential Outages due to network updates
- Difficulty or inability of alarm transmission formats to pass through VoIP network
- Compromised security until the loss of service is noticed