What You Need to Know About VOIP

3) In order for VOIP phone service to run efficiently over the internet, audible analog dialogue is converted to digital data for transmission and then compressed so it can be sent over limited bandwidth. On the other end of the signal, the information is then decompressed and re-interpreted. This compression and decompression process is where the alarm signals can be lost or altered. When this occurs during a phone call between two people, the sound may come across as slightly garbled or it may cut out for a second. During an alarm signal transmission, however, losing just one digit of this communication may cause the entire signal to become unintelligible.

4) Many VOIP providers that first sell themselves on their large amounts of bandwidth and ability to not lose packets of information, have later changed their digital platforms or outsourced certain areas to less adequate providers later. Even when your alarm system appears to be communicating well when first tested, there is no way to guarantee a continuous high level of VOIP service.

5) VOIP phone systems are more prone to user errors, for example, when someone accidentally unplugs or trips over a cable which disconnects your internet service – this would cause an immediate loss of communication for your alarm system.

6) Internet phone service can be prone to outages that can last minutes or sometimes hours. If you’re moving your traditional analog phone service to VOIP, and there is an emergency, you would still be able to call 911 by using your cell phone. In the same way, alarm systems using VOIP should also have another alternate way to call out which is more reliable.

7) Even if your alarm system sends signals perfectly over a VOIP phone line during testing, that connection is still susceptible to issues from increased internet traffic, internet hops, lag time, and other concerns which can garble the connection, drop signals, and result in a loss of communication to your security system.

If you are moving to a VOIP phone system, there are wireless upgrade options available at affordable rates which can keep your monitoring connection running smoothly. Please call us as soon as you know you will be making this change so we can assist you.