Frequently asked questions
What should I look for in a home security system?
If you’re looking for a smart security system that best fits your needs, there are a few factors to consider. Would you prefer a professional installation approach, a DIY install approach with professional monitoring, or the self-monitoring route?
Price, too, is always a concern. Typically, you’ll spend less on equipment and monitoring if you go the DIY route and a bit more if you go the professional route.
Finally, you should also figure out whether techy features or smart home integration is important to you. Some people will want the latest doorbell camera with facial recognition to be included with their security package. Others will be fine with a couple of sensors, a key fob, and an outdoor camera.
Wireless home security system equipment
Whether you’re tech savvy or tech averse, most home security systems come with the same basics: a base station or control panel, a keypad, a few sensors, and environmental alarms. Here’s what you can expect:
- A base station or control panel
- Keypad
- Entry sensors
- Motion sensors
- Glass-break sensor
- Smoke detector
- Carbon monoxide detector
Some security systems also offer temperature and water sensors, so you can get environmental alerts when there’s a leak in your basement or if a pipe is in danger of freezing.
You also may see some more advanced offerings, especially at higher subscription levels:
- Indoor or outdoor camera
- Video doorbell camera with two-way communication
- Smart thermostat
- Smart door lock
How do you power a wireless security system?
A wireless security system’s base or control panel is typically powered via AC adapter with backup batteries in case of a power outage. Keypads, sensors, and detectors are battery powered. With more advanced equipment like security cameras, it depends. Your outdoor wireless security camera will likely be powered by batteries. But with indoor cameras, usually you can choose to plug them in or have them run on batteries (so you can put them in a spot that’s not close to an outlet).
Do you have to have Wi-Fi for a wireless security camera?
In a word, yes. A wireless security camera may be wire-free, but in order to transmit video and store it in the cloud (so you can access it on the go), your camera needs a Wi-Fi network connection. If you’re not big on cloud storage, you can also choose to store videos locally with an SD card.
Pros and cons of a wireless home security system
Home security systems can be wireless, but they can also be powered by a landline or a broadband connection. Here are the pros and cons of wireless security systems.
Wireless security systems are ridiculously easy to install. Typically you just have to plug things in, set up your Wi-Fi, and go. That means they’re also easy to take with you when you move: unless you go with a security system with professional installation, you’ll be able to take your equipment with you when you upgrade to a bigger place.
Wireless security systems also offer remote access so you can check in on your home or arm and disarm your system on the go. Plus, you can integrate many systems with your existing smart home equipment, from your smart thermostats to your smart door locks.
Still, there are some risks with using wireless systems. Hacking is a rare possibility for wireless devices that don’t encrypt information. And some systems can suffer interference when large metal objects or electrical equipment block the signal between sensors and a base, or between the base and your security system’s monitoring center.
No option for self-monitoring
I’ve recently contacted SimpliSafe to inquire about their services. They said their camera’s require Wi-Fi but not there security systems.
I am in a peculiar problematic situation, and I have trouble narrowing down the cause. For the past year I have had ATT Digital Life(I don’t if they monitor with landline or cellular) as a home security provider, and have been paying for it. Then my parents separated; 2 months ago my dad moved out to a place of his own, and also, around the same time, my mom(lives with me) shut off the home phone/landline to our home, since we haven’t been using it often because nowadays everyone has a cell phone. I then noticed our security system keypad go unresponsive. There is power(keypad is lit, says ready to arm) but when I press ‘ARM’ it says “communication error.” When a door opens, door chime is silent. So I check with ATT and find out my monthly payment is now going towards security for a new address(the place my dad moved to. I later found out dad apparently transferred service to his place). Before I call ATT for a costly diagnostic/service visit, is the cause of my alarm system not working: A)my dad transferring service and possibly taking equipment from my home, B)my mom turning off the landline, or both?
Hey Kevin — The short answer is it’s probably a combination of both A and B, having service transferred and losing access to the landline. I’d ask them if there’s a way that the payments you’ve been applying for service for the wrong location can go towards additional equipment. Let us know what they advise or if you decide to switch security systems.
Best,
Amy
Hi Mike, great questions. The security system we suggest with 100% dedicated cellular support is Frontpoint. All plans offered are DIY (self-installed) and there is no option for a professional to install your system. Frontpoint has great customer service, and also has more equipment to choose from. While they may be a little pricier than some of the other options, we found the customer service element to be worth it.
Does cellular use your cell data plan? If so, i would think that it eats it up rather quickly especially if you have cameras – correct?
Hi Guillermo — No, your home security system does not connect to your cellphone’s data plan. The home security system works similarly to your cell phone by transmitting signals wirelessly to the monitoring station using cellular towers. However, you do not need a separate cell phone service or to connect it to your current plan for it to work.
Thanks Lia!
You’re welcome! Please let me know if you have any further questions 🙂
Ya know, I haven’t heard the military comparison yet for ADT, but we do recommend cellular monitoring over broadband or landline monitoring. The reason here is that it is much harder to hack a cellular system than it is to cut a broadband or landline line. Also, a channel that most alarm companies use to communicate with your alarm’s control panel is a dedicated channel so that it cannot be disrupted by consumer cell phone outages. A dedicated cellular network also prevents jamming. You can read more about cellular monitoring here: https://revert-asl-redrock.pantheonsite.io/best-cellular-security-system/
Since cellular signals are so easy to hack it’s hard to believe they are the better option. ADT told my mother they used the same as the military????? Is that not true????
Hi Tom — From what I’ve read, it looks like Protect America (our #3 top ranked home security company) offers monitoring with the Simon XT device. I’d recommend reaching out to them directly to see if they can hook it up for you. It looks like the Simon XT device is offered with additional cost through PA, but since you already have it I doubt that’ll be an issue. Their lowest monthly price for cellular monitoring is $41.99 with their Copper plan and requires a 36 month contract. The equipment and activation is free. You can read our entire review on Protect America, here: https://revert-asl-redrock.pantheonsite.io/protect-america-reviews/
I have an existing Simon XT with verizon cellular connection. what is the most economical monitoring service?
Hi Jason — We haven’t done much research on Nationwide Security Solutions. I’ll bring it the attention of my team. What sort of system are you looking for?
What have you heard about Nationwide Security Solutions and their affiliation with the Monitronics cellular system and Alarm.com? They are based in Vancouver, Washington and have a presence in 32 states. And isn’t ADT’s system set up for using the cellular connection as a back up to their landline connection?
Hi Mark — which security system are you referring to?
Does this work effectively in rural areas?
Great question! I’m unsure, but perhaps there is another Disqus commenter who has the answer to this.
What is an inexpensive way to have my home wired Alarm System (DSC?) hooked up to a cell phone to dial the Central Monitoring Station, instead of using a wired phone line?
I am constantly getting a communication error on my ADT panel which causes the alarm to beep randomly throughout the day and night. I called ADT and they said that my neighborhood is basically a dead zone when it comes to AT&T service, which I soon found out after moving in about a year ago and myself having AT&T for my cellular provider. Basically my home is unarmed constantly because of this communication error. I have a microcell from AT&T and it helps very little if at all for my cellular service. Can AT&T force me to purchase a landline? I don’t feel comfortable with the thought that a power outage or someone cutting the line would basically leave me defenseless with no tower signal as a back up. I’m wanting to cancel, but I don’t want to be hit with cancellation charges. ADT isn’t providing me a service that I am paying monthly for and it’s just ridiculous.
Did you ever get a resolution to this? I’ve been going through the EXACT same issue with ADT in my home but with Verizon cell service. I feel like I’m going insane from not sleeping because we go for some periods of time where days in a row the beeping continues, despite the repeated technicians coming and “fixing” the issue. I hate not having my system monitored but, I need sleep!
I’d like to find a better company that won’t make me pay for installing a new system.
I’m new to this whole idea of cellular security systems. I think both Verizon and AT&T have good reception in the new area where we just bought a home. My mobile plan is with AT&T. Does this have any bearing on which unit I should get or is it a separate plan I pay for? If the system works on a different plan like Simplisafe which defaults to T-Mobile will I have problems getting notifications on my phone? This is a vacation home so I want ability to monitor from my mobile phone.
That’s a great question. That shouldn’t matter. However, it might be a good idea to reach out to your cellular provider to ensure this is the case.
At our home in Estes Park, we have NO cell service, we have to drive a mile or two to get 2 or 3 bars. We have Consumer Cellular Service (AT&T). Frontpoint told me that the quality of our cell service is not a problem. Is that true? What about Protect America? Do we have to have okay cell service for their equipment? What do you recommend?
That is a great question Carole! According to this article (http://blog.frontpointsecurity.com/customer-questions-answered-cellular-edition/) the strength of your cell service does not matter for Frontpoint.
From Frontpoint:
While the cellular chip in FrontPoint systems are similar to a cellphone’s, they are not exactly the same. The chips we use need only a low-frequency signal to reach our Monitoring Center. It’s a much lower frequency than what’s required for a voice conversation over a cellphone. So despite the weak signal in your area, chances are the connection will be strong.
In addition, we use several cellular networks to maximize coverage. We do tests to ensure that you receive the provider that will give you strongest signal and coverage before you complete your order.
As for Protect America, here’s what I found from this link (http://www.protectamerica.com/home-security-blog/home-security/why-protect-america-is-different-than-the-other-security-companies_1740)
From Protect America:
Cellular – communicates without any wires, and only connects to a power source. This operates like a cell phone, and uses radio towers to send a signal. Before going with system, and this goes for any company, make sure the signal strength is good while testing to ensure a quick response from the monitoring station and authorities.
As for our recommendations, both Frontpoint and Protect America are excellent home security providers. Frontpoint is our #1 pick for home security while Protect America is our #2. You can read more about the two companies and their strengths and weaknesses here: https://revert-asl-redrock.pantheonsite.io/int/best-home-security-system/.
I suggest you talk with both companies before making any purchases and telling them where you live and your other information so they can tell you if cellular is an option in your area. In the mean time, let me know if you have any more questions and good luck!
Have you looked at Alarm.com
I’m trying to decide between Time Warner Intelligent Home and Protection One. Any suggestions?
We’ve got a couple articles that go into detail on Time Warner and Protection One. Feel free to take a look at these and let me know if you have any questions still!
https://revert-asl-redrock.pantheonsite.io/int/comcast-home-security-vs-cox-vs-att-vs-time-warner/#time-warner-intelligenthome
https://revert-asl-redrock.pantheonsite.io/int/home-security-systems-reviews/#protection-1
https://revert-asl-redrock.pantheonsite.io/int/protection-1-review/