CONTROLLING YOUR HOME SECURITY SYSTEM THROUGH A SMARTPHONE APP OR PC
Most alarm systems are compatible with at least one kind of mobile app or platform to give the user smartphone control of their system. There are “premium” apps, such as Alarm.com, that can control everything in your smart home from wall outlets to garage door openers. Some of the more generic apps only allow the user to arm and disarm remotely, or check the status of the system at any point in time.
It’s also easy to view your system from a desktop computer or laptop by going directly to the website and logging in.
In most cases, something must be added to the existing system to enable smartphone control. Some devices use the cellular network to transmit data, while others strictly use the home’s existing internet connection.
SMARTPHONE APPS OR PLATFORMS
Apps or platforms that use the cellular network are the most secure. The data is encrypted, and there is no way to hack the device through the home network because it isn’t connected to it. It is also the most reliable method, as networks can go down or lines can be physically cut or tampered with. As such, there is usually an additional monthly fee for these types of systems.
TELGUARD HOMECONTROL
With the installation of any Telguard universal communicators the HomeControl Flex Platform becomes available. These units back up your traditional alarm system phone line monitoring or can be used as a standalone communicator. With some added wiring between the security system and the Telguard communicator it even enables remote capabilities. Even if the phone lines are cut this module will guarantee transmission to the monitoring station.
ALARM.COM
The Alarm.com Platform can be synced with many different types of alarm systems. Call us to see if your system is compatible. It uses Z-Wave technology to communicate with different smart devices within the house.
With the Alarm.com home automation platform, users can program “scenes” into the alarm system. Scenes are just certain actions that are taken when an event happens. For example, when the system is disarmed, lights in the house can turn on. Or when the homeowner get within proximity of the house, the heat can be turned up.
The type of scenes you can create depends on what devices you have hooked up to the system. Even appliances can be synced with this platform!
RCONTROL
Probably the most economical option, RControl allows users to arm/disarm their alarms, view zone activity, get notifications and view events. Installation requires a small circuit board to be installed at or close by the main alarm panel. Most panels work with this unit and it is probably the least expensive of the three.
CONNECT2GO
The Envisalink module is an internet communicator that interfaces with your alarm system. Many older alarm panels are compatible with this unit. For this to be installed a wire must be run from your alarm control panel to your home network router. If running a wire is too difficult there are wireless options available. Once your alarm is online, it can be controlled remotely via desktop PC, tablet or smartphone. It can also be synced with up to 9 Wi-Fi cameras, 4 thermostats (Radio CT-50 only) and can trigger an output on the alarm control panel that can be used to trigger garage door openers, turn on relays, etc.
ULTRASYNC
The UltraSync platform allows users to connect a wide array of smart products to their system. It can accommodate wired or wireless sensors. Adding Z-Wave devices such as locks and lights are easy and can often be done by the homeowner. No wires need to be run for this system which makes installation a breeze. This system handles everything such as security, video, locks, lights, thermostats, garage doors, and more all with low monthly fees. A hub must be installed, which has the traditional keypad look and feel. Control is done through the app using your smartphone, PC/Mac or tablet. Separate tablets are available if needed.