Keeping your home and family safe is one of your top priorities, and wireless home security systems are one of the most affordable and effective ways to do so.
According to FBI data, there were over one-and-a-half million burglaries in 2015, resulting in an average loss per incident of $2316. You don’t have to become a statistic. By taking advantage of feature-rich home alarm systems you can reduce your chances of becoming a target for the bad guys.
If you’ve been shopping for the best home security systems then you already know that the options are plentiful and sometimes overwhelming. In this guide, I’ll explain what wireless actually means in the context of security equipment, how it works, and which components you should consider when choosing a setup.
What Are Wireless Home Security Systems?
The term “wireless” refers to two different elements of home security functionality. I’ll go into more detail about each of these aspects later in this guide.
Professionally Monitored Systems
When it comes to professionally installed and monitored equipment, wireless refers to the ability of the system to operate on a cellular network as opposed to a hard-wired phone line. Cellular technology has changed the face of home security because it cannot be disabled by cutting the phone or internet line. In addition, if you choose a system with battery backup you are still protected even if the power goes out.
Cellular service is available from most home security companies in a range of options:
- As a backup for professionally installed and monitored equipment, such as through ADT as part of their higher-tier packages.
- As the primary operational method of self-install equipment with professional monitoring, as with companies like Frontpoint.
- As a backup add-on to a flexible system like Iris, which can be self-monitored or, for a fee, professionally monitored (with cellular backup for an additional monthly cost).
In other words, you can get a wireless home security system which functions entirely on cellular service, or you can choose a system that operates through the phone line but with cellular back up in case the line is compromised.