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.
DIY Internet-Based Systems
The other type of wireless security system is typical of the DIY home security variety. This kind of equipment uses your internet connection to allow communication between all of the components, as well as between the components and your mobile device. Rather than operating through a landline, your home security devices connect as a system using your router.
Wireless DIY home security systems offer a number of benefits:
- They’re easy to install. Most wireless security systems simply involve plugging the components into a power source and following the instructions for connecting them.
- They’re affordable. While some products do come with a professional monitoring option, if you choose self-monitoring you will only have to pay for the cost of the equipment. This is typically much less than what you would pay for a system from a security company.
- They’re portable. If you move or wish to reposition equipment, wireless devices are much easier to move than hard-wired.
- They can be integrated with smart devices. One of the most attractive features of an Internet-based wireless security system is that many come with the option to connect to other smart devices in your home, such as thermostats, smart locks, and lighting.
As households become more reliant upon mobile technology and connected home automation increases its foothold on daily life, security is naturally being brought into the fold through wireless internet-dependent solutions. This means more, better, and cheaper products for streamlining your home’s functionality and improving your safety and security.