I just received an interesting email from Bryan Elliot at NextAlarm.com. In the email, he states that NextAlarm is a small, innovative company offering alarm monitoring services for homes and small businesses. Bryan states, "In the same vein as ADT and Brink's, but we offer Internet features which are far ahead of the pack, and we also offer services at a substantial discount compared to the 'big boys'."
Bryan mentions the issue of DTMF digits not properly being transmitted when using VoIP which affects alarm systems. He states, "Of particular interest to home & small biz VoIP users (and by extension, subject matter for your blog), is the well-known problem of switching to VoIP service (such as Vonage) when you have an alarm system. Simply put - it doesn't work. Most alarm panels are unable to communicate signals to the customer's alarm monitoring company, when the customer has switched to VoIP. It has to do with the format used to communicate (very rapid DTMF pulses), and the loss of fidelity when going through VoIP companies."
In January, NextAlarm.com launched their own private VoIP network, using equipment which retains full DTMF fidelity. It is designed to run alongside a customer's VoIP telephone service -- e.g. they plug their telephones into Vonage modems, and they plug their alarm panel into our VoIP modem, and everyone's happy. I checked out their website and it appears that they are using Digium's Broadband Modem adaptor, as seen to the left.
More can be read about their VoIP "friendly" alarm system service here:
https://nextalarm.com/abn.jsp
Bryan also mentions that they also offer competitive services for people with POTS lines too but he claims, "we're just the first to market with a VoIP-specific solution as well".
NextAlarm's VoIP-capable Alarm System
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This looks like a great device and service. I hope that people will think about using this instead of purchasing services and monitoring from AlarmForce. I was an AlarmForce customer for almost 10 years and had nothing but bad expereinces with them. Their service was terrible and their customer service representatives seem incapable of anything except quoting thier policy manual.
I'm thrilled that there are great alternatives.
uControl works with VoIP also. It also adds a bunch of cool features like mutliple paths to the monitoring station, alarm panel notificaitons (like zone event, arm and disarm) and remoting arming and disarming.
If you are interested in more informaiton, check them out: http://www.ucontrol.com.
i disagree with mr. cook. i'm an alarmforce client (been with them for 6 years) and have had nothing but good experiences with them. plus i have voip and my system works fine. so no complaints in the least.
Congratulations to uControl - 2 years later
This Security System is top notch! their alarm monitoring service works seamlessly with the broadband connection, adding a secure feeling to my digital home! All security companies should be this user friendly! Nextalarm security products and services are a blessing to those of us who need security systems, but can't afford to be in a contract with copmany like ADT security or Brinks home security. NextALarm is the security company of the future!
Many alarm panel mfg's have internet transmission modules. DSC, Ademco and now Paradox have modules which can accomodate your needs. There are also several universal versions which can connect to almost any alarm panel on the market.