The 5 W’s about Wireless Security Systems

From the moment we've been able to read, the Five W’s – who, what, when, where, why – have been the first set of questions to ask when trying to find information. The Five W’s can be used to help explain just about anything, from Facebook events to criminal investigations. In this instance though, we’re going to use it to explain home security systems and to be more specific – wireless home security systems. You might be asking: Why wireless? That’s exactly the purpose of this blog: to explain everything we can about wireless home security systems by using the 5 W’s.

What is a Wireless Security System?

Like its name suggests, a wireless security system is simply a security system without wires. The most common systems are hardwired, meaning all the sensors will be connected to the central unit by wires. A hardwired connection, either a phone line or broadband connection, will also be required for the alarm system to communicate with a monitoring station. A wireless security system on the other hand, does not require any of these hardwired connections. The sensors are wireless and the central unit communicates with a monitoring station by using a cellular chip; the same way a cell phone communicates with signal towers.

Be on the lookout though, some companies try to sell what appears to be a wireless home security system, when it’s actually not. The system might have wireless sensors, but it will still rely on a hardwired connection and not a cellular chip. These companies will only tell you about the true 100% wireless alarm system if you ask for it. Even worse, they might even try to charge you extra for this safer option! However, there are other home security companies, such as FrontPoint Security, that have 100% wireless systems as their only option.

Why Should I Go With Wireless?

As mentioned above, old-fashioned systems rely on a hardwired connection to communicate with a monitoring station. Unfortunately, this is incredibly unsafe when compared to a wireless home alarm system. Most burglars today cut the wires before breaking into a house. What good is a wired security system when the wires are severed? With no phone line or broadband connection to send out a signal, a wired alarm system is completely useless. Also something to think about is how these same connections hold up during a power outage. When a storm passes through and knocks out your power, it also takes out your internet and phone.

Meanwhile, a wireless security system doesn’t rely on these hardwired connections. Because it uses a cellular connection, there aren’t any wires for a burglar to cut. A power outage might take down your internet or phone line, but it will just keep on working. There’s no need to worry about the system losing any power either, since wireless security systems have a backup battery for those situations. Take a look at your cell phone and you’ll see that a wireless alarm system behaves very similarly. By not being reliant on hardwired connections, a wireless system is substantially safer than any traditional system.

Who Should Get a Wireless Security System?

Anyone who is in the market for a new home security system should be looking to go wireless. Wired systems are simply defeated too easily to be recommended. On the other hand, wireless security systems, such as those offered by FrontPoint Security, are virtually impossible to defeat.

More specifically though, renters, travelers, and just about anybody else who tends to move around a lot should focus on getting a wireless security system. The reason for this is that most wireless security systems are Do-It-Yourself (DIY) and are incredibly easy to move. A wired system usually involves an invasive installation process that includes drilling into your walls, which might require a professional. When you want to move, you have to remove the system out of your walls and then you get to look forward to the same installation process in your new home. Think about the expense as well, as having a professional installation can be incredibly expensive.

Wireless alarm systems are much simpler. The sensors have adhesives for easy placement and best of all, there’s no need to drill any holes. When you want to move, all you have to do is take down the sensors, pick up your system, and take it with you. It’s really that easy. Best of all, you don’t have to pay for a professional installation because of the DIY wireless security system.

Where Should I Get a Wireless Security System From?

Everyone looks for different features in a security system, so it’s up to the customer to find out what they want and who can provide it. Begin by doing some research. Check the reviews, both by professionals and customers. Look at everything about a security company, from the positives and negatives, to the security system itself and customer service.

Make sure to look for any features that might stand out to you. The latest wireless security systems have a laundry list of features, ranging from basic safety features to more advanced interactive features. FrontPoint Security, for example, offers a unique feature called “Crash-and-Smash”. This feature protects against any burglars who break-in and destroy your system in hopes that a signal won’t be sent out in time. “Crash-and-Smash” allows the security system to send out a signal immediately, at the first sign of trouble. Since many companies carry the same types of systems, unique features, such as “Crash-and-Smash,” might ultimately be the deciding factor on the company you choose.

When’s the Best Time to Get a Wireless Security System?

There’s never a bad time to get a wireless security system. A security system is a worthy investment and the reality is that anything can happen, at any time, so it’s better to be safe than sorry. We've heard too many stories of how customers experienced a break-in before they had a system and how they wished they had one afterwards. Only after the break-in did they decide it was the right time to purchase a home alarm system. Having a home security system is the best way to protect your home, even if it’s just a precautionary measure.

The essentials of a wireless home security system, all explained by asking five simple questions. If you’re not yet a security system owner, don’t be afraid to look into the finer details. Call the home security companies themselves and speak to the representatives. Pay attention to the way they answer because it can be a good indication of the company’s overall customer service. Feel free to contact FrontPoint Security even if you’re not a customer, we’ll be happy to answer any questions that you may have.