Types of Security Systems: A Comprehensive Guide
So, you’ve decided that it’s time to put a security system in your house or business. Home security systems help keep your family and possessions safe while you’re home or away. The best home security systems provide comfort and confirmation that your abode is always protected—whether that means that you monitor the situation through a phone app or the monitoring is done for you professionally for a monthly fee. (1) With so many different types of security systems available and overlapping names and categories, consumers may inevitably become confused.
To address this, we’ve compiled a detailed overview of the many types of security systems. You’ll understand the key differences between the many types of security systems and how to pick the ideal one for protecting your home.
Monitored Security Systems
There are two types of monitored Kansas City security systems.
A Company-Managed Security System: A corporate monitored system is a security system that is monitored by a professional security company. The security provider will also respond on your behalf if an issue occurs, as indicated by a sensor being activated or anything being detected on your surveillance cameras.
A Self-Monitored Security System? On the other hand, a self-watched system is a security system that the property owner must monitor. As a result, if they detect anything on their property, they must take action, such as alerting the police.
How Does a Monitored Security System Work?
Both company-monitored and self-monitored security systems operate by transmitting an alarm-triggered event, whether via camera systems or alarm systems Kansas City, which can then be inspected and acted upon. The main distinction is where this information is sent. A company-monitored security system Kansas City sends an alert to monitors at the security company’s base, which is why they are also known as back-to-base security systems. If an alarm goes off at your property, the security professionals monitoring it will phone you, i.e., a verification call, to see if the alarm was accidentally triggered.
If it wasn’t a mistake, don’t answer your phone, or if you answer but don’t respond (an indicator of duress), the security firm will send security personnel or call the police to investigate further. In the case of self-monitored security systems, the alarm is usually sent to your mobile device, whether it’s a smartphone or tablet. You can then access the information using a mobile app. The security alert can occur in real-time.
Both types of monitored security systems will include a range of sensors and alerts, such as motion detectors, glass break alarms, and/or security cameras.
Unmonitored Security System
An unmonitored security system does not report to any base and does not allow you to monitor recorded footage in real-time via a smartphone app. Instead, contemporary security systems emphasize deterrents, using alarms, sirens, and even programmable audio messages to prevent intruders. They are typically known as local alarm monitoring Kansas City because they do not notify anyone in the case of a trigger. If you have Wi-Fi and internet access at your location and a smartphone, the latest systems can be configured to report to your phone’s app. The main features of this system include:
Activation keypads
Alarms: sirens and audio messages.
Sensors: Window break alarms, door and window opening sensors, motion detection sensors
Camera footage can be recorded back to an on-site central recorder.
In general, a monitored system is preferable because it offers you more information and, hence, more options in the event of an intruder on your property. So, theoretically speaking, unmonitored security systems are less capable than monitored systems. However, unmonitored systems might be advantageous in certain situations, such as:
If you’re on an extremely tight budget.
If the site has no internet connection.
If you reside in a low-crime area.
Wired Security System
A wired security system connects all of its components via low-voltage wiring and cables. Devices such as cameras, motion detectors, digital video recorders, keypads, and so on are linked to a central control panel, which is typically connected to cyberspace via an Ethernet cable or Wi-Fi extender. The benefits of this security system include
Reliable electricity source.
Compatible internet connection.
Camera footage is recorded and kept on-site on an NVR (locked away). There are no cloud storage fees.
Alarm devices immediately restore after a trigger in preparation for the next trigger alert (wireless must reset before tripping again, which takes some time).
A more stable connection than wireless systems since the primary control panel is aware of the real-time condition of all system components.
No recurring battery replacement charges for each device.
Wireless Security System
A wireless security system connects its components, such as cameras and sensors, to a panel or recorder via radio signals. However, most wireless security systems Kansas City feature plug-in central control panels. Furthermore, security cameras in wireless systems are typically plug-in to avoid needing to change batteries regularly. Certain security camera systems are battery-powered and may be accessed remotely over Wi-Fi.
However, they require a monthly membership to save your footage on the cloud.
Do Wireless Security Systems Require an Internet Connection?
A stable, dependable internet connection is essential for a wireless internet connection. The system must be linked to the internet to receive real-time notifications when a sensor is triggered. On a related note, you also need a signal to receive alerts when they are sent, so if you’re in a region with a poor connection, you may not receive them in time to respond.
What are the Primary Functions of a Security System?
The overall function of a security system is determined by the property on which it is installed and the reasons for installation. Compare the prices offered by different alarm companies Kansas City before you purchase your security system. With that in mind, security systems share common functions, such as:
To Deter: Discourage criminals from targeting your property since they are more likely to be detected.
To Alert: Notifying you or the security personnel in charge of your property about the occurrence of a potential incident. Depending on the type of security system, you may also be notified of the exact location of the event on your property.
To document: Record video or photo footage of an event, such as a burglary, then pass it on to police to help catch the criminals.
