Understanding Wireless Home Security Systems

If you’ve been considering investing in a home security system, you’re probably aware that there are a variety of shapes, sizes and price ranges. One factor that people may consider is whether to install a wired or wireless security system.

WIRELESS SECURITY SYSTEM OR WIRED SECURITY SYSTEM?

Both a wired and a wireless home security system can be monitored by a professional security company. Both can be installed as a DIY project or by a professional, although an experienced security professional, such as ADT, is often recommended if you want to add sensors, remote arm and disarm, etc.

Wired security systems and wireless security systems can be equally effective, but each has its own advantages and disadvantages.

Wireless home security systems use radio waves, rather than wires or cables, to communicate between the control panel, sensors and cameras.

SOME ADVANTAGES OF WIRED SYSTEMS:

1. Wired systems can often accommodate several 'zones' of protection.
2. Wired systems tend to be less susceptible to incidental radio or electrical interference or interruption, or purposeful radio or electrical interception, corruption, alteration, blockage, manipulation, tampering, imitation, and/or mimicking by a “hacker.”
3. They use a backup battery system during electrical interruptions.

SOME DISADVANTAGES OF WIRED SYSTEMS:

1. Wired systems can be time consuming and more expensive to install.
2. It can be difficult or impossible to hide all the wiring when installed in an existing home.
3. Once installed, it can be difficult to remove and take with you if you should move.

SOME ADVANTAGES OF WIRELESS SYSTEMS:

1. It’s a great alternative for people living in older homes, condominiums or apartments.
2. Since wireless systems do not have to be hard-wired and have their own batteries, they can be installed in locations in a home where there are no wires or electrical access.
3. The system can be expanded wirelessly as needed.

SOME DISADVANTAGES OF WIRELESS SYSTEMS:

1. Wireless sensors will need batteries to operate, so while battery life can be several years, the batteries will die if they are not checked.
2. Wireless sensors need to be within a certain distance of the central control panel. This can limit where some sensors are placed.
3. Radio frequency signals sent to and from wireless sensors may be susceptible to incidental interference, including interference from other devices that communicate using radio waves, such as baby monitors.
4. It is possible that the radio frequency signals sent to and from wireless sensors could be purposefully interfered with, interrupted, intercepted, corrupted, altered, blocked, manipulated, tampered with, imitated, and/or mimicked by a “hacker” intent on interfering with a wireless security system. For more information on such “hacks,” click here or here .

INSTALLATION

When it comes to installation, a wireless security system can be less time consuming when compared to hard-wired systems. In the hard-wired setup, wires must be run through the home to every device and sensor, which includes all door, window, motion and glass-break sensors. Wireless home security systems tend to be easier to install, and wireless DIY systems are portable, so in the event of a move, you can easily take the wireless DIY system with you.

THE WINNER

You are. While both systems have their advantages and disadvantages, the best system is the one that fits your family’s lifestyle and needs.

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