Alarm.com » Home Security Blog

Wireless Home Security – Blog Reader Asks about Alarm Sensor and Cellular Signal Jamming

Posted by Peter M. Rogers at 5:29 pm 4 Responses »

May 012012

One of the joys of blogging is that I get great questions from readers on alarm technology, alarm system design, and other topics. I reply individually to each of them, but it recently occurred to me that these questions and answers would make good reading for those who are getting up to speed on home security. After all, FrontPoint is all about education and transparency – that’s part of the reason we have such great reviews. So here’s an excellent question from a reader, in two parts, along with my response. And yes, I have replied directly to the person who asked!

What is FrontPoint and alarm.com doing to circumvent the use of jammers by burglars? While it is a bit more difficult and expensive to obtain a jammer (as opposed to a pair of wire cutters), one can be had with a little work and a couple hundred dollars. A burglar could enable a jammer prior to entering the premise and prevent: 1. Wireless transmissions between the sensors and the alarm panel, and 2. Cellular (GPRS) transmissions between the alarm panel and alarm.com. The Simon XT apparently has the ability to detect RF jamming from the sensors to the Panel (although I am not exactly sure what it does if it detects such jamming). Read More »

Wireless Home Security – Alarm.com Announces More Smart Home Services for Savings and Convenience

Posted by Peter M. Rogers at 1:23 pm No Responses »

Feb 292012

I’ve often stated that Alarm.com, FrontPoint’s technology partner, wrote the book on advanced interactive monitoring services. It’s true: not only were they first to market with groundbreaking alarm technology, but they have maintained the lead over several “wannabe” interactive imitators (like Honeywell’s Total Connect, and ADT’s Pulse). Today Alarm.com released an announcement that clearly demonstrates why they are still the top dog in the competitive home security marketplace.

By the way, FrontPoint is proud to have built Alarm.com technology into every system we have ever sold, from day one – most likely the only US company who can make that claim. And that means we are the only alarm company that has included safer cellular monitoring in every FrontPoint system – which clearly separates us from the pack, since most alarm system in use today still depend on a vulnerable phone or Internet connection. Read More »

ADT Pulse Cost and Review: Customers Speak Out on Pulse

Posted by Peter M. Rogers at 11:36 am 6 Responses »

Dec 052011

The folks at ADT have invested a tremendous amount of time and energy in developing and marketing their Pulse platform. The offering is a massive effort to help ADT try to catch up with other alarm companies, especially in the areas of interactive monitoring and home automation. Now that Pulse has been out for a number of months, the reviews are coming in – and they are mixed. A great example was posted to the FrontPoint web site, in the form of a request for us to contact an unhappy Pulse customer:

We bought ADT’s Pulse system, but they can’t figure out how to program a static router in their iHub. Two installs and two months later we’re thinking about giving up and asking for money back. No installer has done anything as they just give up at “go” and pass it to someone else. Read More »

Wireless Home Security – Top 5 Tips for Thanksgiving Peace of Mind

Posted by Peter M. Rogers at 8:57 am No Responses »

Nov 222011

Summer is a very busy period for burglars, but the holiday season comes in a close second for home intrusions. In fact, the FBI reports that roughly 400,000 burglaries take place in the US during the months of November and December. Law enforcement professionals regularly recommend a monitored alarm system as a deterrent. As many of our customers already know, FrontPoint partners with GE Security for the most reliable wireless alarm equipment and with Alarm.com for the most advanced home security and home automation features. And once again, Alarm.com is offering some great holiday home safety advice, in this case with a particular Thanksgiving flavor!

Take care of the prep work. First, find a security system that will work around the clock to keep track of who’s coming and going, even during the family’s busiest times. Getting the best protection takes a bit of research and planning. Consider a family’s priorities and daily behaviors. Is the family often away from home? How does the holiday season affect the family’s routines? When is the home at its most vulnerable? If family members often forget to lock the doors, choose a security system that offers remote control of door locks through the Web or a home security mobile app. Unique user codes for door locks can also help monitor all the scheduled guests this year, including the in-laws. Read More »

Combine Home Security with Energy Savings, Using Alarm.com

Posted by Peter M. Rogers at 10:51 am No Responses »

Aug 292011

During 20-plus years working in home security, I’ve been watching the slow evolution of alarm technology. But today I’m more excited than ever about the latest developments – alarm systems do more, and do it better. First came safer cellular monitoring, and then smarter interactive features, like apps, remote arming, and notifications. Then came video services that allow you to view your home remotely, and that can even send you motion-activated video clips. The latest additions to fully-featured home security include home automation and energy management – and are bringing real savings along with convenience. This recent press release from Alarm.com, FrontPoint’s technology partner, tells the story.

According to ENERGY STAR, the average annual energy bill for a typical single family home is approximately $2,200, – 58 percent of which is dedicated to heating, cooling and lighting. The good news for homeowners seeking to reduce this significant expense is that a home automation and energy management solution is easier and more convenient than ever to integrate with an interactive home security system. Not only can consumers control lights, locks and thermostats remotely from a computer or smartphone, they can also set up schedules to make their homes smarter and even conserve energy at the same time. Read More »