Subject: Re: Losing monitoring customers to Internet phones
Newsgroup: alt.security.alarms
=> R.H.Campbell <= said:
Oh yes, I forgot to mention, this internet device at the website I mentioned
below, ONLY uses Contact ID, which is the one format that doesn't work over
VoIP...
I got an email from Napco late November 2004 that reads:
(basically saying to ONLY use CID)
NAPCO Tech Support
APPLICATION NOTE
NAPCO Gemini Controls Communicate Over VOIP
The NAPCO Gemini series of control panels can properly report signals to central
station over residential Voice Over Internet Protocol telephone systems, in most
cases. When used in this type of application, the control panel must be
configured to report to central station using the Contact ID reporting format.
Please note that NAPCO has not performed extensive testing of all broadband
providers throughout the United States. This statement is based solely on field
testing to date, testing in the NAPCO lab and on field reports from installation
companies throughout the country.
NAPCO testing also shows that installation of a control panel on a VOIP
telephone system in some cases affects the reliability of remote downloading to
the control panel. Changes have been made in the latest version of the NAPCO
PCD-Windows Quickloader (V4.4 or greater) to optimize downloading control panels
over VOIP.
Please be aware of the following warnings:
* It is strongly recommended that all installations that communicate to
central station over VOIP telephone systems be thoroughly tested at the time of
installation to insure that all signals are received by the central station. It
is also strongly recommended that automatic communication tests are performed at
least once a week to insure ongoing system integrity.
* It is strongly recommended that a back-up method of communication be
provided to insure that the system is capable of reporting signals to central
station in the event of a power failure that incapacitates the broadband modem
and router.
* It is recommended that the broadband modem and router are kept in a secure
location to avoid inadvertent disconnection by the subscriber.
* Always insure that the installation is properly line seized.
* Always insure that the POTS telephone lines have been completely
disconnected from the telephone wiring after the conversion to VOIP.
In summary, the recommended medium for central station alarm transmission is a
basic telephone land line. However, if VOIP is the only method of communication
available for a given installation, and the warnings and recommendations above
are addressed, NAPCO testing indicates that the Gemini series control panels
will communicate properly to central station over VOIP.