IT’S HURRICANE AND FIRE SEASON, IS YOUR ALARM MONITORING SYSTEM RELIABLE?
It all began with the global pandemic, and then the wildfires started, and on top of that hurricanes roaring through the Southeast, I mean what else can go wrong? R.E.M cannot be right, this is not the end of the world as we know it! Is your alarm monitoring system reliable to take on these hazards?
With all of these uncontrollable disasters taking place, it reminds us how important it is to invest in the health and safety of our organizations. Are your alarm monitoring systems ready to take on whatever comes their way? If they’re mesh, they are!
As you think of ways to keep your business safe from harm during unforeseen natural disasters, consider your alarm monitoring system. There are a couple of options when it comes to deciding what system you want to invest in, here’s a breakdown of what each of them offers.
WHAT IS A MESH NETWORK SYSTEM? AND HOW DOES IT WORK?
Wireless mesh networks are a collection of wireless routers that provide network access to clients in commercial buildings. These mesh routers serve as a gateway to the central monitoring station.
Mesh networks are perfect for any change in the environment, like a hurricane, or fire, as they are able to choose from multiple paths to get information to the end destination. These networks are able to self-heal in case of a node or link failure. When one router becomes compromised, traffic redirects onto an alternative path.
This network is the Michael Jordan of the alarm monitoring systems. With mesh networks, there is no single point of failure. If a router goes down, it reroutes to another. If a gateway goes down, it reroutes to another. A frustrating opponent, but indispensable when on your team.
Not only is a mesh network extremely reliable, but it is also quite a bit faster than cellular. Mesh radio networks provide a transmission time of only 1-3 seconds, while other networks may take up to 45 seconds. With alarm monitoring systems, every second counts, so be sure your system is prepared to transmit information as quickly as possible.
WHAT ABOUT CELLULAR NETWORKS? WHY IS MESH BETTER?
Cellular systems use local cellular service to relay fire alarm signals from the building to the nearest cell tower. The signal is then relayed to an internet gateway by point-to-point microwaves or fiber optic cables. Once it is on the internet, it is routed to the central monitoring station.
As far as reliability is concerned, cellular networks do have a single point of failure, which may cause issues. If any part of the communication systems goes down, the communication link is broken.
IS YOUR ALARM MONITORING SYSTEM RELIABLE?
Mesh networks are the future of alarm monitoring systems. You don’t want to be ‘that guy’ with the out of style alarm system, stay trendy, stay prepared, stay safe. Contact MeshWrx today!
