There are lots of young people who already consider the traditional landline a relic of the past, something dinosaurs used when they were out of each other’s roaring range. It’s true that landline based home security systems are getting less and less popular, as manufacturers are increasingly focusing on further innovating and promoting consoles that operate using cellular and wireless technology. But this doesn’t mean that having a landline is a setback: it is still a stable way of communication, the elders are also very fond of it, not to mention it serves really well as a backup to wireless and cellular connections that still tend to be less reliable in certain areas. So, does landline still hold up?
For decades in the past, a landline connection was the main way of communication between people; no wonder different alarm services also based their features around phone lines. But in the last few years, this dependable communication method got set back by internet connections, and then the cellular technology. Still, having a landline is a must have in most people’s home, elderly in particular don’t want to do away with it, as they are more used to it, and don’t feel like changing to something new. Plus, just because cellular is popular, it’s no reason to immediately get rid of your landline service.
Advocates of the cellular technology in home security systems like to boast about the speed and availability, as a simple backup battery can provide enough energy for the console to operate independently. On the other hand, external factors – such as environmental interference or electromagnetic storms – can easily mess with the connection, rendering it useless. Traditional landlines are much more stable in most circumstances, and people trust them more. They are also much more secure and predictable. But keep in mind that choosing the more advanced cellular option with security companies often comes at the cost of an increased monthly fee. Those who only wish to update their pre-existing alarms with a monitoring service can save a lot by opting for the landline-based monitoring.
The biggest problem with landline is the fact that criminals can cut the wires to disable the defense and waltz into the house to loot it. But don’t forget that cellular systems aren’t impenetrable either: with a modified radio tuner and a little tech know-how, burglars are able to jam the signals of these systems, and without the alarm signals deterred, your home becomes just as vulnerable as with the severed wires. However, the fact that both can be cracked shouldn’t discourage you from purchasing any kind of home security system! On the contrary, combining the two could be the best way to repel home intruders. Most security consoles are designed in a way that they sense when the landline becomes unavailable, to instantly arm the cellular backup. This means that you are being protected by a double line of defense.
Landline has its flaws; there is no denying in it. It’s more expensive, less convenient, and fewer features are available for it. But landline always remains the last possible option people try when everything else fails. Although a lot less portable, and it always depends on cabling, it’s good to know that there is a battle-tested method of calling for help. We highly recommend sticking with landline as a last resort. Even if it’s not necessary to establish your home security service, it’s good to have an extra means of calling for help. Fortunately, alarm companies are aware of this fact, and there are numerous consoles that are still compatible with landlines.
As said before, landline is best used paired up with the other connectivity types as a backup. This means that people who wish to use their phone line should look for companies whose product is compatible with landline, internet and cellular networks. Protect America is one of those companies that still haven’t abandoned this old-fashioned solution while keeping up with the modern trends. Protect America offers a broadband monitoring service that can be connected to in multiple ways, including landlines. The security console is fitted with a two-way voice feature, and there is a wide range of sensors and detectors available, all of which can be accessed through a smartphone app. LifeShield is also a good example of a security provider supporting the use of landline connections. The company has a unique base station which allows people to simultaneously or independently use internet connections, phone lines or the cellular network, thus if any of them fails or unavailable for some reason, the other options still provide a means to contact the emergency services.
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