It was once the technology of spy films: the nefarious villain on a remote island observing the activity of his nemesis halfway around the globe via closed-circuit TV.
But today, anyone with high-speed internet access can watch what’s happening at their home from anywhere in the world.
The same technology that allows you to buy binoculars and stream your favorite episodes of “Mission: Impossible” online, also gives you the ability to see a live feed of your cat while you are on vacation or even alert you to when the front door has been mistakenly left open.
With two-thirds of Americans with broadband internet at home, the ability to monitor and control various “smart home” and security functions with home alarms with WiFi is an affordable reality.
Are WiFi Enabled Security Systems Consumer Friendly?
To control and monitor devices remotely, home alarms with WiFi use the existing wireless network connection in your home.
Each sensor and camera is assigned an internet-protocol address (IP address), just like any other device on your home network (laptop, mobile phone, printer, etc.).
All the home security devices are also wirelessly connected to a keypad controller or a central home base unit.
With an internet browser or a mobile app specific to the security system, a user can:
- login to their equipment and view the feed from cameras
- arm or disarm the system
- and control additional networked devices, such as lights, thermostats, and even door locks
Pros
In addition to the advantages of having round-the-clock access to the security system, home alarms with WiFi are also easy to install and easy to set up.
Customers typically save hundreds of dollars on up-front costs when compared to the professional installation costs of a wired system.
And the expandability of wireless systems allows users to add and update sensors and other equipment at any time.
1. It’s wireless!
It may go without saying, but lacking wires, there are less worries about sensors being physically disconnected from the control panel.
In a traditional low-voltage wire system, a system could be disarmed if one or more wires are severed.
When home alarms with WiFi communicate to monitoring services via a cellular connection, users do not have to worry about relying on their internet connection or landline when an alarm has been triggered.
2. Set Up and Modification Another advantage of home alarms with WiFi is easy DIY installation.
Wireless sensors are battery-powered and attached to windows and doors with adhesive or small screws.
Camera placement is also easy but will require placement near an electrical outlet. When the location of sensors and cameras needs to be changed for any reason, the devices can be easily moved -- no carpentry skills are necessary.
And when a system of sensors and devices needs to be removed, they can easily be detached and relocated to a new property.
3. Smart Home Implementation.
When home alarms with WiFi are paired with smart home automation, users can add to the protection of their home with the convenience of controlling lights and locks remotely.
While timers for lamps have been available for many years, today’s home automation gives the homeowner control of multiple light fixtures, to lock and unlock doors, and to adjust the home’s temperature.
Mobile App Whether it’s being able to see who is ringing the doorbell at your house while at work or simply arming the system without having to go to the keypad, the mobile apps available for home alarms with WiFi bring convenience and plenty of added value.
Cons
While internet-enabled sensors, cameras, and devices have opened up a whole world of connected convenience, they are not entirely without their drawbacks.
Some of the features that are the devices greatest strengths, can also be their Achilles’ heel.
1. Battery Operation
Although battery-powered sensors make installation and removal very easy, the batteries will eventually have to be replaced -- most lasting 3-5 years.
For many sensors, it is an easy operation to replace the battery, although larger security companies may offer to come out to change it for you as part of a service call.
2. Hacking/Abuse
The internet is a two-way street: in order to be able to view web pages, purchase items online, and control your home alarm with WiFi via a mobile app, digital information both leaves and enters your home.
Computer companies, app developers, and internet service providers are constantly updating their systems and software to repel hackers. Still, the homeowner must be vigilant by creating strong passwords for both their wireless network and their home alarm with WiFi.
There are stories of strangers viewing video camera feeds when password protection is weak or non-existent. And misuse of home automation and security systems is also possible when a person in the household knows the passwords but intends to abuse someone in the home.
3. Signal Interruption and Interference
If you live in an area that is prone to internet service interruptions, in an area where broadband is not readily available, or have a home network that is frequently unstable, then there will be times when remote access to home alarms with WiFi and video cameras will be unavailable.
When your home alarm with WiFi monitoring has a cellular or landline connection, then your system’s main alarm functionality will continue to work, even when internet connectivity is down.
4. Sensor Range Limitations
Small to medium-size houses and apartments should have no problem with the range of most wireless detectors and cameras.
With typical open-air ranges of 400-500 feet, devices should be able to communicate with a central control panel without issue.
But certain types of structural elements or furnishings could interfere with the range and prevent a consistent signal to the system’s base station, resulting in intermittent connections.
Larger homes may have problems having sensors maintain a consistent connection and may require custom professional installations.
Bottom Line
The technology in modern, home alarms with WiFi represents some of the most advanced and useful devices currently on the market.
Most base systems are self-install kits that require few mechanical or technological skills to set up; once properly configured, the systems offer simple operation via a mobile app or through an internet browser.
Opening up your home network to control your home security alarm and to view a video feed requires being vigilant: consumers must take the proper precautions to keep their network safe so it is neither abused by hackers or people with access to your network.