Types of Alarm Signals

Audible Only

• Audible or "bells only" alarm signals communicate to the outside world via sound that someone or something has tripped an alarm system. In most instances, this sound is a high-pitched, incredibly loud, repetitive blaring or beeping noise. Its purpose is to alert people passing by, neighbors and---if present---occupants that a break-in is occurring. However, the signal's effectiveness depends upon the presence of people. If no one is around to hear it, no one can call the authorities to report it.

Land-line

• A land-line alarm signal was once the industry standard, according to Atronic Alarms and is still reliable. The signal operates via a standard land-line telephone system. When an alarm is triggered, the system sends a message over the telephone wires to a monitoring center, where an alarm company representative calls the property to see what has occurred. If someone on the property indicates that there is a crime occurring or does not answer, the representative will contact the authorities. A drawback to land-line alarm signals is that if the telephone wires go down, or someone cuts them, the signal will not work. However, a land-line signal can be backed up by with Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) radio signal, which can reach call centers in the event of a downed telephone system.

Digital

• Unlike a land-line signal, which only goes in to action when the alarm system goes off, a digital signal constantly sends information to a monitoring station. According to Aaron Hi-Tech, in some instances alarm systems with digital signals contact authorities directly, as opposed to going through a customer service representative. When someone trips the alarm, this person has several minutes to enter in a code, which will disarm the alarm. If the person is an intruder and doesn't know the code, after the allotted timed-period the digital signal go out to police.

Internet

• More people are turning to Internet-based alarm signals. When an alarm system goes off, it will send a signal over the Internet to a monitoring center, where employees can then take necessary action. However, a computer may require the installation of a specialized Internet Protocol (IP) module in order for the signal to work.