Sadly, even bulletproof windows, doors, or smart locks can't completely protect your property from intruders. Therefore, when it comes to security, we always recommend a comprehensive approach and a security system to enhance the protection of your home.

The alarm system will detect threats promptly, deter intruders with an alarm siren, attract the attention of relevant parties, and call security in a timely manner. Combined with a smart lock — criminals will have no chance of breaking into your home!

However, choosing a security system is no joke, as the safety of your property depends directly on it. Therefore, let us help you by explaining the different types of security systems and what to look for in such systems.

Different Types of Security Systems

Generally, there are three main types of alarm systems: wired, wireless, and hybrid. In wired security systems, signals from sensors to the central unit are transmitted via cables; in wireless systems, signals are transmitted via radio channels.

A hybrid system is a combination of wired and wireless systems, and signals are transmitted via both wired and wireless means.

Wired solutions have dominated the market for a long time. This is due to the limitations of wireless systems: radio channels are not adequately shielded, systems often lose contact with sensors, and, due to the one-way connection, it is unclear whether the sensor is online. These problems still persist in systems available for purchase on AliExpress.

Professional-grade wireless solutions have evolved and are now a significant competitor to wired systems. Modern wireless security systems offer more information, are easier to install, and provide you with more than just security.

Choose the Right Security System from the List Below:

1. Connect to the Central Monitoring Station

This is a key indicator you should consider when choosing a security system. The reason is that only certified systems can be connected to a central monitoring station. The certification process requires security equipment to pass dozens of tests conducted by certified independent laboratories. If you fail at least one test, you will not receive certification.

Furthermore, before launching new equipment as fully operational, security companies test the system in real-world conditions by installing and running it on test sites alongside previously proven systems. If the new system demonstrates comparable reliability—that is, it is less prone to false positives and interruptions and detects threats correctly—then it is linked to the monitoring station.

2. Number of Communication Channels

When choosing a system, pay attention to the number of communication channels. The more channels, the higher the system's ability to alert you to danger when needed. Modern control panels are equipped with Ethernet ports, Wi-Fi, and GSM modules. Remember that there should be different types of channels. Even if the system has three modules, but they are all GSM, it's like you only have one channel. If the mobile frequency is compromised, the system will be isolated from the outside world.

3. Power Bank

A reliable system should not be affected by power outages. In this case, a backup battery pack that ensures continuous operation after the power supply is cut off is useful. Ideally, the battery should be Li-ion type. These batteries have both greater storage capacity and virtually no "memory effect".

Gel/Acid batteries	Li-Ion rechargeable batteries
Advantage: Low cost Easy to connect Disadvantages: Battery life: three years 400-800 charge/discharge cycles After deep-sea fishing, a 'memory phenomenon' occurs. Cannot tolerate temperatures below freezing. If damaged, the gel/acid may leak.	Advantage: Lifespan - up to 5 years Up to 4000 charge/discharge cycles 'Minimal memory phenomenon' It can withstand sub-freezing temperatures with ease. Disadvantages: High cost It could catch fire if damaged.

The larger the capacity of the backup battery, the longer the system can operate without a power source. It's recommended to choose a control panel with a backup battery that provides at least 5 hours of battery life.

4. Scope of Operation

Pay attention to the communication range between the central unit and the sensors. Remember that these figures must be considered within certain limitations. Manufacturers often indicate figures in open areas without surrounding interference. In reality, the operating range of the radio signal can be significantly reduced due to obstacles such as walls, furniture, or overlapping floors, as these block the transmission of the radio signal.

Therefore, the greater the working distance, the larger the area that the security system can cover. For example, Ajax centers can communicate with sensors at distances up to 2,000 meters in open space. Inside a building, this is enough to cover 3-4 floors. So, don't be surprised if an alarm system with a range of 150 meters loses contact with sensors in a two-bedroom apartment.

Protocol	Connection range	Battery life
wizard	Up to 2000 m	Up to 7 years
Z-wave 5th generation	Up to 150 m	2 years
ZigBee	Up to 100 m	2 years
Bluetooth	Up to 100 m	one year
Wi-Fi	Up to 100 m	does not use batteries

5. System Protection

- The system should be capable of protecting not only parking spaces but also carefully planned intrusions. With this in mind, development companies equip their products with additional levels of protection.

- Encryption: Radio signals between sensors and the central unit should be encrypted and protected from tampering. This will help prevent others from intercepting the signal and replacing the equipment. Ideally, a sophisticated AES encryption algorithm should be used, one that no receiver can replicate, and not a standard encryption method like KeeLoq, which has long been hacked.

- Countering Organized Attacks: The system should be able to counter well-organized attacks, ensuring that intruders cannot easily bypass the protections.

6. Storage Channel

Wireless security systems require a clean radio channel. Unfortunately, this is only possible in an ideal world. In reality, the air is polluted by interference from various electronic devices, including jamming devices used by intruders. To prevent the central unit from losing connection with sensors under conditions of radio interference, some manufacturers use programmed algorithms that automatically switch the system to a clean frequency.

7. Signal Interference Notification

An intruder can jam the entire frequency band. In this case, even a backup radio channel wouldn't help because the level of jamming would be the same across the entire frequency range. This would render all sensors unusable. That's why the system should be equipped with the ability to notify of initial jamming attempts and situations where critical signal jamming levels have blinded the system.

8. Protection against false alarms

If you have cats, dogs, or other pets, you'll need pet-proof sensors. Some manufacturers recommend using tape to cover part of the sensor lens so it doesn't "see" animal movement in certain areas. But this isn't good advice, as it can damage the system. In reliable systems, motion sensors are equipped with programmed algorithms to filter out insignificant events and complex interferences: for example, airflow, curtain movement, light.

9. Withstands extreme temperatures.

Not all systems perform equally well under varying climatic conditions. If the room is hot, humid, or both, the motion sensor may no longer be able to detect human movement as the room temperature approaches human body temperature. That's why temperature compensation was invented. It automatically adjusts the sensor's sensitivity depending on the room's climatic conditions. In cold winters, when the difference between air temperature and body temperature is large, the sensor is less sensitive. And in hot seasons, the sensor detects the movement of an object even if its temperature is only a few degrees higher than the ambient temperature.

10. Methods of Notification Regarding Alerts

The "more is better" rule also applies here. You should be able to receive instant notifications about events even when you're in a different country. Push notifications in mobile apps, SMS messages, calls in case of alerts — users should have a choice of a convenient method for receiving alerts.

11. Sensor Installation Locations

Addressable sensors allow for quick identification of which sensor has triggered, is low on battery, or has been disturbed. This means you'll know that motion was detected by a sensor in the bedroom, not in the hallway, or that it's time for a battery change. However, fixed alerts aren't always achievable. In wired systems, there's something called a wire loop when multiple sensors are connected to the same area. If one of them is triggered, you can only guess which sensor it was. This is even more difficult if the notification arrives as an unreadable code, corresponding to certain types of alerts. In this case, you'll have to carry a piece of paper with you to decode them.

12. Additional Features

You should ask for more than just a security system. Alarm buttons; smoke, flood, and temperature sensors; home automation devices — modern technology allows you to have them all at once. If possible, choose a system that can be further equipped with "smart" devices.

13. Mobile Applications

Today, every security system manufacturer that respects both themselves and their users has a mobile app compatible with their system. Mobile apps make controlling the system easier but are often limited to enabling/disabling security. Some manufacturers turn the app into a fully functional dashboard, providing status updates for all sensors, system details, event logs, and device inspection features. It's important to know that not all apps are developed for all mobile operating systems simultaneously. If this is the case, some manufacturers also release a web version, which can be opened in a web browser.

14. Remote Customization and Updates

Choose a security system that the manufacturer maintains and regularly updates the software. Modern security systems are comparable to smartphones with frequent updates. The ability to customize and update the system remotely saves the time and cost of hiring a professional, as the professional would perform the same work manually and for a separate fee.

15. Verify with Video or Photo When an Alert is Received

Ensure that the system provides compatibility with video cameras from different manufacturers, as video surveillance and security systems are not the same thing. This will help you assess the situation immediately at home and identify the cause of the system activation. This will help you avoid unnecessary hassle and save the security company time and energy if one of your family members forgets to turn off the security system.

16. Cyber ​​Security

The operating system used by the security system also plays a crucial role. Open-source solutions are often full of bugs and vulnerabilities, making it easier for intruders to penetrate and gain control of the system.

17. Residential security system

For the protection of your home, we recommend starting with the area around your house to deter any burglars with an alarm system before they approach the house, protecting your property in the area and giving residents precious minutes in case of a nighttime break-in.

Specialized suburban motion sensors are often used to protect suburban areas. This is because conventional sensors are not designed to protect outdoor areas as there are many outdoor triggers for false alarms. For example, leaves heated by the sun, passing birds, insects, pets roaming the area, sunbeams, and unpredictable winds. Any of these can trigger a false motion alarm.

Conclude

When choosing a security system, research the system carefully. Pay attention to the following key points:

Do security companies connect their devices to their central monitoring center?
- How many communication channels does the system use? The more the better.
- Does the control center have a backup battery, and what is the communication range between its devices?
- Is the alarm system protected from vandalism and the sensors from false alarms?
- What temperature range can the system operate in, and does the product line include suburban motion sensors?
- How does the system notify about its alerts, and are the notifications informative?
- Are there any mobile apps for controlling the system? Are they convenient, and what additional features does the system manufacturer offer?
Does the system support remote customization?
Does the system integrate with cameras and DVRs?