There is no easy answer to whether or not you should use a cellular connection or landline connection for your home security system.
In fact, there is no significant difference in the type of equipment that is used for each type of monitoring.
For example, all control panels, security cameras, and sensors are the same, the only difference is how they are connected or installed by the home security company.
If possible, we highly recommend using both landline and cellular for maximum home security and efficiency.
When choosing which type of connection to use, it's important to consider your individual needs and your unique situation.
Below we've outlined some of the strengths and weaknesses of each connection.
Read each section carefully to best understand which connection is best for you.
Wireless Cellular Home Security
It's no secret that landline service lines are susceptible to being cut by potential intruders, contrasted with a wireless connection that uses radio waves for transmission.
This wireless signal sends transmissions both between the sensors in your home to the control panel as well as from the control panel to the monitoring center.
Because there are no physical lines that can be tampered with, cellular systems can be more secure and reliable than their landline counterparts.
When considering a wireless security system, you'll need an internet connection, most likely high-speed internet access, at your home.
Many systems are DIY, but there is often an installation option as well.
Service professionals can come and connect the system to your wireless router and wi-fi network.
In addition to the added security and reliability, with cellular monitoring packages, there is generally an option to access the system remotely via multiple devices, like a mobile app on a cell phone or through a computer.
This means that no matter where you are, you can have control and visibility into your home security system through cellular security cameras.
Some of the disadvantages of wireless cellular systems include interference, cost, and battery dependence.
- Interference: Bad weather can interfere with the signal of a wireless alarm system. In addition, appliances that use radio frequencies can also interfere with your home security's signal (more common in low-end wireless home security systems).
- Cost: The components of a wireless system are often more expensive up front than wired systems. Monitoring packages for wireless cellular often also run at higher monthly costs.
- Battery dependence: Wireless systems require the use of batteries which means frequent battery checks and, for larger systems, frequent battery replacement.
Companies that offer wireless home security connections with cellular technology:
Landline Security Systems
Landline connections for home security have been an industry standard for decades.
A landline connection refers to your home security system connecting to a phone line which uses a solid medium telephone line such as a metal wire or fiber optic cable for transmission.
One advantage of using a landline connection is that the connection is a lot more stable than cellular and at a much lesser risk of interference.
It also can be less likely to go down because of a power outage if the sensors and control panel have a back-up battery.
On the other hand, one of the most recognized weaknesses of this system is the vulnerability of the line being cut thus deactivating any signals from the home security system itself.
Up until recently one of the landline's greatest strengths was its low-cost connection to home security systems.
Most home security companies that offer both cellular and landline monitoring packages have lower prices for their landline security packages compared to wireless cellular.
While there are pros and cons for both landline security packages and cellular home security, both offer monitored security.
They offer security solutions that protect against intruders.
These security solutions also translate into increased peace of mind and sense of security for clients.
With the increased use of cell phones, fixed landlines have seen a dramatic decrease in subscriptions.
In 2003, the CIA reported approximately 1.263 billion main telephone lines worldwide.
In 2008, the had 1.27 billion fixed subscribers. Growth in landline subscriptions has slowed down considerably.
More and more consumers are switching to cellular as their primary phone connections.
Home security companies are having to adjust and adapt to this paradigm shift thus offering more cellular connection home security packages.
Companies that offer landline home security connections:
Looking to learn more? See our full list of the Best Home Security Companies.
