Surveillance Camera and Alarm Panel Integration

Security Benefits of Integrating Surveillance Cameras with Alarm Panels

The alarm panel is called the human-machine interface (HMI) in the traditional home security system. The HMI links the person and the security system via the keypad or touch screen. The alarm panel is also the interface by which the user performs the following tasks:

• Partition and zone
• Arm and disarm the alarm
• Event recording and query
• Communication and networking
• Fault detection and display
• Set and reset passwords
• Expansion and compatibility

The alarm panel acts as the interface between the security system and the user. It can also connect to the camera. In this scenario:

• The armed system detects an event
• The camera activates to view the event, and ultimately
• The user determines that the event needs to be reported

The user can complete these steps through the alarm panel.

Bringing together parts of an alarm system helps centralize data. It simplifies sharing information and improves the system’s effectiveness and user experience. Moreover, it gives the user one interface by which they can control and access multiple system peripherals.

For example, the user can control the surveillance camera from a distance. They can also take action based on what it records.

Technologies Required to Integrate Security Systems

Traditional alarm systems were hard-wired using a plain old telephone service (POTS). Then, there was a move to cellular as a backup.

Cellular is the primary communication, acting as the link between the alarm system and the end user. It also links the alarm system to a monitored security system. This system connects to an alarm receiving center (ARC). An ARC monitors for the user and will dispatch police or fire department.  

The alarm system relies on strong communication networks. These networks connect to the user or a monitored security system. Proprietary or short-range technologies connect all security system elements to the alarm panel. The most popular technologies include:

• Wi-Fi
• Bluetooth® wireless technology
• Z-Wave®
• Zigbee
• PowerG
• Matter
• Thread
• LoRaWAN®

Ongoing Developments in the Market

With modern home security systems, users can manage the parameters from their mobile phones. In effect, the alarm panel or interface has moved from the home, business or industrial environment to the phone. This change shows that consumers want to get phone notifications and control security from anywhere and in real time.

This development opens a range of new use cases. For example, a child can be dropped off late after practice. If the parent or guardian is not there to unlock the door, they can disable the alarm and unlock it from their phone.

Likewise, people on vacation can control their lights from afar. This helps stop anyone from looking for signs to break in.

Another notable development is that surveillance cameras are already coming to market with the technology and communication capabilities inside alarm panels. These cameras are self-contained units. They can connect to a network and communicate without being connected to an alarm panel. They are stand-alone solutions rather than a peripheral piece of a larger integrated system.

Enabling Smarter, Securer Buildings with Telit Cinterion

Telit Cinterion’s cellular and short-range product portfolio represents a sweet spot for these integrated security systems. We offer:

• Combination Wi-Fi and Bluetooth technology modules
• System-on-chip (SoC) modules
• Cellular LTE modules in Cat 1 bis, Cat 1 and Cat 4
• 5G RedCap and eRedCap products

In addition, Telit Cinterion offers MVNO services that allow us to connect without restriction to most major network providers. Our connectivity plans and IoT solutions enable us to act as an extension of your engineering team.

Speak with our experts today to discover how we enable remote security and surveillance solutions with real-time monitoring.