Cellular Telephone Entry Systems: Your Questions Answered
What is the difference between a cellular telephone entry system and a landline entry system?
Cellular telephone entry systems work on cellular telephone networks, so they do not require landlines. They still provide the same voice-based functionality. A visitor can hit a “call” button on such a system, and it will ring a designated number where someone can speak to them and grant can entry in an access control system. But because most people today have “smart” cellular telephones that allow them to see video feed and download apps. Cellular telephone entry systems have many more capabilities than previous landline-based telephone entry systems ever could have.
In traditional landline telephone entry systems, the system connects via a wired landline. In contrast, cellular entry systems connect via a cellular connection, much like what your cell phone uses to make phone calls.
Landline entry systems require you to purchase and run a phone line to the base station installed at the entryway of your building. Now, cell phone entry systems have eliminated the need for telephone wiring. This lack of wiring also makes setting up an outdoor gate access control system more accessible. As you’ll no longer need to run wiring from your building to your gate.
Cellular monitoring services
Cellular monitoring is steadily becoming more popular for building security systems. Cellular monitoring services work through the cellular towers rather than routing through a landline. This flexible solution means your home security doesn’t rely on a landline property or an internet connection.
A cellular system is exceptionally versatile because there’s no need to run any wires. On the other hand, cellular systems often consume more battery energy because the wireless system requires energy to use. You can create an entirely wireless solution through the internet (when applicable) and cellular data.
Whether or cellular tower outages can disrupt a cellular building security system. Cellular-based systems also tend to be more expensive upfront. However, they may contain more advanced technologies and could even save money in the long term.
Advantages to cellular monitoring services include:
A versatile, wireless system that doesn’t need any additional connections.
Affordability, depending on whether the property owner has a landline.
Being able to place anywhere and easily take the plan with you if you move.
Landline Monitoring Services
Most traditional services are landline monitoring services, meaning they connect directly to a phone line. These monitoring services often require their dedicated landline to alert emergency services when something triggers the alarm.
Landline services aren’t disrupted by weather the way cellular telephone entry systems are, but they still can potentially go down. When they do, they may create a false alarm.
Advantages to landline monitoring services include:
Stability of monitoring. These systems are less likely to experience outages.
Ease of setup since many homes already have landline technology in place for the monitoring system.
Being less likely to require or run on battery power
The affordability, both in terms of technology and monitoring cost.
Cellular vs. landline monitoring
Many security companies offer both cellular and landline monitoring systems, depending on your specific needs. If you want to run wires, a landline system may prove more affordable and durable. But if you want a versatile design that doesn’t need hard-wired connections, you may prefer a cellular system.
Some companies recommend you have both cellular and wired systems. That way, if the wired landline system goes down, the cellular operates as a backup — or vice versa —especially in places with intermittent connections, like rural areas.
Due to similarities in the equipment, it’s purely the connection you need to consider. You can access the same features and the same monitoring experience through either cellular or landline monitoring. You’ll need to determine which is best for you based on reliability and cost, which will depend on your area and the system you choose.
How landline systems became cellular systems
They have developed cellular telephone entry systems during the shift from landline phones to cell phones.
Before they used cellular networks, telephone entry systems used copper wires to connect an entryway’s door station to each resident’s apartment. Installing one of these entry systems meant modifying existing phone lines or purchasing and laying new wiring.
Even today, running wire throughout a building means tearing out walls and rebuilding them again, and those costs add up. What’s more, residents could only answer calls from guests when they were in their properties. As a result, landline phone entry systems caused residents to miss visitors and deliveries.
When cell phone popularity exploded in the 2000s, the landline system quickly became outdated. Intercom providers turned to cellular technology as a better, more efficient alternative to wired landlines. In contrast to landline systems, cell phone-based systems use cellular networks, eliminating the need for wiring.
