A burglar alarm is an electronic device that emits a loud noise and alerts the owner and designated friends or family members by phone when someone attempts to make unauthorized entry to a building or other premises.   I should say it puts burglars off from entering in the first place, or cause them to flee the crime scene when the alarm is triggered. All of the burglar alarms are fitted with either IP, GSM, PSTN or a choice of them to notify you regarding any incidents.

There are several brands of alarm kits available in the market but all of them have got the basic sensors (PIR) and a main control panel (heart of an alarm system) to invisibly secure your home. The sensors fitted at the corners of your room and on the doors can detect any unexpected motion. They then signal the control panel about their finding. The control panel then takes predefined action as programmed. A SIM card is installed in the control panel or it is be directly connected to your telephone line to initiate the alert to designated numbers. Also, it triggers the external and internal siren to flee away the burglar. There are modern systems with camera sensors, which can send you the pictures of the crime scene. These camera sensors also help you to confirm that it was not a false alarm in case it occurs. (Read our tips to avoid false alarms here). These high-end burglar alarms are no longer an exception to the smart phone Apps. You can arm and disarm your security system from your smart phone.

Here are the most popular burglar alarm communicators you come across while choosing a burglar alarm.

IP Module (Internet Protocol Module)

The IP Module is an easy to add plug-in module that enables the system to communicate over a TCP/IP network. It can be used as the primary communication or as a back up to a GSM or PSTN communication in case of communication failure. The IP module enables sending email alerts and system status information and also enables remote programming of the control panel by alarm engineers.

GSM Module (Global System for Mobile Communications)

The GSM module is an easy to add plug-in module that enables the system to communicate over the mobile networks for reporting, controlling and programming. It can be used as the primary communication or as a back up for the IP or PSTN communications in case of communication failure. In addition, users can enjoy peace of mind by receiving real time SMS, voice messages and email alerts. The GSM module also supports two-way voice communication, which is beneficial for elderly care, allowing two-way communication with users in times of emergency.

PSTN Module (Public Switched Telephone Network Module)

The PSTN modem is an easy to add plug in modem that enables the system to connect over telephone in places where required and is particularly useful for low budget installations. The plug in PSTN Modem can be used as the primary communication or as a back up to the Cloud connection or GSM or IP communication in case of communication failure.

The type of alarm you choose will depend on the level of security you’re after and how much you’re willing to pay for it. PSTN is being decommissioned by BT. So all security alarms would be using IP and GSM hereafter for communication.