The British Security Industry Association has warned installers of the potential incompatibility between ADSL broadband and monitored intruder alarms when fitted in the same premises.

ADSL broadband consists of an analogue line transmitting down one cable. If an auto-dialler or digital communicator is used for signalling over broadband to an Alarm Receiving centre, these signals may be corrupted or even blocked as a result of the digital signals causing noise on the lower frequency analogue signals.

This is because digital signals use a much larger proportion of the available bandwidth on the telephone line than analogue signals. Consequently, the two signals can overlap, causing problems for both systems.

“Installers need to be aware of this incompatibility which could cause serious problems for customers, resulting in an alarm not activating when needed,” said BSIA technical director Alex Carmichael. “Resolving the issue is simply a matter of fitting a Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) microfilter. This removes the need for splitters or the use of an additional phone line.”

The BSIA recommends that intruder alarm companies should advise all interested parties of this potential incompatibility, ensuring, in particular, that customers are aware that they should contact their alarm company if they wish to install broadband after their monitored alarm has been fitted.

See “Could do better”on page 15

• End users are the target of a new BSIA technical guide, produced to provide practical information on biometric security solutions.

“Biometric technology has hit the headlines on many occasions over the past year thanks to the government’s plans for biometric ID cards, and following the general election result it is likely to be coming back onto the political agenda,” says BSIA technical director Alex Carmichael. “As biometric technology is developing, more and more end-users are starting to consider using the technology to enhance their premises’ security. This new publication provides essential guidance for end-users that are in this position.”

The ‘Users’ Practical Guide to Biometrics’ outlines the factors that should be borne in mind when considering technology as part of a security solution.

Source

Security Installer