Can I Use Dual-Path Communication With The 2GIG GC3e?

Yes, you can use dual-path communication with the 2GIG GC3e. To do this, you must add a compatible cellular communicator to the panel. The GC3e comes with a built-in WIFI card for IP connectivity. You will also need an appropriate monitoring plan, such as an Alarm Grid Gold or Platinum Plan.

Most security systems use IP connectivity or cellular service to communicate with a monitoring platform. When a system is set up for both IP and cellular, it is called "dual-path" connectivity. With a dual-path setup, a panel will still be able to send out signals if one communication path is down or unavailable. This is usually the result of IP service being temporarily unavailable due to an internet outage. Dual-path communication is perfect for alarm systems like the GC3e, as it provides fast and reliable connectivity at all times.

The 2GIG GC3e already includes a built-in WIFI card for IP connectivity. To get it ready for dual-path, you just need to add a cellular communicator. The GC3e will retain its ability to communicate with an IP network even after the cellular communicator is added. There are two (2) cellular communicators available for the 2GIG GC3e. These are the same modules used with the older 2GIG GC3 System. There is the 2GIG LTEA-A-GC3 (AT&T LTE) and the 2GIG LTEV1-A-GC3 (Verizon LTE). We recommend going with whichever LTE network works better in your area.

To activate any communicator, you will need an appropriate alarm monitoring plan. The Gold and Platinum Plans from Alarm Grid include both cellular and WIFI service, which makes them perfect for a dual-path security system. In order to get a GC3e System monitored, you must connect it with the Alarm.com Servers. The Alarm.com platform requires that a system is set up for cellular connectivity. With that in mind, the GC3e cannot be used for alarm monitoring unless you have a compatible cellular communicator installed and activated. Although the GC3e can use WIFI to communicate with Alarm.com, it cannot use WIFI alone. If you want to use WIFI with a GC3e, you must enable a dual-path setup with both WIFI and cellular.