Does PowerG Prevent RF Jamming?

Yes, PowerG prevents RF jamming. PowerG Sensors use a technique known as Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum (FHSS) to overcome any RF jamming attacks that could prevent other wireless sensors from communicating properly. This is one reason why PowerG Sensors are extremely reliable.

Dsc pg9914 powerg 915mhz out wireless motion detector

RF jamming, which is also known as radio jamming, refers to any technique that intentionally prevents wireless communication from taking place. When a wireless sensor communicates with an alarm panel, it does so at a certain wireless radio frequency (RF). If an intruder knows this wireless frequency, they can potentially jam the receiver with a stronger signal on the same frequency and block the sensor signals from reaching the panel. By doing this, the system won't know when these sensors are faulted. This can allow them to enter the building without activating the system. For example, if someone successfully blocks the wireless transmission from a wireless door sensor, then the door can be opened without the security system finding out. This basically defeats the entire alarm system.

Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum (FHSS) was originally designed for military use. The technique helps military personnel overcome potential RF jamming techniques used by enemies. However, this technique also works quite well for residential and business security systems. When using FHSS, the RF bandwidth is essentially divided into multiple channels. Each frequency channel represents a unique and independent radio frequency for wireless communication to take place. The transmitter (sensor) and the receiver (panel) both agree on a set of channel hopping sequences that are encrypted and dependent upon time. The transmitter and the receiver are synchronized so that they can repeatedly switch to predetermined frequency channels at the exact same time. These switches occur very rapidly. A potential intruder would never be able to re-tune a jamming device to keep up with these changes.

The 915 MHz PowerG Sensors utilize the FHSS technique by constantly hopping between 50 different frequency channels. These frequency channels run from 912 MHz to 918 MHz. The PowerG Sensors switch frequencies 64 times per second. Even if an intruder managed to stop communication at one frequency channel, it would be next to impossible to stop them at all 50. Additionally, the next frequency channel in the sequence is set based on the encrypted communication algorithm between the sensor and the security system. Although the sequence is not technically "random", it is extremely intricate and highly secure. The PowerG Sensors communicate with the panel using 128-bit AES encryption, and the only way to break-in and determine the frequency hopping sequence is with the encryption key. The encryption key is incredibly complex, and it is only known by the sensor and the panel. The key is generated at the time of sensor enrollment using a 128-bit encryption algorithm.

The FHSS technique might sound complicated, but it's really simple if you break it down. A good analogy is when you're driving. You drive in a set lane (frequency channel). If the lane is blocked, you switch (frequency hop) to a different lane. As long as you can switch to a different lane, you can continue driving uninterrupted. And with PowerG, there are 50 lanes (frequency channels) to switch between!

As long as one signal reaches the panel across an open frequency channel, then the security system will know about a fault that has occurred. From there, the system will take proper action depending on the sensor that was faulted. And you don't need to worry about a potential intruder blocking all 50 frequency channels used by PowerG Sensors. That would require some major equipment and be next to impossible. Remember, as long as one transmission goes through, the system will respond like it is supposed to.

Did you find this answer useful?

We offer alarm monitoring as low as $10 / month

Click Here to Learn More

Related Products

DSC PG9922 - PowerG 915MHz Out Wireless Glass Break Detector
DSC PG9922
PowerG 915MHz Wireless Glass Break Detector
List Price: $194.00
Our Price: $136.99
DSC PG9914 - PowerG 915MHz Out Wireless Motion Detector
DSC PG9914
PowerG 915MHz Wireless Motion Detector
List Price: $152.00
Our Price: $108.99
DSC PG9944 - PowerG 915MHz Out Wireless PIR Motion Detector, Built-In Camera (2) 3V CR17450
DSC PG9944
PowerG 915MHz Outdoor Wireless PIR Motion Detector, Built-In Camera, & (2) 3V CR17450 Battery
List Price: $702.00
Our Price: $490.99
DSC PG9985 - PowerG 915MHz Wireless Flood Detector
DSC PG9985
PowerG 915MHz Wireless Flood Detector
List Price: $120.00
Our Price: $85.99
DSC PG9911B - PowerG 915MHz Outdoor Siren Blue LED W/Batt
DSC PG9911B
PowerG 915MHz Outdoor Siren Blue LED W/Batt
List Price: $328.00
Our Price: $230.99
DSC PG9935 - PowerG 915MHz Wireless Shock Detector
DSC PG9935
PowerG 915MHz Wireless Shock Detector
List Price: $110.00
Our Price: $78.99
DSC PG9929 - PowerG 915MHz Slimline 4-Button Key
DSC PG9929
PowerG 915MHz Slimline 4-Button Key
List Price: $88.00
Our Price: $63.99
DSC PG9939 - PowerG 915MHz Wireless 4-Button Key
DSC PG9939
PowerG 915MHz Wireless 4-Button Key
List Price: $70.00
Our Price: $50.99
DSC PG9949 - PowerG 915MHz Wireless 2-Button Key
DSC PG9949
PowerG 915MHz Wireless 2-Button Key
List Price: $60.00
Our Price: $43.99
DSC PG9938 - PowerG 915MHz Wireless Panic Key
DSC PG9938
PowerG 915MHz Wireless Panic Key
List Price: $90.00
Our Price: $64.99
DSC PG9920 - PowerG 915MHz Wireless Repeater
DSC PG9920
PowerG 915MHz Wireless Repeater
List Price: $240.00
Our Price: $169.99
DSC PG9994 - PowerG 915MHz Wireless Outdoor Motion Detector
DSC PG9994
PowerG 915MHz Wireless Outdoor Motion Detector
List Price: $424.00
Our Price: $296.99
DSC PG9984P - PowerG 915MHz Wireless Dual Tech Motion Detector, Pet Immunity
DSC PG9984P
PowerG 915MHz Wireless Dual Tech Motion Detector, Pet Immunity
List Price: $180.00
Our Price: $127.99
DSC PG9924 - PowerG 915MHz Wireless Curtain Motion Detector
DSC PG9924
PowerG 915MHz Wireless Curtain Motion Detector
List Price: $120.00
Our Price: $85.99
DSC PG9934P - PowerG 915Mhz Wireless PIR Motion Detector, Built-In Camera, Pet Immunity
DSC PG9934P
PowerG 915Mhz Wireless PIR Motion Detector, Built-In Camera, Pet Immunity
List Price: $274.00
Our Price: $192.99
DSC PG9945 - PowerG 915Mhz Wireless Door/Window Contact
DSC PG9945
PowerG 915Mhz Wireless Door/Window Contact
List Price: $66.00
Our Price: $48.99
DSC PG99051 - Wireless PowerG Temperature Detector
DSC PG9905
Wireless PowerG Temperature Detector
List Price: $116.00
Our Price: $82.99
DSC PG9901-DSC - Wireless PowerG Indoor Siren
DSC PG9901
Wireless PowerG Indoor Siren
List Price: $182.00
Our Price: $128.99
DSC PG9974P - Wireless PowerG Mirror Pet Friendly Motion Detector
DSC PG9974P
Wireless PowerG Mirror Pet Friendly Motion Detector
List Price: $142.00
Our Price: $100.99
DSC PG9309 - Wireless PowerG Commercial Magnetic Contact w/ Auxiliary Input
DSC PG9309
Wireless PowerG Commercial Magnetic Contact w/ Auxiliary Input
List Price: $74.00
Our Price: $53.99
DSC PG9303 - Wireless PowerG Door/Window Contact
DSC PG9303
Wireless PowerG Door/Window Contact
List Price: $70.00
Our Price: $29.99
DSC PG98622 - PowerG 915MHz Wireless Ceiling-Mount 360° Motion Detector
DSC PG9862
PowerG 915MHz Wireless Ceiling-Mount 360° Motion Detector
List Price: $182.00
Our Price: $128.99
DSC PG9307 - PowerG 915MHz Wireless Recessed Contact
DSC PG9307
PowerG 915MHz Wireless Recessed Contact
List Price: $110.00
Our Price: $78.99
DSC PG9936 - PowerG 915MHz Wireless Smoke And Heat Detector
DSC PG9936
PowerG 915MHz Wireless Smoke And Heat Detector
List Price: $190.00
Our Price: $133.99
DSC PG9933 - PowerG 915MHz Wireless Carbon Monoxide Detector1
DSC PG9933
PowerG 915MHz Wireless Carbon Monoxide Detector
List Price: $188.00
Our Price: $132.99
DSC PG9312 - Wireless PowerG Outdoor Door/Window Contact
DSC PG9312
Wireless PowerG Outdoor Door/Window Contact
List Price: $156.00
Our Price: $110.99
DSC BATT-PGX901/X911 - Battery for DSC PG9901 & PG9911
DSC BATT-PGX901/X911
Replacement Batteries for DSC PG9901 & PG9911
List Price: $86.00
Our Price: $62.99
DSC PG9926 - PowerG 915MHz Wireless Smoke Detector
DSC PG9926
PowerG 915MHz Wireless Smoke Detector
DSC PG9913 - PowerG 915MHz Wireless Carbon Monoxide Detector
DSC PG9913
PowerG 915MHz Wireless Carbon Monoxide Detector
DSC PG9916 - PowerG 915MHz Wireless Smoke And Heat Detector
DSC PG9916
PowerG 915MHz Wireless Smoke And Heat Detector
DSC PG9975 - PowerG 915MHz Vanishing Wireless Door/Window Contact
DSC PG9975
PowerG 915MHz Vanishing Wireless Door/Window Contact
Taxons
DSC PG9904P
Wireless PowerG PIR Pet Friendly Motion Detector

Related Categories


Answered