Honeywell 3GL vs 4GL GSM Modules

The Honeywell 3GL and the Honeywell 4GL are actually the same communicator. The communicator was released by Honeywell to offer a cellular communication option for the L5200, L5210 and L7000 panels. The communicator was originally named the 4GL, but its name was later changed to 3GL.

The story of this communicator can actually be traced back to the Honeywell GSMVLP5-4G. This is a cellular communicator designed for use with the Honeywell LYNX Touch L5100. It is a 4G communicator that connects with the AT&T cellular network. Honeywell later wanted to create a similar communicator for use with their newer LYNX Touch Panels, the L5200, L5210 and L7000. As a result, the company created the Honeywell 4GL Communicator.

The 4GL offered similar performance and function to the GSMVLP5-4G. However, the 4GL accomplished this by connecting to the 3G AT&T cellular network. This was unlike the GSMVLP5-4G, which connected to the 4G AT&T cellular network. This was confusing to many people, as they assumed based on the name that the 4GL accessed a 4G network. In order to avoid further confusion, Honeywell soon changed the name of the communicator to the 3GL.

Today, the Honeywell 3GL is still sold, and it can still be used with any Honeywell LYNX Touch L5200, L5210 and L7000 system. However, we advise some caution when installing a new 3GL. In the next few years, 3G service is expected to be discontinued in favor of 4G and LTE services. With that in mind, we recommend using a 4G or LTE communicator in your system if possible. By using a 4G or LTE communicator, you can ensure that your security system will be able to send and receive cellular communication signals for many years to come.

Remember, to use cellular communications with your security system, you will need to have an alarm monitoring plan that includes cellular connectivity. The Gold and Platinum Plans from Alarm Grid include this service. More information can be found on our Monitoring Page.