How Do I Setup a WiFi Security System?

You can setup a WIFI security system by installing a WIFI card in the system, connecting the system to a WIFI network, and getting the system activated by an alarm monitoring company. The security system will then use WIFI communication to send out notifications regarding system events.

WIFI connectivity is one of the most popular ways for an alarm system to communicate. This type of communication provides fast speeds and generally decent reliability. However, we advise users to also use cellular communication if possible. Cellular offers better reliability than WIFI, and its speeds are nearly as fast. Many systems have the capability to use a dual-path setup that features both cellular and WIFI.

Complete the following steps to setup a WIFI security system:

1. Get a WIFI card. A WIFI card, like the Honeywell L5100-WIFI, is needed for an alarm system to connect with a WIFI network. Many systems already come with an integrated WIFI card. For those systems, this step can be skipped. But if a WIFI card isn't included, then a user will need to obtain a WIFI card to the system. But remember, not every alarm system has a compatible WIFI card available.

2. Install the WIFI card. The WIFI card will then need to be installed inside the system. This will typically involve opening up the panel. Power for the system should be completely off when doing this. To turn the power off, a user will need to disconnect the backup battery and unplug the transformer. The WIFI card can then be connected to the system's board. Again, if the system already has a WIFI card pre-installed, this step can be skipped.

3. Connect to local WIFI. Follow the necessary steps for the system to connect to the local WIFI network. In most cases, the network password must be provided to connect with the network.

Click here for instructions on connecting a Qolsys IQ Panel 2 to WIFI

Click here for instructions on connecting the Lynx Touch to WIFI

Click here for instructions on connecting the Lyric Alarm System to WIFI

Click here for instructions on connecting the 2GIG GC3 System to WIFI

4. Activate the system. To get monitoring service, the system will need to be activated with an alarm monitoring company. The monitoring company will typically walk the user through the process for activating the system.