How Do I Upgrade a DSC PowerSeries NEO System to Use LTE?

You can upgrade a DSC PowerSeries NEO System to use LTE by installing and activating an LTE communicator for the system.The system will use this communicator to connect with the Alarm.com servers for monitoring and automation services. You will need a compatible cellular monitoring plan.

Alarm Systems use communicators to connect with networks that facilitate monitoring service. As DSC PowerSeries NEO Panels are very advanced and intricate systems, they usually use dual-path communicators that utilize both LTE cellular and IP connectivity. Cellular registration is required to connect with the Alarm.com servers. But most users will connect their systems across both IP and cellular, as it never really hurts to have a second communication path available.

At this time, LTE represents the ultimate communication path available for a security system. Cellular service almost never goes down or becomes unavailable, and it is not prone to sudden random outages like IP connectivity. Another important factor is that cellular service providers like AT&T and Verizon have repeatedly stated that they plan on maintaining support for their LTE networks well into the very distant future, even as newer 5G networks begin being put into action. The existing LTE networks are note going anywhere anytime soon, thereby making an LTE radio an excellent long-term solution for any security system.

By installing and activating an Alarm.com LTE Communicator with your DSC PowerSeries NEO Panel, your system will be able to utilize fast and reliable connectivity with the Alarm.com servers. This can be extremely important if you want to control your system remotely using the Alarm.com website or mobile app. By accessing Alarm.com, you can arm and disarm your system, check system status, control automation devices, and so much more. Speaking of that, the communicators for the DSC PowerSeries NEO Systems double as Z-Wave controllers. This means that you will be able to start building a complete smart home network once your communicator has been activated.

There are currently two (2) main LTE communicators available for DSC PowerSeries NEO Systems. Both are dual-path communicators that use LTE cellular and hardwired ethernet for IP connectivity. Wireless internet connectivity is possible if you use an ethernet to WIFI bridge like the Alarm.com ADC-W110. And remember, an internet connection is completely optional. It is the cellular connection that is needed to register the system with Alarm.com for monitoring service. The DSC TL880LEAT N uses AT&T LTE & IP, while the DSC TL880LTVZ N uses Verizon LTE & IP. The choice between AT&T and Verizon should come down to which service is more reliable in the area where the system will be used. Choosing one over the other will have no effect on the cost of your monitoring service. If neither AT&T nor Verizon provides adequate service in your area, then consider getting a cellular amplifier or a cellular antenna.

The DSC TL880LEAT N and the DSC TL880LTVZ N are both compatible with DSC PowerSeries NEO Panels. These include the DSC PowerSeries NEO HS2016NK, HS2032NK, HS2064NK, and the DSC HS2128NK. These panels must be running firmware version 1.1 or higher. The DSC TL880LEAT N and the DSC TL880LTVZ N are also compatible with the DSC PowerSeries PRO Panels, including the DSC HS3032, DSC HS3128, and the DSC HS3248. A DSC PowerSeries PRO Panel must be running version 1.01 or higher to support these communicators.

Remember, a compatible monitoring plan is needed to activate one of these communicators. If you want access to Alarm.com for controlling your system remotely, then a Gold or Platinum Plan (Self or Full) from Alarm Grid will work. More information about these plans can be found on our monitoring page. If you just want central station service without access to Alarm.com, then an Alarm.com Cellular Only Plan will work. More info can be found here.

Complete the following steps to upgrade a DSC PowerSeries NEO Panel to LTE:

1. Power down the system. You must power the system completely down before making hardware changes. The system can be powered down by disconnecting the backup battery and unplugging the transformer.

2. Install the communicator. Remove any existing communicator if necessary. Then install the new DSC TL880LEAT N or DSC TL880LTVZ N in its place. After connecting the communicator, you can power the system back on by reconnecting the transformer and backup battery. Please note that a DSC PCL-422 Remote Mounting Module is needed to complete the installation. This module comes included with all DSC PowerSeries NEO Communicators. For more information on installing a DSC PowerSeries Communicator, please see this handy FAQ. You may also want to refer to the official install guide to help you complete the process.

3. Activate the communicator. The communicator will need to be activated for monitoring service. This process must be completed by an alarm monitoring company. New Alarm Grid customers will choose an activation slot during the sign-up process, and an activator will call them at the scheduled time. Please have your system ready before the activator calls you at the scheduled time. If you are an existing Alarm Grid customer and you are upgrading or replacing the communicator for the DSC PowerSeries NEO System, please email us at support@alarmgrid.com, and we will work with you to set up a time to complete the upgrade. Remember that our support hours are from 9am to 8pm ET M-F.