Is there an LTE Communicator for VISTA 21iP Panels?

Yes, there is an LTE communicator for VISTA 21iP Panels. The Honeywell LTE-XA, LTE-XV, LTE-IA, LTE-IV, LTEM-XA, and LTEM-XV will all work with a Honeywell VISTA 21iP and allow the system to communicate across an LTE cellular network. This will allow for communication with AlarmNet360.

In terms of cellular communication, LTE networks represent some of the latest and most advanced technology. The name LTE actually stands for "Long Term Evolution", and these networks are even faster and more reliable than the 4G networks. At this time, the LTE modules are recommended for anyone who is looking to add cellular communication functionality to their Honeywell VISTA 21iP System. However, if your system has an older module, like the Honeywell GSMX4G, it should continue to work just fine, as long as the cellular network it connects with is still in operation. Both AT&T and Verizon have stated that they plan to support their respective LTE cellular networks well into the very distant future.

The LTE-IA and the LTE-IV are referred to as "dual-path" communicators. This because they utilize both IP connectivity and cellular connectivity. Cellular communication is typically seen as more reliable, but it never hurts to have an additional communication path available. The LTE-IA connects with the AT&T LTE Network and hardwired ethernet, while the LTE-IV connects with the Verizon LTE Network and hardwired ethernet. Meanwhile, the LTE-XA and LTE-XV do not use any internet connectivity, and they rely exclusively on cellular. Remember that you will need to remove the jumper for the VISTA 21iP's internet jumper before you can use an external communicator. More information can be found here.

The only difference between the Honeywell LTE-XA and the Honeywell LTE-XV Cellular Communicators is the respective cellular network with which they connect. The LTE-XA connects with the AT&T LTE Network, while the LTE-XV connects with the Verizon LTE Network. If you're trying to decide between these two units, you should select whichever network works more reliably in your area. Remember, this has nothing to do with your personal cellular service plan that you use with your phone. This is an entirely separate service. But you will need a monitoring plan that provides cellular connectivity. All costs for cellular service are covered by your alarm company, and they will be passed onto you as part of your monthly service fee. There are also the newer Honeywell LTEM-XA (AT&T Cat M1 LTE) and Honeywell LTEM-XV (Verizon Cat M1 LTE) that offer similar functionality as the LTE-XA and LTE-XV, but they connect with more secure and stronger Cat M1 LTE networks.

Please note that Resideo has since replaced the Honeywell VISTA-21iP with the newer Honeywell VISTA-21iPLTE. The VISTA-21iPLTE is essentially the same system as the VISTA-21iP, except for the fact that the VISTA-21iPLTE is able to support a plug-in cellular communicator for LTE service, while still retaining its ability to communicate across the internet. For more information on setting up a Honeywell VISTA-21iPLTE with LTE connectivity, please review this helpful FAQ. Some VISTA-21iP users make the choice to simply replace their panels with the VISTA-21iPLTE.

There are many advantages to connecting your alarm system with a cellular network. All alarm systems should have some method for sending outbound communication signals, and cellular connectivity is arguably the most reliable communication method available. Cellular service almost never goes down, and it will continue to function when the power goes out. Additionally, cellular connectivity will allow your VISTA 21iP Alarm System to work with the Total Connect 2.0 service. This is an interactive platform that you can access through your smartphone or through a website. By accessing your TC2 account, you can arm and disarm your system, check the status of sensors, control smart home devices and more.