What Happens To Qolsys IQ Panel 4 When Internet Goes Down?

A Qolsys IQ Panel 4 operates on two (2) paths and continues to communicate over cellular when the WIFI goes down. The panel will not show when Wi-Fi is down, but has the option to test the communication path. Cellular will continue to operate and perform all communication the panel needs.

The IQ Panel 4 has a built-in dual-band WIFI module. In addition, either a Verizon or AT&T LTE Cellular Communicator is permanently installed on the main board. It has a 7" capacitive multi-touch touchscreen and supports 128 zones and 242 users.

Alarm.com handles signal transport as well as interactive services for the Qolsys IQ Panel 4. The cellular unit inside the panel is registered with Alarm.com. The panel's information is tied to an account at Alarm.com, and this information is then tied to the account with the monitoring station (where applicable). When the panel needs to transmit a signal, it sends the information to Alarm.com's server using each path available. The server then determines where that signal should be sent.

If the account is self-monitored, then when the signal is received by Alarm.com, it is then only transmitted to the end-user as a Notification. This notification can take the form of a text, email, or push-notification, or a combination of these formats. No information is sent to a monitoring station, because for self-monitored customers no central station account exists.

For accounts with a full-monitored plan, signals can be forwarded to a monitoring station for processing and possible dispatch. The monitoring station will have a list of potential signals that may be received from the account, with instructions on how each signal should be treated. Full-monitored customers may also receive notifications in the same manner that self-monitored plans can. The treatment of all system signals depends on the monitoring plan you choose, and the way you configure the account. Regardless of which plan you choose, signal processing happens within seconds.

When both WIFI and cellular paths are enabled, all signals are sent via both paths simultaneously. Whichever signal is received first is processed by the Alarm.com server, and the signal that is received second is discarded. In this way, Alarm.com ensures that the fastest available path is used for each signal. Cellular is required for all monitoring accounts, and adding WIFI allows for dual-path monitoring in case one of the communication paths fails. Cellular is typically the more reliable service and in most areas will have fewer issues when compared to WIFI.

When WIFI fails, you will not notice any difference in functionality on the IQ Panel 4. Using the panel the user can verify whether WIFI is connected or disconnected. To check, press the grey menu bar at the top of the home screen, then select Settings > Advanced Settings > Installers Code or Dealer Code (Default is 1111 or 2222) > About > WIFI Information.

To manually test the WIFI connection, press the grey menu bar at the top of the home screen, then select Settings > Advanced Settings > Installer Code or Dealer Code (Default is 1111 or 2222) > System Tests > WIFI Test > Run. This will test your IQ Panel 4 WIFI connection to the router. In the event of an issue with the WIFI connection, it will restore automatically once the issue has been resolved.