ATS Specification

Alarm systems are made up of a number of sophisticated and complex components, their purpose to deter, protect and alert those responsible for the system. The Fire and Security industry (and insurers) recognise that Bells only systems, whilst a deterrent, are rarely successful in generating a response from anyone when they are activated. Remote monitoring using an Alarm Receiving Centre (ARC) is the most effective method of dealing with alarm activations and ensuring that the appropriate response is despatched. But how do we achieve alarm transmission from the protected premises and the ARC? Can we be sure that when the system is activated, the alarm will be transmitted and received? Can we detect whether a potential attacker has cut the telecommunications lines into the premises or tried to jam the mobile network, and how quickly can we be alerted? All of these and more can be achieved through an effective Alarm Transmission System. The challenge is to provide a cost effective solution to the end user that is based on reliable networks whilst providing a monitoring solution that reflects both customer expectations and risk. Alarm Transmission Systems (ATS) are designed to transmit critical alarm data across telecommunications networks from a protected premise to an Alarm Receiving Centre (ARC). Transmission of critical alarm data requires a stable and predictable telecommunications network to provide confidence that an alarm event will be successfully received and processed by the ARC. Dual path ATS’s have dramatically reduced the number of false alarm activations, combining a fixed line Alarm Transmission Path (ATP) with a radio based ATP such as GPRS/3G as a back-up. This guide concentrates on the selection of a single or paired networks available for alarm transmission that are most suited to the application and risk.