Home Security Devices: What Is GSM?

If you are looking at buying a home security system, you’ve no doubt seen the term GSM at one time or another. Unless you are technologically savvy, you probably had no idea what this meant. So, for the sake of your sanity, here it is. GSM stands for Global System for Mobile communications. It’s the same system that your cell phone uses to connect to a certain network. A GSM device uses this system to communicate back with your security system. The opposite is also true. So for example, if your phone line is cut, your security system will still be able to contact your central station, via GSM.

Still confused? Here’s a prime example. SafeMart just started carrying the Telguard Primary Residential Cellular GSM Communicator (see picture). Why would you want this? Well, let’s say that you don’t have a landline telephone; you only use cell phones. Normally, a security system runs into your landline. In this case, you don’t have one, so how will your system communicate with the central station? By using a GSM Communicator. This Communicator provides the link between the home security system and the central monitoring station. So, let’s say you have a fire. Your alarm system will use the Global System for Mobile communications to contact the central station.

If you don’t have a landline, this kind of technology is indispensable. But, even if you do, it’s not a bad idea to have one. This way, if a thief were to cut your telephone line, the GSM would kick in and make the call to the central station.