Why Cellular Connections Work Best for Elevators and Blue Light Emergency Systems
Phone line connections are critical in the case of an emergency. They ensure that uninterrupted contact is established between the distressed party and responders. In fact, the very idea of effective rescue deployment hinges upon the dependability of these phone connections.
Now that traditional analog copper phone lines (otherwise known as plain old phone lines) are being phased out, companies are looking at security solutions that utilize alternative communication methods. Two modern technologies of note are cellular and VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) lines. But which solution is best for two-way communication in elevator panels and blue light emergency systems?
The Differences Between VoIP & Cellular Lines
Both VoIP and cellular lines convert audio into signals that are transmitted to a receiving party before being converted back into sound. Beyond this, the two technologies differ significantly.
VoIP Lines
- Work via the internet and are generally lower cost than traditional lines.
- Often sold as part of internet service bundles.
- Use a packet-switched network, sending audio in small data packets.
While convenient and inexpensive, VoIP lines have vulnerabilities. Data packets can be delayed or distorted by network traffic, leading to reduced call quality. Non-encrypted VoIP calls can also be intercepted by malicious users or disrupted by distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks. Call-tempering attempts, which introduce noise or delay packets, can make VoIP calls unintelligible during emergencies.
Cellular Lines
- Less susceptible to hacking, distortion, or network congestion.
- Use a circuit-switched network, ensuring a dedicated, uninterrupted line.
- Managed by telecom providers for consistent data delivery.
Time-Sensitivity in Security Systems
Emergencies involving elevators, alarm systems, or blue light phones require instant communication. VoIP lines may introduce echoes or frequency distortions, delaying calls and potentially slowing rescue efforts. Backup power is another key factor. VoIP systems rely on internet connectivity, which depends on electricity. During a power outage, VoIP may fail, leaving emergency systems offline. Cellular lines, on the other hand, continue to function during blackouts, providing a reliable solution.
For these reasons, businesses should consider replacing legacy landlines with cellular connections to ensure consistent, secure, and time-sensitive communication.