There are many benefits to choosing ICT’s cellular modem.
The modem provides reliable and secure cellular communication to any USB enabled Protege GX or WX controller, alongside a suitable SIM card. ICT has validated cellular network providers across the globe to ensure worldwide support for the service. For a list of providers, refer to the product documentation or datasheet.* This flexibility ensures users can pick a data plan that is suitable to their needs, rather than being locked into expensive or unsuitable contracts.
Using the included SMA antenna, you can increase the strength of the 4G connection. Being a DIN rail product, the module is essentially a plug and play solution. No difficult installations, no wires, no mess.
When used with a Protege GX controller, as long as there is cellular coverage, users can still manually control doors, as well as arm and disarm areas, even if regular network connection is down or the site can’t be accessed. The modem can also send event updates from a Protege GX controller to the event database.
The continuous connection detection and automatic fail reset means users are quickly notified if there are any problems. This can be set up as a push notification, ensuring that no matter where users are, they’ll receive an alert immediately.
The cellular modem works with any of the ReportIP service protocols to communicate with and match that of the central monitoring station, but we recommend using ICT’s ArmorIP protocol for added encryption and to receive push notifications.
ArmorIP has the added benefit of transmitting additional information where available, such as panel name, event time, serial number, user name, and much more. If the station is using the ArmorIP software, operators see this data – including the names of users, areas, and inputs - as it is seen by people on site. No more mismatches between what people are looking at.
By combining the cellular modem with ArmorIP, you’re getting a robust solution that is cost-effective and reliable.
Let's explore some scenarios where the modem can bring benefits:
Remote Locations
With no physical network required, the cellular modem is the perfect solution for securing remote locations.
Sites with unreliable or no network infrastructure such as rural or off-the-grid facilities, like farms, can be notified quickly if an alarm is triggered, helping owners feel confident that their animals, crops, and expensive farm equipment are secure.
Concerned about your holiday home being broken into while you’re away? Rest easy as both owners and monitoring station are alerted immediately if an alarm is triggered. The added convenience of being able to manually control the system from your phone, means you can arm and disarm the building remotely – ideal if you’re going to be renting it out to guests.
With the cellular modem, being in a remote location doesn’t mean compromising on security.
Proactive Risk Mitigation
Having great internet service doesn’t mean you’re immune to problems. Wired networks can be taken out by blackouts, floods, fires, and everything in between. Down time can last anywhere from 2 minutes to days, weeks, or even months.
Yet, some industries can’t afford to be offline, even for a minute. High-security sites such as banks, water treatment plants, or pharmaceutical manufacturers must have robust systems in place so that in the event of a catastrophic failure, alarm reporting is not disrupted, and everyone’s safety is assured.
Since multiple controllers can be connected by ethernet to report out through one modem, users can create a simple and seamless backup reporting system for the entire building. When using the ArmorIP protocol and Protege Mobile App, users will receive alerts straight to their phone if an alarm is triggered. While the modem uploads events from the controller to the events database, providing a complete audit trail.
You could say the cellular modem represents proactive rather than reactive planning and risk mitigation.
When purchasing a data plan, consider your installation and what the modem will be used for. If for alarm reporting only, we recommend a minimum of 500MB/month. If being used for alarm reporting and event uploads, we recommend a minimum of 1GB/month.
No matter where you are, having a robust system in place is critical to safeguarding those around you, and ensuring you’re aware of what’s happening on site. The cellular modem opens an array of new possibilities for mitigating risks and keeping sites secure.
*Note that SIM support is not limited to validated providers. These represent tested providers while there are others that may be suitable. Talk to an ICT representative to find out more about your options.