To determine your level of knowledge of monitoring technologies, take SDM’s 20 Questions quiz.
Questions:
1. A GPS receiver can determine its location based upon data from a single satellite.a. True
b. False
2. A technique for allocating IP addresses dynamically so that addresses can be reused when the host no longer needs them is commonly called
a. DHCP.
b. DNS.
c. DSL.
d. None of the above
3. CDPD is a type of
a. digital dialer.
b. cellular transmitter.
c. GPS receiver.
d. compressed video file.
e. None of the above
4. Which of the following is used as a digital communicator handshake?
a. 1400 Hz
b. 2300 Hz
c. Dual tone
d. All of the above
5. E40101U009 is an example of a Contact ID message.
a. True
b. False
6. The hardware address of a device connected to a network is called its
a. IP Address.
b. gateway address.
c. MAC address.
d. subnet mask.
e. Any of the above
7. A broadband connection is required for internet monitoring.
a. True
b. False
8. Some long-range radio systems can meet UL requirements for line security.
a. True
b. False
9. Which of the following can be used to provide internet
monitoring?
a. DSL
b. Cable modem
c. Satellite modem
d. Any of the above
10. Two-way voice monitoring technology can be used to reduce false alarm dispatches.
a. True
b. False
11. Video signals can be sent over which communication technology?
a. POTS line
b. Cellular telephone line
c. Broadband connection
d. Any of the above
e. None of the above
12. VOIP has no effect on digital alarm communicators.
a. True
b. False
13. Which type of jack should be used to connect a digital communicator?
a. RJ-11
b. RJ-31X
c. RJ-45
d. RJ-66
14. Which type of jack should be used to connect an internet communicator?
a. RJ-11
b. RJ-31X
c. RJ-45
d. RJ-66
15. GPS systems can be used to track
a. vehicles.
b. cargo containers.
c. people.
d. Any of the above
e. None of the above
16. In order to use the internet for monitoring, the control panel must be designed specifically for data communications.
a. True
b. False
17. Some remote video systems incorporate a
programmable pre- and post-alarm video buffer.
a. True
b. False
18. What factors determine the transmission speed for remote video systems?
a. Compression technique
b. Frame rate
c. Image quality
d. All of the above
e. None of the above
19. Which of the following is an example of a digital communicator format?
a. 4/2
b. SIA
c. Contact ID
d. All of the above
e. None of the above
20. Multiple alarm controls on a LAN must be programmed with the same IP address.
a. True
b. False
What Went Wrong with Video Verification System?
The security industry’s bane installer, Wally ‘Larman, installed a remote video verification system to an existing security system. He installed four cameras, one near each motion detector, and programmed the burglar alarm control panel to provide an arm/disarm output as well as separate outputs for each motion detector. Wally then connected the devices as shown, extending the POTS line to the remote video transmitter. When Wally tested the system sometimes the images were transmitted properly, but other times the transmission was interrupted. Can you see what Wally did wrong?
What Went Wrong with Internet Connection?
Wally ‘Larman installed a security system that used the internet to transmit signals to the remote monitoring center. In order to provide some additional protection Wally decided to use an existing POTS line as a backup in the event that the internet connection was down. Wally installed the devices as shown in this diagram and was able to properly send signals over the internet. When Wally tested the POTS backup he found that sometimes it would work and sometimes it wouldn’t. Can you see what is causing Wally’s problem and what he must do to correct it?Answers to Quiz:
Score yourself on your knowledge of monitoring technology.1. b – A GPS receiver needs to hear signals from multiple satellites, typically three or four, in order to determine its location.
2. a – DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) is a technique for allocating IP addresses dynamically.
3. b
4. d – Each of these can be used as a handshake for digital communicators; which is used is determined by the manufacturer.
5. a
6. c
7. a – While it is possible to surf the internet using a POTS line, you must have a broadband connection in order to use the internet for remote monitoring.
8. a
9. d
10. a – Two-way voice can be used to determine if the alarm was caused by user error, and as such, can be a good tool to reduce false dispatches.
11. d
12. b – VOIP can cause problems for some digital communicators. If a monitored customer changes their telephone service to a VOIP-based provider, then it is important that you fully test the alarm system to ensure it is still functioning properly.
13. b
14. c
15. d
16. b – There are “dialer capture†or zone modules that can be used to connect almost any digital communicator to the internet.
17. a – With these systems you can allocate a number of frames to be constantly recorded by the video transmitter. When an alarm occurs these pre-alarm frames can be sent to the monitoring center, showing what was happening before the alarm occurred.
18. d
19. d
b – All alarm controls must have their own individual IP addresses, just as all devices on a LAN.
Number of correct answers rating:
20 Excellent
18-19 Very good
16-17 Good
14-15 Average
12-13 Below average
11 or fewer Poor
Answer to: What Went Wrong with Video Verification System?
The problem is caused by Wally extending the existing telephone line to the remote video transmitter. In this configuration the BACP will seize the telephone line whenever it has a signal to send, which will deprive the video transmitter of the line. Wally should use a different telephone line for the remote video transmitter, as shown in this diagram, and then retest the system. Using two telephone lines also facilitates remote programming of the BACP and remote access to the video transmitter. This can give the monitoring center the ability to call the video unit at any time and view the location.
