Why 4G Speed Is Important

Ralph Maniscalcoby Ralph Maniscalco | 12.18.2012

Back in mid-September, I got reminded by my two teenagers (again) to make sure I placed my orders for the new iPhone 5. If I wanted peace in the house, I had no option but to order these phones.  I was hoping they would acquiesce and let me buy one of the lesser cheaper brands and save a few bucks, but that was not to be.  What was the big deal I kept asking myself? Why these phones? Until one day when I had the chance to use one for myself…

These phones are fast, very fast. Downloading, uploading, large images and streaming video are delivered at blazing speed which makes for a fantastic consumer experience. One can easily understand why wireless carriers are driving their networks to 4G. It’s the same reason why Honeywell has chosen to standardize on 4G for its new alarm communications radios.  The HSPA+ network is one of the most cost-effective and widely deployed 4G networks in the United States.  So what does this mean for professional security dealers and their customers?

Quite simply, 4G networks are the networks of choice for consumers and the carriers understand that they must continue to build them out and support their infrastructure. At Honeywell, we strive to develop solutions that aim to provide both a cost-effective solution and one that provides the longest life for maximum longevity for your installations. Based on history and technology trends, we feel 4G/HSPA+ will give you that longevity plus a couple of added bonuses. The fact that the HSPA+ network is widely deployed should make it easier to find a signal, even in those marginal areas where the 2G network was traditionally weaker. In addition, end users who are using our Total Connect Remote Services can experience improved performance with the added 4G speed as well.  The choice is simple.

5 Comments

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  1. Sterling Donnelly 12.18.2012/11:01 am

    Ralph, any updates on a 4G communicator for the VISTA-21iP? I can’t responsibly offer the VISTA-GSM anymore knowing it won’t be supported much longer, but the 21iP is such a popular panel that we get asked about a 4G version of the VISTA-GSM all the time.

    Also, does AlarmNet plan to release a 4G GSMVLP for new and existing L3000 panels?

    Thanks in advance for any updates.

    – Sterling Donnelly
    http://www.alarmgrid.com

  2. Dylan Johnson 12.26.2012/8:10 pm

    We have had much better results with 4G on our Total Connect apps. I do actually think it is worthwhile and the iPhone 5′s are a lot better as well.

    – Dylan Johnson
    http://www.securityoptions.com

  3. Doug Marshall 12.28.2012/12:12 am

    Hi Sterling,

    The vista-21ip 4g radio is shipping. The part number is vista-gsm4g.

    The L3000 4g radio is due to start shipping soon.

  4. James Anderson 01.01.2013/2:20 am

    Hi,
    Can the vista-gsm4g be used with an existing vista-21ip?

    Regards

  5. Sterling Donnelly 01.07.2013/6:21 pm

    Thanks Doug. I appreciate the heads up on the VISTA-GSM4G.

    Also, James, apparently you do need a new VISTA-21iP. We found a document on mywebtech that shows a picture of the new board. The model and revision are exactly the same (WA21IP-3.13), but the box has a sticker that says “Now Supports 4G VISTA-GSM4G” and the circuit board of the panel has a sticker that says “SUPPORTS VISTA-GSM/4G”.

    Seems like ADI has only just gotten the new boards in within the past couple of weeks. I am not sure what the date code cut off is, but the board in the picture on the document we found says 11-14-2012.

    - Sterling Donnelly
    https://www.alarmgrid.com

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