Facing wired and wireless security systems, which one is better to choose? Let’s analyze their advantages and disadvantages through comparison before making a decision.

1 Advantages and disadvantages of wired security system

Wired security system has the advantages of reliable communication, strong anti-interference ability, making it suitable for building new large-scale venues and outdoor environments, as well as hanging buildings inside walls. Dedicated line, with relatively stable alarm signal transmission and less susceptible to external interference. The stability of detector power supply can better ensure the reliability of system operation.

However, its mobility is poor, it is inconvenient to adapt to the diverse requirements of users and products, and the maintenance and replacement of reserved connection lines are difficult and costly.

2 Advantages and disadvantages of wireless security system

Wireless security system can avoid the influence of the connection line between the detector and the security panel on indoor decoration, and has the advantages of flexibility, easy installation, and simplicity. However, wireless security system has defects and fatal issues:

(1) Same frequency interference: Due to limitations in the use of radio frequencies, civilian wireless security systems are mostly in the 315MHz and 433MHz frequency bands. Multiple wireless detectors installed by the same user or adjacent wireless security systems installed in the same frequency band of 315MHZ and 433MHz will all experience same frequency interference. If one of the detectors is triggered, the security panel will not be able to receive signals from other detectors and remote controls. If someone in the home is active and the detector is triggered all the time, then adjacent residents cannot use the remote control to arm or disarm the security panel. Or if a criminal invades the house next door, although the detector alarms, the security panel will not respond.

There is also a situation, if the criminals are more professional and continue to trigger their own remote control or use a shield to emit interference signals, the wireless security panel cannot receive the alarm signal from the wireless detector, and the entire wireless security system will be in a paralyzed state. This is the most fatal weakness of the wireless security system. The more wireless security systems are installed, the more serious these situations become.

(2) Wireless blocking: Using an electronic wireless blocking device can block wireless signals, and the wireless security system will also be paralyzed and unable to function properly.

(3) Critical signal: When the distance between the wireless detector and the wireless security panel is at the signal critical point, as the battery level is low or the environment changes, it may cause the wireless security panel to sometimes be able to receive, and sometimes unable to receive the signal from the detector. If the wireless security panel receives an unstable alarm signal from the detector, a missed alarm may occur.

(4) Battery powered: When the battery is depleted, it needs to be replaced manually, which increases maintenance costs. Due to the professionalism of security system debugging and maintenance, it is difficult for consumers to replace it on their own, which brings inconvenience to users. Some manufacturers, due to inadequate technology, do not have a reminder function when the battery level is low, or do not pay attention to the reminder function even if the homeowner does not pay attention, resulting in thieves entering the wireless detector but unable to alarm, causing losses to the homeowners. In addition, due to battery power, the wireless security system can only use low-power and high false alarm rate detectors such as wireless PIR motion sensors. Nowadays, many companies are launching wireless dual detection detectors powered by 220V. Since 220V wires can be installed, weak wires can also be installed. This is not a true wireless security system, and it still cannot solve the interference problem.

In summary, both wired and wireless security systems have their advantages and disadvantages. Wireless security systems are a trend now, but wired security systems still account for the majority. To occupy the market in the future, wireless security system requires efforts in signal interference and distance transmission.