A common question we see is, "VoIP calls work great over my new fiber Internet connection. Why can't I use it for my security alarm system or medical alerting device such as Life Alert?"

VoIP Limitations in Transmitting Non-SIP/RTP Data

Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology has revolutionized communication by enabling voice calls over the Internet, offering cost-effective alternatives to traditional analog systems also known as land lines or POTS (Plain Old Telephone Service). However, it is not universally suitable for all types of data transmission, particularly for systems that rely on specific data formats and continuous signal integrity.

VoIP operates by converting voice signals into digital data packets and transmitting them over IP networks. This format allows for efficient use of a connection's bandwidth. The standard protocols used in VoIP, such as Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) and Real-time Transport Protocol (RTP), are optimized for voice communication using packet transmitting.

Why Alerting System Might Not Play Nice Over VoIP.

Alerting systems, such as those used in security monitoring or medical alert services, typically send signals in a specific format to ensure reliable communication with monitoring centers. These signals often require immediate and continuous transmission without alteration in format or timing.

Challenges Alerting Systems face over VoIP:

Data Packetization: VoIP breaks down voice signals into small data packets for transmission. The packet method disrupts the continuous transmission required by most alerting systems, causing the system to interpret them as faults.
Data Format Compatibility: Alarm systems are typically designed to send signals in formats that are distinct and recognized by monitoring centers. VoIP may alter the format of these signals during transmission, making them difficult to interpret at the receiving end.
Signal Integrity: VoIP networks are susceptible to latency, jitter, and packet loss, which can degrade signal quality. For alerting systems, maintaining signal integrity is crucial for timely and accurate communication with emergency services or monitoring centers.

What Works:

Voice Calls: Typical phone calls like those over a landline or cell.

What Doesn't Work:

Continuous Transmission Signals:
- fire alerting systems
- alarm systems
- medial alerting systems
Special Data Transmission Types:
- Faxes (without the use of an FMA, Fax Machine Adapter)
Device or endpoints with specific requirements:
- Emergency Phones in Elevators. (without the use of an ATA, Analog Telephone Adapter)

Conclusion

While VoIP technology offers numerous benefits for voice communication, its suitability for transmitting alerting signals can still be limited. The packetization of data and potential alterations in signal format can impede the reliability and effectiveness of these critical communication systems.

We recommend you always talk with your alerting system provider before changing how the device communicates with emergency services or monitoring centers.