There?s a lot more to it than alarms and security cameras When we talk about home tech, we?re often focused on products from technology juggernauts or new startups, but home security systems, the predecessors to today?s smart home ecosystems, have been used for decades (the first system was invented in 1969 by Marie Van Brittan Brown, and it featured a closed-circuit television system, a remote controlled door, and two-way communication).
Today there are literally thousands of options on the market, ranging from DIY kits to hardwired systems built into your home. How to choose" We went to the home security experts to understand the differences between systems and key features you should consider before installing.
Wireless vs. hardwired Most home security systems are hybrids, meaning that parts are hardwired but they can still use wireless communication. Matthew Ladd, president and owner of The Protection Bureau, a security system company based in Exton, PA, advises homeowners to avoid systems that use an analog phone line. Analog phone lines are going away, and you don?t want your system to be obsolete in five years.

Homeowners should instead choose a system with wireless communication, be it the internet or cellular backup. Telguard and Alarm.com both work over cellular networks. If you want the best of both worlds, Ladd advises using a system that communicates over a cellular network and goes through your home internet.
Having cellular capabilities ens...