Why Redundancy Is Crucial to Effective Home Security

Companies that manufacture and sell home security equipment frequently talk about how their devices can prevent crime. It is a fair topic for discussion, even if claims are sometimes stretched. But far too often, the need for redundancy is left out of the discussion. The fact that redundancy isn’t talked about only serves to keep consumers from being fully informed.

A home security system is only as good as its redundancy. If you are not sure what redundancy is, think of it this way: a home equipped with multiple video cameras along with a video doorbell, motion sensors, and broken glass sensors offers numerous ways to be alerted in the event that someone breaks in. That is redundancy.

If a consumer’s entire security system is nothing more than a video doorbell, there is no redundancy. A burglar can get in undetected if he can figure out how to disable that doorbell without it detecting his presence. And by the way, disabling video doorbells is more possible than most people know.

Jam the Wi-Fi Signal

Your typical video doorbell is a wireless doorbell that connects to a home network via wi-fi. Clever burglars have figured this out and come up with a workaround: electronic devices that jam wi-fi signals. Jamming is made possible by overwhelming a home network so that signals from the doorbell never get through.

Unfortunately, crooks can buy wi-fi jammers online for next to nothing. And even where the devices are illegal, there are other devices that do something similar and are legal for home use. A burglar only needs one of these devices to disable a video doorbell normally connected via wi-fi.

One Weapon Isn’t Enough

Designing a home security system with redundancy is based in the understanding that one weapon isn’t enough. Your leading security companies understand this, which is why Vivint Smart Home doesn’t stop at video doorbells alone. They install and monitor complete home security systems that include a variety of cameras, sensors, and alarms.

The redundancy mindset recognizes the fact that a single line of defense can fail. It can fail due to technological problems or lack of power. It can fail after being deliberately disabled by a criminal. Any number of things could prevent a security device from doing what it is supposed to do.

You get around that by installing multiple devices. So in addition to a video doorbell, for example, you might also install a second camera with a clear view of the front door. But instead of this camera working on wi-fi, it works on another wireless protocol. It might even be hardwired into the system’s central control panel.

Redundancy Means Covering Every Angle

Adding redundancy to a home security system means covering every angle you can think of. It means getting inside the mind of a burglar and trying to figure out how he might take advantage of you. Effective redundancy requires effort and some additional expense, but it is worth it.

The best way to maximize redundancy in home security is to invest in a package that includes:

• Window and Door Sensors – Window and door sensors alert to windows and doors being opened. They are easy to install and difficult to disable without drawing attention to oneself.

• Broken Glass Sensors – Burglars have figured out that smashing windows can get them in without triggering traditional window sensors. Broken glass sensors change things. When they are installed, breaking a window isn’t even safe for the burglar.

• Motion Sensors – A selection of motion sensors deployed in strategic locations throughout the home alert to any unexpected movement. Even if a burglar does manage to get in, you will know he’s there.

• Video Cameras – There may be no better way to add redundancy to a home security system then to install cameras. Cameras offering a clear view of the property from every angle provide a ton of redundancy.

Professional monitoring services could even be considered a redundancy matter. While a home’s security devices are on alert and doing what they do around the clock, professional monitoring provides an extra set of eyes and ears keeping track of things. Throw in alerts sent to your phone or email and you have yet a third layer of redundancy.

Make It As Hard As Possible

The fact of the matter is that criminals look for easy targets. They look for people who are not paying attention; people who don’t take the steps necessary to protect themselves. The easier you make it on criminals to do what they do, the more likely you are to be victimized. So what’s the answer? Make crime as hard as possible.

Redundancy is all about adding as many layers as possible. The more criminal needs to go through to get what he wants, the less likely he is to put in the work. Penetrating multiple levels of security involves more work and risk than most criminals want to deal with.

Remember, the real world isn’t as flashy or exciting as Hollywood. Real burglars don’t go to the great lengths that their Hollywood counterparts do to break in and steal. They just aren’t that sophisticated. They don’t have to be. There are plenty of careless victims waiting to be hit by surprisingly unsophisticated criminals.

Technology and Common Sense

It should be clear that redundancy is crucial to successful home security. But let’s not forget common sense here. All the technology in the world becomes useless if a property owner doesn’t apply common sense to utilizing it.

Common sense says keep your windows and doors always locked. Installing a video doorbell isn’t a valid reason to leave for work in the morning and not lock the door behind you. Leaving the door unlocked only makes it easier for burglars to get in.

Home security does what it is supposed to do more often than not. The most effective systems work extremely well thanks to built-in redundancy. Remember that word. If you ever install your own security system, build in as much redundancy as possible.

About Author