The security and monitoring system for your home represents the single most important solution for providing safety and peace of mind for you and your family. We define below the core requirements for security alarm systems, then discuss optional requirements for surveillance systems. Depending on your need, either or both of these systems should be included in your solution.

Security Alarm System Requirements

This is a list of typical features available in security systems today. Consider this a starting point for developing your security system requirements for your home and family:
• Zone intrusion detectors, includes:
  • perimeter detectors - normally infrared devices or contact sensors mounted in doors and windows,
  • interior detectors - includes floor pads and motion sensors.
• Smoke detectors - for fire alarm notification,
• Outdoor intrusion - may include motion detectors for people or vehicle movement, as well as a gate open sensor,
• Local siren alarm - activated when system is armed and intrusion is detected,
• Coordinated flood lights - come fully on or blinking when intrusion is detected,
• activity logs for detected events.
• External alerts include:
  • dial-out to security service or homeowner's cell phone or neighbor's phone,
  • page to security service/homeowner's/neighbor's pager,
  • send email to homeowner or other contacts.

Surveillance System Features

• Security cameras provide the following features:
  • motion triggered video capture to archive,
  • live external activity monitoring with outdoor pan/tilt/zoom cameras,
  • live monitor for children or pets with indoor pan/tilt/zoom cameras.
• Other items for pets include automatic feeders, doors, cleaners, and pet containment systems.
• Electronic door latches enable remote control of home entry for children or delivery people.

Another important consideration is the ability of the Security and Monitoring System to integrate with a whole-house automation system via either a serial interface or the home data network. This feature will allow the automation system to trigger certain actions when the security system is disarmed and the house is occupied. As mentioned in other segments this includes controlling lights and the thermostat based on doors/windows being opened or closed, or displaying the front door camera on the kitchen TV when the door bell rings.