What communication options are available with Dual-Path?
Dual-Path refers to the module communicating to Alarm.com using two paths: cellular and broadband (Internet). A benefit of Dual-Path is redundancy so that if one path becomes unavailable the panel can still communicate with Alarm.com over the other path.
Typically, Dual-Path communication occurs either over an Ethernet or Wi-Fi connection to allow the module to communicate over broadband, alongside cellular communication. For more information about panel compatibility with Dual-Path, see Which panels are compatible with Dual-Path communication?.
Note: Some panels can accommodate a phone line as well, however signals sent over the phone line do not show on Alarm.com.
Compatibility with other communication options for Dual-Path
The following table outlines the compatibility of Dual-Path modules and panels with various communication options.
| Feature | Compatibility |
|---|---|
|
Forwarding over broadband only |
Most Dual-Path modules or panels cannot communicate using only the broadband network. For more information about broadband only accounts and compatibillity, see Create broadband only accounts. If there is no cellular coverage, most panels are still going to be set to Dual-Path and there may be intermittent communication with Alarm.com. For consistent communication on those panels, verify the module communicates over cellular properly. For information about troubleshooting low signal, see Poor Signaling. |
|
Forwarding over cellular only |
Compatible. Dual-Path modules or panels can communicate using only the cellular network. The module or panel does not need to have the Wi-Fi configured or an Ethernet cable connected in order to communicate to Alarm.com over cellular. |
|
Port forwarding |
Incompatible. There are no specific ports to be used for port forwarding over broadband. For best results, verify DHCP enabled in the network router. |
|
Having a static IP |
|
|
Connecting to a POE Switch |
Incompatible. Dual-Path modules cannot be powered by Power-Over-Ethernet (POE). |
|
Connecting to a bridge |
Compatible. Dual-Path modules can be connected to a bridge or switch for broadband connection. |