I have a cabin in a remote area that does not have internet. Will the Gen 2 alarm system still work without Wi-Fi and can it use a Sim Card?

3 min. readlast update: 06.17.2024

Some questions received from one of our customers who have a remote cabin that does not have internet.

I have a cabin without internet, but we do get a WiFi signal on our cell phones. I have a few questions about the Gen 2 home alarm system:

  1. Will it work if I link my phone's WiFi to the alarm controller panel, given that the site says to have Wi-Fi turned on your mobile phone to link?
  2. I don't see that the Gen 2 offers GSM SIM card support. Is this correct?
  3. If the app won't work because we don't have an internet protocol address at the cabin, will the Gen 2 alarm still function? Specifically, can we manually arm and disarm the alarm and connect to the window sensors, door sensors, and alarm siren without using the app?

Response to question #1: The Gen 2 alarm system requires a permanent connection to your home's Wi-Fi internet router and an internet connection to work with the Smart Life app. This means you'll need a stable Wi-Fi connection to set it up and for it to function. However, once connected, you can control and receive notifications from the Gen 2 remotely using your cell phone's data plan when you're away from home

Response to Question #2: The Gen 2 alarm system does not currently support GSM SIM cards. Our team is actively working on implementing this feature, but we're taking the time to ensure that it's done right. We're conducting thorough tests to guarantee a reliable and compatible system that works seamlessly with GSM SIM cards. Stay tuned for updates!

Response to Question #3: The Gen 2 alarm system can still be used independently without the app. You can arm and disarm the system using the keypad on the alarm panel. Additionally, the sensors communicate with the alarm panel using Radio Frequency (RF) technology, ensuring reliable connectivity and functionality even without the app

If you don't have internet at your cabin due to its remote location, you may want to consider satellite internet as an option. Some of our clients have successfully used satellite internet to stay connected. Here are some satellite internet companies available in Canada and the United States:

Canada

1. **Xplornet**: One of the largest rural internet service providers in Canada, offering satellite internet as part of their services.

2. **Starlink**: Owned by SpaceX, Starlink provides satellite internet with a focus on high-speed broadband access in rural and remote areas.

3. **Explornet**: Another option available in some regions, providing satellite internet services for rural and remote areas.

4. **Galaxy Broadband**: Specializes in providing satellite internet services for business and residential customers, particularly in remote areas.

5. **Viasat**: Operates in Canada and provides satellite internet services to both residential and business customers.

United States

1. **Viasat (formerly Exede)**: One of the leading satellite internet providers in the U.S., offering a range of plans for different needs.

2. **HughesNet**: Another major provider of satellite internet in the U.S., known for its nationwide coverage and various service plans.

3. **Starlink**: Operated by SpaceX, Starlink provides high-speed satellite internet services across the U.S., particularly in underserved and rural areas.

4. **EarthLink**: Offers satellite internet services in partnership with Viasat and HughesNet.

5. **DishNET**: Operated by Dish Network, offering satellite internet plans in conjunction with their TV services.

These companies offer varying plans and speeds, and the availability of services can depend on the specific location within each country. It's always a good idea to check with the providers directly to confirm the availability and details of their services in your area.

 

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