How does Permaconn’s alarm communicator switch between different secure paths?

Permaconn’s alarm communicators are designed to ensure continuous and secure communication by automatically switching between different secure paths based on the availability and integrity of the connection. Here’s how the switching mechanism works across various models:

1. Primary Path Selection: The primary communication path for Permaconn devices typically starts with an IP network connection. If an Ethernet cable is connected and the network is active, this will be the first choice for transmitting alarm signals.
2. Fallback to Cellular Networks: If the IP connection fails or is unavailable, the communicator automatically switches to cellular networks. The devices have dual SIM functionality, allowing them to connect to multiple mobile networks. This redundancy ensures that the device can switch to another network to maintain communication if one network is down or has poor connectivity.
3. Automated Network Switching: The communicators can automate switching between SIMs and mobile networks. This feature is critical in maintaining network availability and ensuring that the communication link remains active regardless of individual network failures. The switching process is seamless and does not require manual intervention, which is crucial for maintaining the security and reliability of alarm transmissions.
4. Use of PSTN as a Backup: In some models, like the PM1048, there is also an option to connect a phone line using a PSTN module. This is an additional backup communication path if IP and cellular networks fail. The PSTN connection is typically used as a last resort due to its lower speed and reliability than digital communications.
5. Secure VPN and Encryption: Throughout this process, all data transmitted over these paths is secured using AES128 encryption, and communications occur within a secure VPN, which is dedicated to Permaconn events only. This adds a layer of security, ensuring the data remains protected from interception or tampering during transmission.

These features collectively ensure that Permaconn’s alarm communicators provide reliable and secure communication links between the supervised premises and the central monitoring stations, adapting dynamically to changes in network conditions to maintain constant connectivity.