Hybrid Wired/Wireless System Design

Support
1

I’m installing a new system in an existing structure and I’d like for it to be hardened against various RF attacks that may become more widespread in the future.

I have experience with IQ Panels and PowerG sensors, and have generally been happy with them. I understand that frequency hopping and AES-128 encryption provide strong security, and that feels sufficient for the door/window contacts that I don’t want to retrofit with wires. It seemed preferable and more feasible, however, to run wires to my motion and glass break sensors.

Can the IQ Panel 4 accommodate wired sensors without a wireless link? If not, is there a panel that supports both wired sensors and PowerG (or similarly secure) wireless sensors?

Thanks!

2

The IQ Panel 4 cannot use wired sensors without a wireless link to the panel. It would use a wired to wireless translator to make use of wired zones.

In your case I would recommend the IQ Pro. The IQ Pro is a hybrid panel with built in hardwired terminals which also supports PowerG.

Here is a link to the Qolsys page for the IQ Pro.

3

This is good thinking and makes a lot of sense. If an intruder were able to RF jam your door sensor then your motion sensor would alarm immediately, even if it’s programmed as an interior-follower type zone because there wouldn’t be a door/entry sensor opened to start the entry delay.

4

Thanks, this is very helpful! That is the sort of panel I was looking for. Can I buy it from a third party and then use it with Alarm.com and Surety?

I see the list of supported keypads here. There’s no way to hard-wire an IQ Remote or IQ Remote PG to it, right? Would it be theoretically easier for an attacker intercept a disarm code sent over WiFi with SSL, or PowerG? I suppose one of those LCD keypads would be fine, even if they look a bit antiquated.

5

Can I buy it from a third party and then use it with Alarm.com and Surety?

Yes, compatible products can be sourced from anywhere.

There’s no way to hard-wire an IQ Remote or IQ Remote PG to it, right?

No, those are wirelessly connected to the IQ Pro. Some of the compatible LCD keypads are wired however.

Would it be theoretically easier for an attacker intercept a disarm code sent over WiFi with SSL, or PowerG? I suppose one of those LCD keypads would be fine, even if they look a bit antiquated.

Wireless communication between the panel and PowerG sensors or keypads is encrypted. While jamming is a possibility, intercepting and deciphering the data is to my knowledge not something that will likely happen. PowerG is an encrypted, spread spectrum frequency hopping RF method.

6

Great, thanks Jason!