To sum it up a bit, assuming you are using PowerG sensors and dual path (internet + cellular) communication from the panel to the monitoring center, it looks like this.
The PowerG link is pretty secure thanks to frequency-hopping spread spectrum (FHSS). It’s unlikely that an intruder can interfere with it.
Communication from the panel to the monitoring center is dual path - signals are sent simultaneously through both communication paths. If either path is working then the signal gets to the monitoring center.
The Internet path either uses Wifi (what most people use) or wired Ethernet (if you have an IQ Ethernet Card). Wired Ethernet is arguably more secure because it can’t be jammed from outside but it can still be blocked if the intruder can cut your internet connection from the outside.
What can you do to deter someone trying to block communication from the panel to the monitoring center? Here are a few ideas to help.
Secure Your Outdoor Cable
If possible, make sure your internet connection, whether it’s coaxial cable, DSL, or fiber, is buried or hidden outside your house. Make sure it’s hard for someone to walk up and disable it.
Cellular Signal Strength
Make sure your panel has good cellular connectivity. If it doesn’t, move it somewhere so it does.
Outdoor Siren & Strobe
If it’s legal in your area, use an outdoor siren and strobe so that if an intruder has successfully blocked both your internet and cellular communication paths, there will still be something to draw attention when they set off the alarm. Install it in a hidden or inconspicuous location so they are unlikely to notice it before it starts sounding. There is a PowerG outdoor siren & strobe that works with the IQ Panel 4.
1 Hour Supervision
By default, Alarm.com detects communication failure with your panel within about 6 hours. For an additional $1/month you can upgrade your account to detect communication failure within 1 hour.
Display Yard Sign
Make it clear that you have a professionally monitored security system so that your house isn’t the path of least resistance when they have many to choose from.
Remember that most intruders are not sophisticated enough to even attempt to block dual path communication. Every security-related decision you make is a trade off between cost and benefit. Each person has to decide what’s worth it for them.