I hate to say it, but sadly, Hispanic neighborhoods all over America still face a lot of violent crime. Assaults, break-ins, and robberies, the list can go on and on!
Luckily, we’ve got a way to fight back – using a home security system.
When setting up a home security system, you’ll come across two main options: going for a traditional offline security system or using a smart security system that uses the internet.
In this article, I’ll take a thorough look at both options and explore the edge that using an internet-based smart home security system can bring.
Let’s explore and take you one step closer to a more secure home!
Traditional Home Security Systems Explained
A traditional home security system, also known as a CCTV (Closed-Circuit Television) system, works without the internet. It uses cameras and stores the video recorded on either a Digital Video Recorder (DVR) or a Network Video Recorder (NVR).
If you prefer simple and consistent security, you might want to set this up.
That being said, you will have to give up on the advanced features that an internet-based smart home security system offers you. Now, let’s explore what a smart home security system is!
Smart Home Security Systems Explained
A smart home security system is an interconnected network of devices that work together to provide your home with across-the-board security. Normally, the devices that are part of this system include cameras, door and window sensors, motion detectors, smart locks, and alarms.
These systems can function using an internet connection or other forms of connectivity, like Zigbee, Z-Wave, Bluetooth, etc.
However, out of all these options, I’d recommend using a fast and reliable internet connection, as it can offer you some extra benefits that we are now going to explore.
Just throwing this here in case you’re currently looking for a provider. I’d recommend Xfinity for its speed and reliability. Plus, they offer bilingual assistance, so you can also reach out to the Xfinity Servicio al Cliente en Español if you like. They offer multi-gig plans that are great for homes with multiple smart devices.
The Benefits of an Internet-Based Smart Home Security System
Well, now, time for the moment of truth! Let’s explore the edge that an internet-based smart home security system offers over a traditional one.
Remote Monitoring
Using an internet-based smart home security system, you can access and view live footage of your home on your device, wherever you may be.
Talk about keeping your mind at ease!
These systems normally come with a dedicated app that allows you to remotely monitor your home. You could be getting groceries, picking up your kids, or even be a thousand miles away on a family vacation, and yet your home will be right in front of your eyes the whole time.
Oh, and some of these apps also allow two-way communication. So, if a package arrives a day you’re out (it happens to everyone), you can speak to the handler and advise them on where to place (or hide) it.
Alarm Notifications
I hope it never ever happens, but in case a smart security system detects a threat to your home, it will instantly notify you or take the required action itself.
All the devices in the system have their own set of measures against potential threats. These include uncommon motion detection, door or window sensors being triggered, or even suspicious behavior like someone peeking over your fence outside.
These instant, real-time notifications allow you to prevent threats before they evolve into something more serious. You can take the required action by calling your neighbors, the boys in blue, or other relevant authorities.
You might want to customize these notification settings to receive updates on issues that you think are actual threats. I mean, you probably wouldn’t want to drive all the way just because your motion detector picked a cat near it, would you?
Access for Multiple Users
They say two sets of hands (or should I say eyes) are always better than one, and I agree, especially when it comes to keeping your home safe.
An internet-based smart home security system allows you to do that. You can grant family members, friends, and neighbors access to the app, increasing the number of people on your security detail and reducing the chances of threats.
Let’s say you’re stuck somewhere without an internet connection or in one of those work meetings where you have to activate your robot mode.
During this time, you can’t really access your phone, so wouldn’t it help if someone you trust could? By the way, this feature can also be customized, and you can allow different users with different levels of access, balancing privacy, security, and responsibility.
The Internet – Adding the Smart in Smart Security
A traditional home security system can be a decent choice if you’re looking for simplicity and consistency. Given its simple nature, it can be a more affordable and easier-to-set-up option, compared to a smart home security system.
However, you won’t be able to monitor or stay informed, which may create anxiety about what’s going on.
An internet-supported smart security system, on the flip side, can put your mind at ease with its ability to keep you in the loop 24/7. The constant monitoring, instant notifications, and even the extra set of eyes that it adds to your home security can be the difference between a perfectly secure home and a huge disaster.
