FTTP with a Yale auto-dialing alarm system, how?

Hi all

I'm with Plusnet and have had a stable 40Mbps connection for years which I'm happy with, albeit that I'd like more speed sometimes. So I need some advice as I plan for the eventual upgrade from FTTC to FTTP.

My connection runs through a trusty Draytek VDSL router which I intend to keep using post switching to FTTP as it provides remote VPN access into my home network and because I've never used any ISP router that I actually like, but the main problem I have is that I have a Yale HSA6400 series alarm that uses the landline to call me and a near-neighbor when triggered. The alarm panel is downstairs and is connected to the master socket in the upstairs home office (aka smallest bedroom!) via a hardwired extension socket (i.e. not merely a trailing extension lead plugging into the master socket).

I'm aware that the moment I upgrade from Plusnet FTTC to Plusnet FTTP (I plan on staying with Plusnet as I've no problems with their service) I will lose the analog telephone line service totally and that Plusnet do not offer any digital replacement as I'm lead to understand some other ISPs do. I have no need for an analog line other than for the alarm system, so what do I do here?

I'm not that knowledgeable on what kit is used for FTTP, I've read elsewhere you can plug an analog phone into the kit BT provide but is that into the router they provide or the modem itself (I seem to understand they are separate devices?). Can the extension for the alarm be connected also?

or is there any device that I could just plug the alarm's phone line into that would then use the internet to send an alert to me (I'm up for something that is a little homebrew as I'm a programmer and can foresee a Pi project might exist somewhere or is there a box that uses VoIP or mobile services to dial the call instead?

Or am I just better off junking the alarm and getting something newer that does link to the internet out of the box? Yale do produce such systems but they're not cheap and I'm loathed to junk an alarm that otherwise works well (and yes, I do know the HSA6400 series doesn't have the most secure or robust wireless connection security between sensors and panel but I'm not in a high-risk area and can't imagine any ne'er-do-well that tries to break in in this area will come tooled up with jamming equipment for this alarm!). If junking it is a better/cheaper option, what would you suggest to replace it?

Thanks in advance for your sage wisdom all!

There is no ‘modem’ as such. On FTTP you will be given an ONT (Optical Network Termination) from this you will link to your router via an RJ45 cable.

Yes, ISP’s routers that can provide a digital voice service will require you to connect to a phone jack on the back of their router.

Plusnet do not seem interested in offering a digital voice service, as yet.

Solutions include , porting your voice service to an IP based provider prior to going over to FTTP (Sipgate for example) then getting kit to convert into alarm usable voice.

Can your current kit be converted to run on a mobile sim instead ?

I suspect the most hassle free would be an upgrade to your current alarm system to allow it to run on IP, once this is done you are good to go if and when you upgrade to FTTP

Bound to be offered plenty of other solutions too

Thanks for the reply.

So having done a little bit more googling this afternoon, I come across some cheap VoIP adapters a lot, that all oddly look exactly the same, such as this:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Topiky-Internet-Adapter-Gat...

Would this be suitable? It appears they are not for the non-tech savvy so I should be ok to get this going as long as I can get the instructions for it, do you think this would work?

It might be worth chatting with Yale but I have a feeling that you could change your existing HSA6400 hub to a Yale smart home hub and keep all your existing sensors alarms etc. This connects via ethernet to your router hub and allows full control of all your alarm functions via your mobile. You can even add cameras if you are getting paranoid.

Alarm diallers over VoIP - they might work or they might not. They may work one day but not the next ...

I would suggest updating te alarm to a professional grade system - have a good look at Texecom Premier Elite which can use wired or wireless detectors - PIR, contacts, glass break, fire/smoke, wired/wireless/dummy_flashing sounders and then use their SmartCom to provide the IP interface (WiFi or Ethernet). Install the app on your phone, that of your wife/partner &c and you will get any alerts - access, alarm, fire, &c sent direct to your phone. You can also use the app to arm or disarm if you wish.

I have just done an install in a house where they have Plusnet FTTC and teh Plusnet hub - linkig to te hub on WiFi took 30 seconds and has now been up for about 4 weeks. The intention is later this year for them to migrate to Plusnet FTTP - change will take 30 seconds if I am on site or 5 minutes if done on a call!.

Is the auto dialler a separate device that is triggered by a dry contact or similar? If it is then I would look at just replacing that unit with a GSM version and putting a cheap SIM in, rather than a VoIP subscription and sorting out cabling just for use with your alarm.

In reply to a post by Zarjaz:

Solutions include , porting your voice service to an IP based provider prior to going over to FTTP (Sipgate for example) then getting kit to convert into alarm usable voice.

Would porting voice cause a Plusnet VDSL cease, hence potentially no broadband until FTTP is installed/activated?

In reply to a post by 4M2:

In reply to a post by Zarjaz:

Solutions include , porting your voice service to an IP based provider prior to going over to FTTP (Sipgate for example) then getting kit to convert into alarm usable voice.

Would porting voice cause a Plusnet VDSL cease, hence potentially no broadband until FTTP is installed/activated?

Oh yeah, good point … or maybe have Plusnet move the service to SOGEA ?

Maybe the specific DN isn’t that important to the OP ?

It might be OK, I’m not well versed in such things. There is a specific VOIP section elsewhere on the forum, you could ask about that kit on there ?

or the op could just leave the pn dsl as is. ask for a new fttp connection and then sort out the phone number issue afterwards !