HK1153883A - Method and apparatus for communication between a security system and a monitoring center - Google Patents

Description

Method and device for communication between a security system and a monitoring center

Technical Field

The present invention relates generally to security systems, and more particularly to communication between a monitoring station and a customer premises (premise).

Background

Customers often have security systems installed in their homes and/or businesses to monitor events such as unauthorized entry and fires. Each security system has at least one control panel in communication with a central monitoring center. When an event is detected, the control panel contacts the central monitoring center.

Currently, the control panel communicates with a central monitoring center over a standard hard-wired connection such as POTS (plain old telephone service) to send both data and voice information. However, conventional physical wiring and connections may fail due to being out of the ground, either intentionally or due to accident or weather, resulting in unreliable connections between the control panel and the central monitoring center. Furthermore, conventional physical wiring is likely to be unavailable because many customers are moving away from a hard-wired connection, selecting wireless functionality such as cellular telephones instead.

Therefore, there is a need for reliable wireless communication between the control panel and the central monitoring center.

Disclosure of Invention

In one embodiment, a method of providing communication between a system control panel at a premises and a central monitoring center comprises: an event code is sent from the control panel to the monitoring center using the first communication format and the network protocol and the control panel is placed in a callback mode. Enabling the control panel to receive an incoming call (in-bound call) using the second communication format. The two-way voice session is established using a second communication format between the monitoring center and the control panel. The two-way voice session is initiated by the monitoring center.

In another embodiment, a security system includes: a system control panel at the premises and a central monitoring center remote from the premises. The system control panel includes a first transceiver configured to transmit an event code using a first communication format, and an audio input configured to receive a signal representative of sound within the premises. The first transceiver is further configured to use a second communication format. The central monitoring center includes a second transceiver configured to receive an event code from the system control panel using a first communication format. The central monitoring center initiates a voice session with the system control panel using the second communication format after receiving the event code.

In yet another embodiment, a system control panel for monitoring a plurality of security devices installed at a premises and communicating with a central monitoring center remote from the premises, comprises: a control module, an audio input terminal and a communicator module with a SIM module. The control module is configured to detect event data associated with the security device. The audio input is configured to receive a signal representative of sound within the premises. The communicator module includes a system identifier that identifies the system control panel and is configured to implement communications using first and second communication formats. The transceiver is configured to transmit data using a first communication format and to transmit at least one of voice and data using a second communication format. The transceiver is further configured to transmit an event code to the central monitoring center using the first communication format. The system control panel enters a callback mode after sending the event code to enable a voice session with the central monitoring center using the second communication format.

Drawings

FIG. 1 illustrates a security system having a control panel for monitoring and/or controlling devices and components installed on a network in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 2 illustrates communication between a system control panel and a central monitoring center according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 3 illustrates a method for voice communication between a system control panel and a central monitoring center when an alarm event is detected, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Detailed Description

The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of certain embodiments of the present invention, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. To the extent that the figures illustrate diagrams of the functional blocks of various embodiments, the functional blocks are not necessarily indicative of the division between hardware circuitry. Thus, for example, one or more of the functional blocks (e.g., processors or memories) may be implemented in a single piece of hardware (e.g., a general purpose signal processor or random access memory, hard disk, or the like). Similarly, the programs may be standard stand-alone programs, may be incorporated as subroutines in an operating system, may be functions in an installed software package, and the like. It should be understood that the various embodiments are not limited to the arrangements and instrumentality shown in the drawings.

As used herein, an element or step recited in the singular and proceeded with the word "a" or "an" should be understood as not excluding plural said elements or steps, unless such exclusion is explicitly recited. Furthermore, references to "one embodiment" of the present invention are not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also incorporate the recited features. Moreover, unless explicitly stated to the contrary, embodiments "comprising" or "having" an element or elements having a particular property may include additional elements not having that property.

Fig. 1 shows a security system 100 having a system control panel 102 for monitoring and/or controlling devices and components installed on a network 110. Part or all of the network 110 may be wireless. These devices may detect and/or control the opening and closing of doors and windows, detect alarm conditions, notify individuals in an area of an alarm condition, track and/or control temperature, or perform other functions that may be desired. For example, the system 100 may be used in a ship, an office, an industrial building, a residence, and so forth. It should be understood that not all devices may be installed in each security system.

The system 100 has one or more sensors, such as a first sensor 104, a second sensor 106, through an N sensor 108, which may be configured to control and/or monitor a door 112, a first window 114, and a second window 116, respectively, and interconnected with the system control panel 102 via a network 110. One or more motion detectors 109 may be used to sense motion, while other sensors (not shown) may be used to monitor other areas of interest. Each of the sensors 104, 106, 108, and 109 has a unique address on the network 110.

Alarm condition detectors 118, 120 and 122 may be connected to network 110 and monitored by system control panel 102. The detectors 118 and 112 may detect fire, smoke, temperature, chemical composition, or other hazardous conditions. When an alarm condition is sensed, the system control panel 102 sends an alarm signal to one or more addressable notification devices 124, 126, and/or 128 via the network 110. For example, the addressable notification devices 124, 126, and 128 may be speakers and/or flashes (strobes). An optional heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) panel 140 and one or more thermostats 142 and 144 may also communicate with the system control panel 102 over the network 110.

The central monitoring center 146 may receive communications from the system control panel 102 regarding security issues and alarm conditions. The central monitoring center 146 is located remotely from the system 100 and provides monitoring of many alarm systems. Communications from system control panel 102 may be received and processed by digital receiver 150. The digital receiver 150 may be located at the central monitoring center 146 or remote from the central monitoring center 146 and may provide error correction and formatting functions prior to communicating information to the central monitoring center 146.

The system control panel 102 is connected to a power supply 130, and the power supply 130 provides one or more levels of power to the system 100. The one or more batteries 132 may provide backup power for a predetermined period of time in the event of a failure of the power supply 130 or other input power source. Other functions of the system control panel 102 may include displaying the status of the system 100, resetting a component, a portion, or all of the system 100, muting a signal, turning off a flash, etc.

System control panel 102 has a control module 134 that provides control software and hardware to operate system 100. Operating code 136 may be provided on a hard disk, ROM, flash memory, stored or run on a CPU card or other processing device. Input/output (I/O) ports 138 can provide a communication interface at the system control panel 102 for communicating with external communication devices 147, such as a laptop computer.

The network 110 is configured to carry power and perform communications from the system control panel 102 to the addressable notification devices 124 and 128. Each addressable notification device 124 and 128 has a unique address and is capable of two-way communication with the system control panel 102. The addressable notification devices 124 and 128 may communicate their status and functional capabilities to the system control panel 102 via the network 110. Thermostats 142 and 144 may be controlled and monitored by control module 134.

The communicator module 162 may be provided within the system control panel 102 and/or interconnected with the system control panel 102. A Subscriber Identity Module (SIM)152 may be installed in the communicator module 162. In other embodiments, a Universal Subscriber Identity Module (USIM) (not shown) or a Removable User Identity Module (RUIM) (not shown) may be used. The communicator module 162 may have a transceiver (TRx)170 that enables wireless data and voice transmission, as well as the ability to initiate and receive telephone calls. In some embodiments, the communicator module 162 may be a global system for mobile communications (GSM) cellular radio or other type of cellular radio. Each communicator module 162, or GSM cellular radio, has a unique system Identifier (ID) 153. If SIM 152 is used, a system ID 153 may be provided by SIM 152. For example, the SIM 152 may be provided by a wireless service provider, a provider of the control panel 102, a provider of the communicator module 162, an operator of the central monitoring center 146, and so forth. Alternatively, the system ID 153 may be stored in the memory 137. System ID 153 is a unique string, such as a telephone number, wireless SIM ID, Internet Protocol (IP) address, or Media Access Control (MAC) address, and may be used to identify and/or authenticate system 100. Connection information 154 is provided, which may be a telephone number, an IP address or a MAC address of the central monitoring center 146. It should be understood that the functions and information stored within SIM 152 may be implemented in other hardware, software, and/or firmware within control panel 102.

The system control panel 102 and the central monitoring center 146 may use a first communication format 182 to communicate data over a data channel. The first communication format 182 may be a data format. The data may be transmitted in a wireless or cellular data format, or over a wired connection, such as the internet. Data may be transmitted in packets without establishing a session connecting control panel 102 and monitoring center 162. For example, a session may establish a link, such as a telephone call, connecting control panel 102 and monitoring center 146, which remains until either control panel 102 or monitoring center 146 is disconnected to terminate the session. Examples of standards and/or technologies that may be used to communicate data over a data channel are General Packet Radio Service (GPRS), enhanced data rates for GSM evolution (EDGE), evolution data optimized (EVDO), 1xRTT, Integrated Digital Enhanced Network (iDEN), voice over IP (VoIP), and so forth.

Voice and control data, such as commands sent from the central monitoring center 146 to the control panel 102, may be communicated over different one-way or two-way voice channels using the second communication format 184 to establish a one-way or two-way voice session. The second communication format 184 may be a voice format. The voice and control data may be communicated in a wireless voice format or over a wired connection. The one-way voice session establishes a link in which sound is transmitted in one direction, for example from control panel 102 to central monitoring center 146. A two-way voice session establishes a link in which sound is transmitted in two directions, for example to allow a conversation between two locations. Examples of standards and/or technologies that may be used to communicate one-way and two-way voice sessions are global system for mobile communications (GSM), Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), Voice Interoperability for Data Access (VIDA), Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA), Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX), wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi), Long Term Evolution (LTE), and so forth.

For example, alarm codes, system ID 153 and other premise details or premise status data information may be communicated in a particular format and timing. If an alarm from the control panel 102 is not received by the monitoring center 146, the monitoring center 146 may not provide an appropriate response, such as an assignment of appropriate emergency personnel. Cellular voice communications, the quality of which is often dependent on cellular signal strength, may not be reliable for transmitting data such as alarm codes and system ID 153, because environmental issues and the number of users currently using the cellular system, among other factors, may affect transmission reliability, resulting in lost or delayed packets, for example. Thus, in one embodiment, different data channels are used for data transmission.

The central monitoring center 146 may call the control panel 102 using the second communication format 184 to establish a voice session over a voice channel. When the voice channel is open, an audio input such as microphone 156 may detect sounds proximate to the system control panel 102, which may be transmitted to the central monitoring center 146. Alternatively, the microphone 156 may be remote from the control panel 102, where the control panel 102 simply receives audio signals (e.g., voice) from a remote source or person(s). In some embodiments, one or more additional (addtional) microphones 158 and 160 may be placed within the premises and connected to the network 110. The detected sounds are transmitted over the network 110 from the microphones 158 and 160 to the system control panel 102 where the sounds may be transmitted over a voice channel to the central monitoring center 146. A speaker 163 at the system control panel 102 allows personnel at the premises to listen to voice communications from the central monitoring center 146. In some embodiments, a wired or wireless handset (not shown) may be provided at the control panel 102.

The control panel 102 may also use the communicator module 162 and the first and second communication formats 182 and 184 to perform maintenance and upgrades of features of the system 100, such as downloading firmware upgrades from a server (not shown) that may be located at the monitoring center 146 or service provider, or programming new devices (not shown) installed on the network 110. For example, specific operating parameters may be downloaded to the new device and/or the control panel 102 for controlling and monitoring the device.

Fig. 2 illustrates communication between the system control panel 102 and the central monitoring center 146. Within the communicator module 162, the memory 155 may be used to store data, such as the connection information 154, for communicating with the central monitoring center 146. Antenna 164 may be used to facilitate wireless communication.

Communicator module 162 and/or other modules in system control panel 102 may provide a variety of communication formats for communicating via a variety of communication standards and/or technologies, at least some of which are wireless. In some embodiments, the available communication technologies may be determined by SIM 152 and associated with wireless service provider 196. In other embodiments, the available communication technologies may be determined by one or both of the wireless service provider 196 and the internet service provider. TRx170 is capable of using at least one data format and at least one voice format. A voice format module 172 and a data format module 174 are provided. The processor 168 within the communicator module 162 processes the transmit data into the required format prior to transmission and processes the received data for use by the system control panel 102.

For example, GSM and GPRS work together and can be used in one embodiment. In GPRS, a packet mode format is used, where packets with a common (common) constant length correspond to GSM time slots. It should be understood that in other data formats, a packet mode format may be used that does not use packets of a common constant length. In GPRS multiple users may share the same frequency channel and packets may be scheduled for transmission based on first come first served packet scheduling or other scheduling schemes. EDGE also works with GSM. In another embodiment, different service providers may provide CDMA with EVDO and/or 1 xRTT. The first communication format 182 is a format that may be associated with technologies such as GPRS, EDGE, EVDO, VoIP, and 1xRTT, and the second communication format 184 is a format that may be associated with technologies such as GSM, CDMA, VIDA, TDMA, VoIP, WiMAX, and Wi-Fi. It should be understood that the communication formats are exemplary and not limiting, and that other communication formats may be used. Further, the first communication format 182 may be provided by a first service provider, while the second communication format 184 is provided by a second service provider. In this case, a second SIM (not shown) or other identification module may be used, or a second system ID may be stored in memory 155, if desired.

Premise status and premise detail data, such as alarm events, system IDs 153, event codes and/or monitoring data messages, are transmitted by TRx170 using a first communication format 182 within data format module 174. For example, if the control panel 102 does not receive an acknowledgement from the monitoring center 146 in response to the monitoring data message, the control panel 102 may resend the monitoring data message using a different communication format. The voice and control data are sent by the TRx170 using the second communication format 184 in the voice format module 172. For wireless communications, data and voice information may be sent by one or more service providers 196 to one or more cell towers 198 and transmitted over a network. In the case of voice communications, the service provider 196 establishes a one-way or two-way communication link or voice session between the control panel 102 and the monitoring center 146.

An ethernet module 181 may also be provided within the control panel 102 to provide access to broadband internet services over the internet 197, either wireless or hardwired. The ethernet module 181 may be used to transmit voice and/or data communications, for example, by using VoIP.

The central monitoring center 146 has a controller 250 for controlling operations and a database 252. The database 252 may include identification information for identifying the system 100 that is sending the alert. The TRx254 uses first and second communication formats 182 and 184 to communicate with the system 100 and other alarm systems (not shown). The operator 256 uses the user interface 258 to review communications from the control panel 102, send commands to remotely control the control panel 102, listen to sounds detected at the control panel 102, and engage in two-way voice communications with personnel at the control panel 102.

FIG. 3 illustrates a method for communicating between the system control panel 102 and the central monitoring center 146 when an alarm event is detected. At 200, the system control panel 102 at the premises detects an alarm event. By way of example only, the alarm event may be unauthorized entry through the door 112, breaking of glass detected by one of the sensors 106 and 108 proximate the windows 114 and 116, smoke detection, and the like.

At 202, the system control panel 102 sends an alarm event code to the central monitoring center 146 using the first communication format 182. For example, the processor 168 and TRx170 within the communicator module 162 may prepare and transmit the system ID 153 and premise status or premise detail data (e.g., one or more alarm codes) using a technology such as GPRS and using a network protocol such as an IP protocol. The alert code may be used to indicate the type of alert event detected. At 204, the system control panel 102 sends an event code to the central monitoring center 146 using the first communication format 182. The event code indicates that the control panel 102 wishes to enter the callback mode. The call back mode enables the control panel 102 to receive calls from the central monitoring center 146 using the second communication format 184. When the control panel 102 is not in the call back mode, the control panel 102 may not respond to a call from the central monitoring center 146 using the second communication format 184. In one embodiment, calls that do not originate from the central monitoring center 146 may be ignored by the control panel 102. In one embodiment, the alert code and the event code may be sent as separate messages or data packets.

By way of example only, GPRS or other data communication techniques as discussed above transmit alarm codes and event codes in a manner that maintains accurate timing and packet order. The central monitoring center 146 uses the alarm and event codes to properly identify the system 100 and the type of event reported. TRx170 transmits data silently and therefore does not hear any audible tones at the system control panel 102.

The central monitoring center 146 receives the alarm and event codes transmitted using the first communication format 182 with the TRx 254. As previously described, the alarm and event codes may be initially received and processed by the receiver 150. For example, receiver 150 may perform error correction. If the receiver 150 determines that erroneous data has been received, the receiver 150 may send a request to the system control panel 102 using the first communication format 182 requesting that the alert and event codes be resent.

At 206, the central monitoring center 146 sends an affirmative message or signal back to the system control panel 102 using the first communication format 182 to indicate that an alarm and event code has been received. At this point, an operator 256 at the central monitoring center 146 may be alerted to a situation at the premises monitored by the system 100. For example, a window alert may pop up on a display screen within user interface 258 to alert the operator, or an audible alert may be sounded. Information identifying the premises, as well as the type of alarm detected at the premises, may be provided to operator 256.

In one embodiment, if the control panel 102 does not receive an acknowledgement message, the control panel 102 may retransmit the alarm and event code using the first communication format 182. In another embodiment, if the control panel 102 does not receive an acknowledgement message, the control panel 102 may retransmit the alarm and event codes using a different communication format. In yet another embodiment, if the control panel 102 does not receive an acknowledgement message, the control panel 102 may continue to send the alarm and event codes using the first communication format 182 or use a different communication format for a period of time. Alternatively, the control panel 102 may continue to transmit the alarm and event codes until an affirmative message is received, or the control panel 102 has reached its predetermined number of attempts, cancelling the transmission. In yet another embodiment, the control panel 102 may simply transmit an event code indicating that a person at the control panel 102 wishes to enter into voice communication with the monitoring center 146. For example, control panel 102 may have a button or other interface (not shown) that may be pressed or triggered to initiate voice communication with monitoring center 146.

At 208, after receiving the affirmative message, the system control panel 102 enters a call back mode in which the transceiver 170 in the communicator module 162 is in a receive mode, thereby enabling detection of an incoming call from the central monitoring center 146 using the second communication format 184 for a period of time. For example, the period of time may be between two and three minutes. In another embodiment, the system control panel 102 may enter the callback mode after sending the event code and before receiving the affirmative message. In yet another embodiment, the callback mode may implement one of a one-way voice session or a two-way voice session.

At 210, the central monitoring center 146 calls the control panel 102 using the second communication format 184. For example, the phone number associated with the system ID 153 may be stored in the database 252. The central monitoring center 146 may automatically call the control panel 102 or the operator 256 may make a selection on the user interface 258 to initiate the call back. For example, the operator 256 may select a particular key on a keyboard, select an icon, callback box or other indication on a touch screen, or select a callback box with a mouse click selection. In one embodiment, TRx254 is transmitted in a format associated with GSM. For example, service provider 196 may establish a connection between control panel 102 and central monitoring center 146, such as by assigning a pair of uplink and downlink frequency channels to each of central monitoring center 146 and control panel 102 to carry a voice conversation. For example, uplink and downlink frequency channels may be allocated in the 850MHz or 1900MHz bands in the united states and in the 900MHz or 1800MHz bands in some other countries. In another embodiment, a telephony interface (not shown) or service, such as a private automatic branch exchange (PABX), may be used to facilitate connection of calls to the service provider 196.

At 212, system control panel 102 answers the voice channel call from central monitoring center 146, e.g., with respect to the first incoming ring event, service provider 196 establishes a connection between control panel 102 and monitoring center 146. The first incoming ring event is the first detection of a call from the central monitoring center 146 using the second communication format 184. Continuing with the above example, the processor 168 processes the call based on GSM. When an incoming ring call is received at a premises where system 100 is installed, control panel 102 does not generate audible rings at the premises. Thus, if an unauthorized person enters the premises, the operator 256 may detect their presence without allowing the unauthorized person to be aware that they are being monitored. In one embodiment, if the control panel 102 does not receive an incoming ring event within the period of time, the control panel 102 may again send the alarm and event codes, resetting the period of time. In another embodiment, the control panel 102 may use a different communication technology, such as VoIP, to attempt to establish communication with the monitoring center 146.

At 214, system control panel 102 enters a voice mode. In one embodiment, the voice mode is a two-way voice transmission mode, and voice and other sound transmissions are sent in both directions using the second communication format 184. In another embodiment, the voice mode is a "listen only state," which is a one-way voice transmission mode. The one-way voice transmission mode allows an operator 256 at the monitoring center 146 to listen to sounds detected by one or more of the microphones 156, 158, and 160 at the premises. The operator 256 is thus able to determine activity at the premises, such as detecting that someone is in physical danger and/or seeking help. In the one-way voice transmission mode, no sound is sent from the monitoring center 146 to the system control panel 102.

At 216, the operator 256 may take a number of different actions. Operator 256 may keep the one-way voice session open, e.g., listening continuously during dispatch of the local authorization. In another embodiment, the operator 256 may use the user interface 258 to send one or more dual tone multi-frequency (DTMF) commands 260 to remotely control the control panel 102. For example, a DTMF command 260 may be sent to change the voice mode from a one-way to a two-way voice transmission mode, such as voice operated exchange (VOX), to establish a two-way voice session. The operator 256 may then talk to personnel located at the premises. Other DTMF commands 260 may also be used, for example, to change the voice transmission mode from a two-way mode to a one-way mode, amplify sounds detected by the microphone 156, extend call time, disconnect or terminate a voice connection, and so forth. Both one-way and two-way voice sessions can be terminated by the central monitoring center 146 without generating noise at the system control panel 102. DTMF commands 260 may be entered into a memory of control panel 102. It should be understood that other types of commands may also be sent using the second communication format 184 to remotely control the system control panel 102.

It is to be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. For example, the above-described embodiments (and/or aspects thereof) may be used in combination with each other. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from its scope. While the dimensions and types of materials described herein are intended to define the parameters of the invention, they are by no means limiting and are exemplary embodiments. Many other embodiments will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. The scope of the invention should, therefore, be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. In the appended claims, the terms "including" and "in which" are used as the plain-english equivalents of the respective terms "comprising" and "wherein. Moreover, in the following claims, the terms "first," "second," and "third," etc. are used merely as labels, and are not intended to impose numerical requirements on their objects. Furthermore, the limitations of the following claims are not to be written in a device-plus-function form, nor are they intended to be interpreted based on 35u.s.c § 112, the sixth clause, unless and until such claims limit the exact use of the term "means for.

Claims (26)

1. A method of providing communication between a system control panel at a premises and a central monitoring center, the method comprising:

sending an event code from the control panel to the monitoring center using a first communication format and a network protocol;

causing the control panel to enter a callback mode;

enabling the control panel to receive an incoming call using a second communication format; and

establishing a two-way voice session between the monitoring center and the control panel using a second communication format, wherein the two-way voice session is initiated by the monitoring center.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the two-way voice session uses one of: global system for mobile communications (GSM), Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), voice over IP (VoIP), WiMAX, Wi-Fi, Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA), Integrated Digital Enhanced Network (iDEN), and Long Term Evolution (LTE).

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the first communication format is a format associated with one of: general Packet Radio Service (GPRS), enhanced data rates for GSM evolution (EDGE), 1xRTT, evolution data optimized (EVDO), iDEN, and VoIP.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein said first communication format constitutes a packet mode format.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein said monitoring center upon receipt of said event code causes said control panel to be automatically called in a second communication format.

6. The method of claim 1, further comprising transmitting an alert code from the control panel to the monitoring center using the first communication format, the alert code including at least a system Identifier (ID) associated with the control panel.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein the establishing operation further comprises: making an outgoing call to the control panel based on a pre-assigned phone number associated with the control panel.

8. The method of claim 1, further comprising providing a bi-directional communication link between the control panel and a service provider, the service provider establishing a connection between the control panel and the monitoring center.

9. The method of claim 1, wherein the event code indicates that the control panel is entering a two-way voice callback mode.

10. The method of claim 1, wherein the control panel enters the callback mode upon receiving an acknowledgment message from the monitoring center acknowledging that the monitoring center has received the event code.

11. The method of claim 1, further comprising placing the control panel in a listen only state for a predetermined period of time once the two-way voice session is established.

12. The method of claim 1, wherein the control panel enters an incoming call enabled state at an enabling operational moment and maintains the incoming call enabled state until the two-way voice session is established or a period of time expires, whichever is first arrived.

13. A security system, comprising:

a system control panel located at a premises, the system control panel comprising:

a first transceiver configured to transmit an event code using a first communication format, the first transceiver further configured to use a second communication format; and

an audio input configured to receive a signal representative of sound within the premises; and

a central monitoring center located remotely from the premises, the central monitoring center including a second transceiver configured to receive the event code from the system control panel using the first communication format, the central monitoring center initiating a voice conversation with the system control panel using the second communication format after receiving the event code.

14. The security system of claim 13, wherein the first communication format constitutes a wireless data format and the second communication format constitutes a wireless voice format.

15. The security system of claim 13, wherein the central monitoring center is configured to send an affirmative message to the system control panel upon receipt of the event code, wherein the system control panel enters a callback mode upon receipt of the affirmative message.

16. The security system of claim 13, wherein the system control panel enters a call back mode after transmitting the event code, the call back mode enabling the system control panel to answer a call from the central monitoring center using the second communication format to establish the voice session, the voice session further comprising one-way voice communication or two-way voice communication.

17. The security system of claim 13, wherein the system control panel enters a callback mode for a period of time after transmitting the event code, the system control panel retransmitting the event code if a call from the central monitoring center is not received during the period of time.

18. The security system of claim 13, wherein the central monitoring center sends commands to remotely control the system control panel using the second communication format.

19. The security system of claim 13, wherein the first communication format is a format associated with one of: general Packet Radio Service (GPRS), enhanced data rates for GSM evolution (EDGE), 1xRTT, Integrated Digital Enhanced Network (iDEN), voice over IP (VoIP), and evolution data optimization (EVDO).

20. The security system of claim 13, wherein the second communication format is a format associated with one of: global System for Mobile communications (GSM), VoIP, WiMAX, Wi-Fi, Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA), iDEN, Long Term Evolution (LTE), and Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA).

21. A system control panel for monitoring a plurality of security devices installed at a premises and communicating with a central monitoring center located remotely from the premises, the system control panel comprising:

a control module configured to detect event data associated with a security device;

an audio input configured to receive a signal representative of sound within the premises;

a communicator module configured to implement communications using a first communication format and a second communication format, the communicator module including a system Identifier (ID) identifying the system control panel; and

a banjoa transceiver configured to transmit data using said first communication format and to transmit at least one of voice and data using said second communication format, said transceiver further configured to transmit an event code to said central monitoring center using said first communication format, said system control panel entering a callback mode after transmitting said event code to enable a voice session with said central monitoring center using said second communication format.

22. The system control panel of claim 21, wherein the system control panel enters the call-back mode after receiving an affirmative message from the central monitoring center using the first communication format.

23. The system control panel of claim 21, wherein said transceiver transmits an alarm code based on event data detected by said control module, said alarm code further including at least said system ID, said alarm code and said event code being transmitted as a continuous stream.

24. The system control panel of claim 21, wherein the callback mode is a two-way callback mode enabling a two-way voice session between the system control panel and the central monitoring center, the transceiver transmitting sounds detected by the input during the two-way voice session.

25. The system control panel of claim 21, wherein said transceiver is configured to wait in said call back mode for a period of time during which said transceiver retransmits said event code if an incoming call from said central monitoring station is not detected.

26. The system control panel of claim 21, further comprising an ethernet module configured to transmit data and at least one of voice and data over the internet.