FAQ'S

                                                 ZWAVE or WIFI? That is the question.

With so many automation devices on the market today one can be confused what to get or which direction to go.  Here at Cyrus, we are not just about selling you something to make money.  We are here to educate and establish a long life relationship with you as well.  Whether you come to us to design a system for you or you just want to go to Best Buy to do it yourself, a little education goes a long way.Z-Wave came from a company called Zensys in 2001.  The proprietary technology was acquired by its current owner, Sigma Designs. Z-Wave is a mesh system that connects devices using low-energy radio waves. A mesh network is decentralized. With the internet, your connection goes down if your modem fails, your ISP suffers an outage, or something happens to the submarine cables that can manage most of a country's traffic. In a mesh network, devices communicate directly to one another without a middleman. If the two gadgets (e.g. phones) are out of range of each other, they may utilize a third phone between the two of them without the third phone properly receiving or having access to what's being communicated.   The more devices, the stronger the network. If there are a hundred phones in one building, there are many more possible routes for a message to travel than if there were only five. As long as there are enough devices within range of each other, the system stays online. This is the idea behind systems like Z-Wave. Automatic lights, garage door openers, security systems, and other smart gadgets have long made use of Z-Wave. While it may not be a household name, there are 600 companies taking part as members of the Z-Wave Alliance, with over 2000 certified products. Many of them can be controlled remotely or via a hub.
Wi-Fi is a wireless networking technology introduced in 1998. It creates a local area network without the need for cables. When you hear the phrase wireless internet, most often it's in reference to a Wi-Fi network created by a router. The actual internet connection, however, doesn't come from Wi-Fi or the router, but from a modem.   A modem either relies on a physical connection, such as a fiber optic cable or telephone line, or a wireless connection to a cellular tower.  When you connect your device to a Wi-Fi network, you're connecting it to a router, which connects to a modem, which connects to the vast network of cables, servers, and buildings we think of as internet. Laptops, phones, tablets, smart TVs, video consoles, and other gadgets connected to the same Wi-Fi network can "see" one another. This allows people using separate computers in the same room to exchange files or play a multiplayer game.
What we, as security professionals like about ZWAVE is that we don't like to overwhelm out WIFI network with a lot of devices.  Between the computers, laptops, tablets, WIFI watches, guest devices that come to our homes, TV, Entertainment, Sound systems, and so many other things you can suddenly have hundreds of devices on your network before you know it.  All those devices require more power to run and with WIFI being so bad for your health as doctors and professionals say you don't want to expose yourselves to more radiation if you don't have to.  What if you could limit your WIFI exposure and take a bunch of devices and group them together then open one line of communication to outside world through WIFI?  That is where the ZWAVE comes in.  ZWAVE groups all your automation and connects through a hub to internet.  Not to mention hackers can easily hack your WIFI but with ZWAVE you just added a second firewall that hackers can not get through easily.  One thing you'd have to remember is that the only trick to ZWAVE is to make the mesh work effectively and flawlessly you'd have to put a ZWAVE device every 30 feet regardless of direction as long as there is a device within 30 feet of each other. So, next time you're at Best Buy or Amazon looking at their big sale on their WIFI automation devices you know more to make a better decision.   

                                                 WHY A SECURITY SYSTEM?

In today’s world, home security has become more important than ever. Whether you’re protecting your family, your property, or your peace of mind, a reliable security system provides critical protection. From intrusions to natural disasters, investing in a high-quality security system can prevent costly damages and provide 24/7 surveillance to keep you safe. Let’s explore why a home security system is a wise investment and how it can benefit you and your loved ones.

The most obvious benefit of a home security system is the protection it offers against burglaries and intrusions. According to studies, homes with security systems are three times less likely to be broken into. Visible security cameras, alarms, and door/window sensors act as deterrents to potential criminals who would rather target homes without security systems. With real-time alerts and remote monitoring, you can be sure your home is being protected, even when you’re away.

With professional monitoring services, you can rest easy knowing your home is always under surveillance. Whether you're at work, on vacation, or asleep, your security system is continuously monitored by professionals ready to notify authorities if an alarm is triggered. Fire, carbon monoxide, or water leak detectors can also be added, ensuring all potential threats are covered. This peace of mind is invaluable for any homeowner.

Modern security systems like Total Connect or Alarm.com offer remote access through your smartphone, allowing you to arm/disarm your system, lock doors, or check camera footage from anywhere in the world. Whether you’re at work or on vacation, you’ll receive instant notifications via text or email if something triggers an alarm. This real-time control puts the power in your hands, helping you stay informed and in control at all times.

Home security systems today do more than just protect against intrusions. They also include fire and carbon monoxide detectors that can save your life during an emergency. When smoke or dangerous CO levels are detected, the system will immediately alert you, and the monitoring center will notify the authorities, ensuring a fast response even if you're unable to react. Integrated smoke alarms and CO detectors can save lives, especially in situations where you may be unaware of the danger.

Many security systems also offer protection against natural disasters like floods, extreme temperature changes, and power outages. Flood sensors placed in vulnerable areas, such as basements or near water heaters, can detect water leaks early to prevent costly water damage. Temperature sensors can protect your home from freezing pipes or overheating that could cause significant damage. These early-warning devices can save you from severe property damage and costly repairs.

A home with a security system is more attractive to potential buyers. Studies show that homes with security systems are often valued higher, and homebuyers are more likely to choose a property that comes with an integrated security system. This can be a great selling point when you're ready to move, and it can increase the overall value of your home.

Every home is different, and so are your security needs. With modern systems, you can customize your setup to include cameras, motion sensors, door/window sensors, smart locks, and more. Whether you need basic protection or a more advanced setup, systems can be tailored to meet your needs. Scalability allows you to add or remove components as your security needs change, giving you flexibility without requiring a whole new system.

While many homeowners believe that security systems are expensive, they can actually be affordable and provide significant savings in the long run. Many systems come with financing options, and the cost of a comprehensive security system is minimal compared to the potential cost of property damage, theft, or injury. The peace of mind and protection provided by a security system is a priceless investment for you and your family.

Incorporating a home security system is one of the best decisions you can make for your family’s safety and peace of mind. From protecting against burglary and intrusions to preventing damage from fire or water leaks, a quality security system provides a comprehensive solution to safeguard your home. With remote access, 24/7 monitoring, and the latest in security technology, you can rest assured that your home is protected at all times.

At [Your Company Name], we offer a wide range of security systems designed to meet your needs, budget, and lifestyle. Whether you're looking for basic home security or a more advanced smart home solution, we have the expertise and products to keep your home safe. Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can help secure your home and loved ones!