Alula, a provider of smart security and automation systems for professional installers, introduces Connect-XT, a cellular card that is said to keep Simon panels by Interlogix operating far into the future with Cat-M1 cellular radio technology.
Connect-XT upgrades Simon XT, XTi and XTi5 panels to a modern, interactive security experience, adding smartphone control to the security panels, according to the company.
The Connect-XT replaces 3G CDMA or GSM cards that will cease to function with the pending 3G cellular sunset.
The new cellular card interacts with the Simon panel serial automation interface, providing full sensor status, system status and arming controls.
Connect-XT features Cat-M1 LTE radio technology, which is said to provide improved range from tower to panel over traditional LTE, allowing for more flexibility in difficult installations where cell signals struggle to penetrate.
“Like the rest of the industry, we were surprised by the announcement of the pending closure of Interlogix,” says Alula Vice President of Product Management, Dave Mayne. “Our focus is on helping dealers impacted by this to have an elegant and cost-effective transition path going forward and offer them a solution for Sunset and panel upgrades that will help them continue doing business smoothly.”
In addition to improved performance over older LTE technologies being shipped by most manufacturers, Cat-M1 also brings the advantage of 5G compatibility.
Connect-XT communicates alarm signals over Cat-M1 via Verizon or AT&T, and is available in versions with or without Z-Wave automation.
Customers with Simon panels installed can upgrade to a fully automated home with video monitoring using the new card, even if they are still using landlines, according to the company.
Interlogix recently announced it would be shutting down at the end of 2019.
This article originally appeared on our sister publication Security Sales & Integration‘s website.
