Frequently Asked Questions
Have some questions? We have answers. Browse the most commonly asked questions about InGrid below.
Company FAQs
InGrid is the leading provider of digital home security products, applications and services. InGrid stands for “Intelligent Grid” which is the underlying technology platform used to provide highly reliable home security solutions.
InGrid designs, builds, and operates the products, systems, and services that allow broadband Internet service providers to economically deliver Digital Home Protection to their customers.
InGrid is the first in a new category of protection products and services for homes and small businesses based on new digital and wireless technologies. It is the first “professional-grade,” professionally monitored security system that can be easily self-installed by consumers in 90 minutes or less.
No other home security system to date deploys a fully-digital architecture to best take advantage of broadband connectivity. As a result, InGrid gives customers better protection, reliability, and superior control compared with today’s analog-based security systems (which make up the majority of professionally installed security systems today).
PROTECTION: InGrid is designed to be far more secure—and reliable-- than conventional systems, as conventional systems have two big Achilles heels—a big easy-to-find master control panel and a single outbound line to the monitoring company (usually a phone line).
InGrid is different—it has a unique Grid architecture with several redundant control points that fully cover the average home, tiny two-way sensors that each listen and talk to the main Grid Components, and multiple communication lines (broadband, telephone, and coming soon, optional GSM wireless) to professional monitoring.
CONTROL: InGrid also gives consumers THREE ways to control the system IN AND AROUND the home—through the console, the handset (that also is a cordless phone), and the unique two-way Keychain remote.
InGrid gives consumers MANY ways to control their system OUTSIDE the home—anywhere in the world in fact-- through any Internet connected device from desktop computers to digital phones.
CONNECTIVITY: Because InGrid is connected through an always-on, two-way broadband connection, consumers can always be connected to their homes—receiving alerts to any Internet connected device such as a cell phone or Blackberry™. Consumers can even arm or disarm their systems remotely and easily, and program their system to send alerts for NON-events, such as notification when a child does NOT return home from school by a specified time.
Yes. Most Homeowner's Insurance policies allow for a discount of up to 20% when you install a home security system. Contact your Insurance agent for specific details.
920 Cassatt Road
Suite 300
Berwyn, PA 19312-1178
InGrid has so far received 16 U.S. patents for home security technology, far more than any other security company. Many more are in the pipeline.
Product & Technology
Digital Home Security is the modernization of every aspect of home security products and services based on current and emerging digital technologies. Digital Home Security allows for enhanced protection, control, flexibility, and value compared to analog-based security systems. Think of how many products today are still analog—there aren’t many. Unlike the majority of new technology products, most of today’s security systems still are based on 20 year-old technology.
There are some new home security products and services that connect to broadband but are not designed to take full advantage of broadband’s full capabilities that come with an always on, two-way digital platform. InGrid’s sensors, control points and architecture are all new designs from the ground up, fully leveraging all broadband can offer.
Digital opens up a world of possibilities-- more features, more services, more reliability, at comparable or lower prices
1. Most analog systems connect only to one telephone line, which can easily be cut by intruders; InGrid enables multiple communication paths to professional monitoring and personal non-emergency alerts to any web-enabled device.
2. Analog systems are only one-way. They only dial out in an emergency—but there’s no “self monitoring” of the components, and monitoring service cannot “dial in” to check on the health of the system to ensure all components are operational. Sticking broadband connections to analog home security products is like putting broadband connections on typewriters.
3. Digital technology allows the components to be more compact- and with long lasting batteries-- for example, the two-way wireless sensors are ultra small- approximately 1” x 1” with battery life that last up to ten years. No analog wireless sensors can do that.
4. Digital technology enables greater reliability—all devices have two-way communication to confirm the success of the communication paths.
5. Analog systems are built around a single master control panel that can be easily disabled. InGrid’s distributed architecture offers multiple control points with “smart” technology with no single point of vulnerability so, should any one device be disabled,
6. Digital technology produces lower-cost sensors allowing customers to have full perimeter coverage-i.e., all windows and doors-economically, and without reliance on motion detectors (a major cause of false alarms).
7. Digital technology allows for easy customization of the system, from giving customers the ability to individually name the sensors user-friendly names (i.e., “left den window” instead of “Zone 4”) to customization of many of the systems’ features including exit delays.
8. Digital technology allows customers to access and control their systems remotely and securely from their InGrid systems, or any web-connected device.
9. Digital technology allows customers to be less dependent on a single wall mounted console that requires secret codes to enter and to leave – with InGrid, customers can arm and disarm their systems much like they lock and unlock their cars with the two-way InGrid Keychain remote (which makes the consumer aware when system is armed through and audio “chirp”).
10. Digital technology allows customers to easily setup their systems themselves, complete with self over-the-air registration of their components.
11. Digital technology allows customers to receive valuable information to the display windows on their devices, including weather and custom notifications.
12. Digital technology allows customers to network their systems through InGrid servers to include second homes, elderly parents, children away at college, or a vacation home.
InGrid Home Security is designed to provide more safety to families than current security systems through the use of several secure digital technologies and lots of redundancy.
Older analog security systems are controlled through a single master control panel, typically easy to find and disable. It’s usually located someplace obvious such as in the coat closet or by the electrical panel (breaker box). Worse, some “all-in-one” analog systems are placed right on the wall or counter, making them even easier to find and defeat- most often by simply unplugging. Standard analog security systems also connect to a single telephone line, which is always accessible outside the home.
InGrid uses digital, encrypted wireless technology in multiple devices (some can be hidden) throughout the home (and even a neighbor’s home). This network of devices stays in constant communications so there is no single control panel for a burglar to disable. In addition, InGrid connects directly to high speed Internet, the telephone line, even a neighbor’s telephone line. Soon, InGrid will also connect directly to a cellular network, creating an additional layer of redundancy. Therefore, a single cut telephone phone line or cutting the broadband connection cannot disable the system.
- Self-installable, self-customizable InGrid is the first “professional grade” system that can be self-installed in minutes. The Grid Controllers are all pre-configured so they can be up and running, “talking” to each other, moments after they are all plugged in. Sensors are then easily affixed to doors and windows (or even cabinets), and then programmed by the handset.
- The Protection Heartbeat InGrid is always on and always connected to send vital data back and forth to InGrid’s servers several times per minute, maintaining close contact and synchronization. InGrid watches for any change in the grid, including a cut telephone line, so that the consumer or the monitoring center quickly know when there’s a problem.
- Professional Monitoring InGrid Home Security is the only self-installed home protection system that is professionally monitored. All systems have been integrated with professional monitoring provided by Guardian Protection Services, the world's largest privately held security company. Guardian is consistently ranked as one of the top security companies in the nation and has been protecting lives and property for over 50 years.
- Website Access and Control InGrid allows consumers to control and manage their home protection systems easily through Myingrid.com. An easy-to-understand (and navigate) interface allows subscribers to assign user-friendly names to their sensors (as opposed to “Zone 8”), deploy non-emergency sensors—such as liquor cabinets or swimming pool gates-- that alert the subscriber but not InGrid Monitoring, and even adjust entry and exit delays.
- Home Connect Home Connect enables consumers to link multiple Digital Home Protection systems together through InGrid servers to expand their protection beyond the walls of their own homes to include the homes of loved ones. Home Connect enables both status review and control of remote systems.
- Home Alert InGrid is designed to be a full home-management appliance that delivers valuable alerts as programmed. Home Alerts are easy to set up and can be programmed to deliver messages related to things subscribers care about. Even simple reminders like “change smoke detector batteries” or personal notifications such as birthdays or anniversaries can be set up.
- Weather InGrid delivers up-to-the-minute weather forecasts to the Handset and Console at the touch of a button. So not only does InGrid deliver this information conveniently, it assures that the system is in constant communication with InGrid’s servers.
- Severe Weather Alerts If the national weather bureau issues a severe weather notification, InGrid alerts the subscriber.
- Email and Cell Phone Notifications Each InGrid system can be customized to send non-emergency alerts via email to a subscriber’s personal email account or messages to any cell phone the subscriber programs. For example, when a child comes home from school, the parent can be notified.
- Door Chime InGrid can be programmed to play a pleasant audio chime when a door or window is opened to alert the subscriber that a door or window was opened; InGrid can also be used to monitor cabinets and interior doors to keep an eye on small children.
InGrid Home Security is a professional grade system designed with the many advanced and reliable technologies available such as:
- Grid networking – used by the military and in large building owners to construct reliable communication networks in harsh environments; used by InGrid to automatically setup redundant communications in a home or small office.
- RFID – used for building access cards and EZ Pass type toll transponders; used by InGrid to build smaller and longer life sensors than standard security transmitters.
- Two-way wireless sensors – reliable design ensures that all messages are transmitted and received securely, quickly and accurately. In addition, battery life is significantly extended to 10 years in some cases.
- Digital encryption – used to protect all communications between devices so burglars can’t intercept messages or hack the system.
- Over the air registration – used in cellular to quickly activate new phones; used by InGrid to enable users a foolproof way to quickly and easily add devices to a system.
- WiFi friendly protocol – used to safely work in homes with wireless routers without interference between the InGrid system and PCs using wireless Internet.
- VoIP friendly protocol – the InGrid system isn't degraded in homes that use VoIP or digital voice services from their broadband provider.
- Redundant communications to monitoring center – enables InGrid to protect against burglars cutting the phone; InGrid systems can use backup phone lines in neighbor houses and soon, cellular backup.
- Digital cordless telephone – integrated into InGrid’s system, enables control of the InGrid system from anywhere in the home or office a cordless telephone can be used.
- Client-server architecture – enables new and more reliable services for end users and better customer management for service providers
- Redundant-master architecture – enables the InGrid system to continue operating even if a burglar disables one or more units; there is no single vulnerable control point.
- Broadband integration – InGrid systems are not just connected to the Internet; the broadband Internet connection is integral to the system. An easy to use website enables configuration and customization from any PC; remote control and email notifications are possible from any PC or cell phone. InGrid servers work with in-home systems to enable services such as Home Alert and Home Connect. Future services such as medical monitoring can be remotely activated via software download.
- 24 hour battery backup – InGrid systems include batteries in every product, so when the power goes out the system keeps running. InGrid uses easy to replace cordless telephone style batteries.
The two main causes of false alarms are motion detectors and user mistakes using analog keypads.
When motion detectors cover a large area such as a family room or kitchen, normal motion such as pets, kids, or even the air conditioner blowing leaves on a house plant can set off an alarm. InGrid is not reliant on motion detectors to offer full, secure protection.
Analog keypads generally have a poor user interface, confusing many users. When leaving the house, first the system must be armed and then everyone must exit in time. If the timing is off or the door is not closed all the way, a false alarm occurs. When returning home, if the user doesn’t enter the code quickly, a false alarm occurs. InGrid uses a multiple keypads (on the console and handset) that can be located by any entranceway, but InGrid also has a digitally encrypted keychain remote with simple one-touch arming and disarming. InGrid can also be armed and disarmed remotely via an internet-connected device.
InGrid is perfect for apartments of condominiums—each system is wireless so there is no drilling, no construction required. All components are essentially plug-and-play, peel and stick. Additionally, InGrid is easy to disassemble and re-assemble so can be moved to future homes and reconfigured.
Also, since each InGrid system uses the same components, a system purchased for a small home can be added on to when moved to larger homes.
A high-speed Internet connection, an Internet router, and two hands.
Each InGrid kit comes with step-by-step instructions and illustrations that allows the consumer to go from box to a full functioning system in approximately 90 minutes. All of the Grid Controllers arrive preconfigured, so are easily set up by plugging them in. Each sensor easily sticks to window and door frames, and are simply registered by the InGrid handset. Custom configurations (such as renaming sensors, changing entry and exit delays, bypassing sensors, setting up non-emergency alerts, etc) can then be executed through myingrid.com.
MyInGrid is the website and “dashboard” that allows a customer to easily customize their system on their personalized page, monitor the event history of their system, and manage nearly all aspects of their Digital Home Protection system.
Today’s analog security systems do not have continuous communications with the monitoring center. When a burglar cuts the telephone line, the monitoring center doesn’t know. Some analog security systems may report a local trouble condition in a home, but most do not.
Because InGrid is designed to be 100% integrated with broadband, it goes further than simply using the Internet connection as a one-way pipe out of the home. InGrid Home Security systems maintain constant communication and synchronization with InGrid servers in the network. If communications are cut, both the in-home system AND the network servers know immediately and the monitoring center can respond. It also can alert the customer through any selected device—such as a cell phone or blackberry.
Besides “check-in” messages every few seconds, software, configuration and state changes are automatically updated. The client-server architecture supports many services in addition to professional monitoring. Home Alert messages are delivered to handsets and consoles. Home Connect is a unique broadband-enabled feature that allows systems to be “connected” through the InGrid servers so that friends and families can be alerted and/or control each other’s systems.
Systems can be configured and controlled from anywhere from a web or a cell phone. Email notifications and alerts can be sent whenever certain events happen in the home.
Some companies build adapters that plug the analog system to an Ethernet connector, but no new services can be added since analog security systems are still built around simple 30-year-old technology. What’s more, analog systems with broadband back-ends are most often 300 baud modem sending signals over the Internet.
The “Basic” kit covers approximately 1500 square feet or less, the “Home” kit covers up to approximately 2,500 square feet. All Ingrid components are designed to work with additional components, so an InGrid system can be set up and scale to protect even the largest homes.
Yes. InGrid Home Security is designed to allow consumers to monitor and control their homes through any web-connected device from anywhere in the world.
Grid Controllers are the devices that together create the wireless grid in the home. Every device is two-way, both sending and receiving signals from each of the other devices. Each plugs into an electrical outlet, with the base plugging into an internet connection. Each GC also has a phone jack to allow back-up connectivity through a telephone line. Each GC’s signal has a range of up to 30 meters and each communicates with the other GC’s and sensors.
InGrid Sensors are continuously in two-way communication with the system, checking in to make sure they’re fully functioning (even communicating their battery power level). When a door or window is opened or closed, it communicates a “state change” message to the grid controllers. Not only do the sensors “send” messages, they also confirm messages have been sent and receive instructions from the system.
InGrid sensors are primarily used for perimeter doors and windows of the home, however, because InGrid is more than just an alarm company, sensors can also be placed on interior doors and cabinets and be used just to send SMS and email notifications when an area of the home has been accessed, such as a jewelry drawer, gun or liquor cabinet.
InGrid was designed to also include intercom service -- both the handset and console can act as intercoms, broadcasting from one to the other. For example, a console may be placed in a baby's room and sounds that the baby makes can be heard on the handset from wherever the handset is in or around the home. Ideally, an additional handset and charging cradle can be purchased that can always reside in the baby's room and be activated whenever the baby takes a nap.
Not only does InGrid deliver emergency alerts to InGrid professional monitoring as well as any additional self-programmed device (like a cell phone, neighbor's cell phone, computer, PDA), but InGrid can easily be programmed for non-emergency alerts as well.
For example, InGrid can alert you when trusted people come to your home while you're at work (or out at night), such as a dog-walker, a cleaning person, or even your baby-sitter's friends. You can establish or cancel notifications for these events remotely as well.
Competition
Digital Home Protection is designed for better safety, security and knowledge than you get from today’s analog-based systems, and at a highly affordable cost. It also provides better safety and reliability than the new broadband-connected analog systems. In fact, an average home can get better protection and better control than it would get from a comparable dealer-installed system at far less cost.
Monthly monitoring fees are approximately the same as the industry’s average for professional monitoring, but with a greater return on the security investment through many more monitoring features than what analog systems can offer.
InGrid Home Security is the only company that has done a total rethink of home protection, from hardware to services. There are no companies that are offering digital home equipment with 2-way communication and the service platform to provide professional monitoring plus continuous access from anywhere. InGrid is first to market with Digital Home Protection.
InGrid is radically different from dealer-installed offerings in many significant ways:
1. InGrid can be installed by almost any consumer and is easy to use.
2. InGrid offers the ability to easily customize the system to perfectly fit the customer’s needs,
3. InGrid can be further customized and personalized by the user, not just at the time of installation, but whenever the need arises, and without calling a technician.
4. Our competitors’ systems were designed decades ago to communicate one-way over a telephone line. InGrid technology offers wireless digital communication in the home, with broadband and telephone back-up communication to our monitoring center. So the consumer not only has protection and alerts during an emergency event, but InGrid customers can stay connected to the littler events at home like a teenager getting home safely from school through SMS and email notifications.
5. InGrid’s digital technology means the system can be controlled from anywhere in the home wirelessly, and wherever there is Internet access outide the home, not just from an analog alarm panel sitting next to the door. InGrid gives you the ability to disarm the system from the office for a housekeeper and re-arm it when they leave without giving out passcodes.
6. InGrid is professionally monitored with no mandatory long-term service agreements.
InGrid’s leadership team is comprised of experienced individuals who have brought to market many of America’s most successful and innovative technology products with companies such as ATT, Motorola, True Position, and XM Satellite Radio.
Additionally, the InGrid products have gone through many hundreds of hours of both product and consumer testing and third-party testing. InGrid is FCC and CSA approved, and is backed by Guardian monitoring, one of the industry’s recognized leaders in home protection monitoring with an over 50 year track record.
Yes.
Yes.
Many home security companies install motion detectors because the cost of wiring all the windows and doors in an average home is prohibitive to many consumers. InGrid has developed two-way wireless sensors that are affordable, easy to install and have up to a ten-year battery life. The average home can have full perimeter protection out of the box with an InGrid Home Starter kit that does not require motion sensors to detect entry.
Full perimeter protection also alerts the monitoring service at the time of breach, rather than after an intruder enters the home (which is what motion detectors do).
InGrid has optional motion detectors should the customer want “double verification” of a break-in, that are available for purchase on our online store.
What’s New
InGrid is pleased to offer three new products: Siren Detectors, Temperature/Water Sensors and Cameras. The Siren Detector works with the existing hazard detectors in the home and alerts the system when it recognizes the siren sound of a hazard detector in its proximity. The Siren Detector allows you to integrate your existing smoke and fire alarm system with your InGrid system. When placed next to a smoke or fire detector, the Siren Detector will alert your InGrid system if that detector should begin to sound.
The Temperature/Water sensor alerts the system when it recognizes a flood condition OR a significant change in temperature.
The InGrid HomeView Camera provides the opportunity to see and hear what’s going on in your home, particularly when you’re not there. InGrid cameras connect to your system through the home’s hi-speed Internet network and are accessible though the My InGrid web interface….anytime and anywhere you have access to the Internet.
With Mobile My InGrid, accessing your InGrid system anytime, any place from your mobile web device is simple. Forgot to arm your system while away? Mobile My InGrid let’s you arm and disarm your system instantly, or simply check recent system events and more.
And coming late Summer 2008, if you don’t have a land line phone or want an additional layer of communication to our emergency monitoring center, InGrid’s Cellular Gateway has you covered. The Cellular Gateway uses local cellular networks to provide a backup)connection to our 24hr monitoring center ensuring that your InGrid system can communicate with the monitoring center in the event of an Internet or phone line outage.



