Voice and video over internet protocol enabled security system

摘要

A method and apparatus are provided for operating a security system (10). The method includes the steps of providing a security panel (22) coupled to a plurality of security sensors (16,18), a central monitoring station (14) monitoring the security panel (22), coupling the security panel (22) to the central panel through an Ethernet connection (20) and periodically generating a heartbeat within the security panel (22) that is periodically sent to the central monitoring station (14) to confirm the operability of the Ethernet connection (20). The Ethernet connection (20) may include a voice over Internet protocol connection or a voice and video over Internet protocol connection.