CAT Alarm Communication Systems & Signal Transmission 3

Question 1

What does a 'comm failure' trouble condition on an alarm panel indicate?

Accepted Answer

The panel failed to successfully transmit a signal to the central station

Answer

A comm failure means the alarm panel attempted to contact the central station but did not receive the required acknowledgment within the programmed number of attempts.

Question 2

What should a technician check FIRST when troubleshooting a communication failure on an alarm system?

Accepted Answer

Whether the communication path has the required signal or line voltage present

Answer

Verifying that the communication path itself is active (phone line voltage, cellular signal strength, or IP connectivity) is the first step before inspecting the alarm panel.

Question 3

What could cause a telephone line voltage fault on a PSTN alarm communicator?

Accepted Answer

The telephone line has been cut or disconnected by the provider

Answer

A line voltage fault indicates the communicator is not detecting the expected DC voltage on the telephone line, typically caused by a cut line or the provider disconnecting service.

Question 4

How does a cellular alarm communicator maintain its registration on the carrier network between alarm events?

Accepted Answer

Through periodic keep-alive or check-in transmissions

Answer

Cellular communicators send periodic keep-alive or check-in signals to maintain network registration and allow the central station to promptly detect any loss of communication.

Question 5

Which factor most significantly affects the performance of a cellular alarm communicator?

Accepted Answer

Proximity to cellular towers and absence of RF-blocking obstructions

Answer

Signal strength for cellular communicators depends primarily on proximity to carrier towers and the absence of obstructions such as metal enclosures that attenuate RF signals.

(CAT) Certified Alarm Technician Level I Practice Test

(CAT) Certified Alarm Technician Level I Practice Test

CAT Alarm Communication Systems & Signal Transmission 3