Digital Monitoring Products (DMP) has unveiled its latest security innovation, JamAlert, a cutting-edge solution designed to detect and respond to cellular signal jamming. This new product aims to address a growing concern among security professionals: the use of signal jammers by criminals to disable alarm communications and facilitate break-ins.
Warren Hill, DMP’s executive director of product management, explains that JamAlert was developed in response to requests from integrators who are increasingly encountered by real-world instances of signal jamming. “We began getting requests from some of our dealers last year telling us that people were starting to jam cellular signals before breaking into properties,” Hill explains. “The alarm panel would be unable to communicate and leave the premises vulnerable.”
A prominent New York-based integrator, responsible for securing high-end retail locations such as jewelry stores, expressed a critical need for a device that could detect cell jamming, which catalyzed the product’s development.
How JamAlert Works
JamAlert functions as a sensor that continuously monitors for an overabundance of cellular network noise – an indication of potential signal jamming. When detected, the device triggers an alarm panel notification, which can be programmed to alert a monitoring center. End-users utilizing DMP’s Virtual Keypad system can also receive real-time alerts to such a detection.
“The sensor is hardwired to the alarm panel, so it looks just like any other zone being tripped,” Hill explains. “Depending on how the panel is programmed, the information is relayed to the monitoring center, allowing security personnel to take appropriate action.”
This real-time detection capability ensures that security personnel and property owners can respond quickly before criminals gain entry, mitigating potential losses. Additionally, the product is designed to be simple to install and integrate into existing security systems, making it a practical option for integrators looking to enhance their service offerings.
While some alarm panels already include wireless jamming detection for sensor communication, Hill says JamAlert is unique in its ability to detect cellular jamming. “As far as we know, there is not another cell jam-detecting device offered in our industry,” he says. We believe this is a first-of-its-kind solution.”
To protect its proprietary technology, DMP has applied for a patent on the product and its detection methods. Hill also hinted at future enhancements, including potential firmware updates that could expand the device’s capabilities.
Another distinguishing feature is its adaptability. As criminals develop more sophisticated techniques to bypass security systems, the ability to update firmware in the field ensures that users remain protected against emerging threats. “We wanted the ability to upgrade it in the field so that if we need to go back and change the algorithms or add new detection features, we can do that,” Hill notes.
Compatibility and Use Cases
Unlike some security solutions that are tied to specific brands, DMP’s is designed to be panel-agnostic, meaning it can integrate with alarm panels from multiple manufacturers, including Resideo, DSC, and Bosch. Hill says there are additional benefits when it is used with a DMP system, such as Virtual Keypad notifications, but “this product is designed to work with any hardwired alarm panel.”
This broad compatibility makes it an attractive option for a range of security applications. In addition to protecting jewelry stores and high-end retail locations, it could be deployed in banking institutions, corporate headquarters, and data centers – anywhere that relies on cellular communication for alarm monitoring. High-value residential properties may also benefit from the added protection against sophisticated break-in attempts.
“While the primary interest has been from high-end retail stores, I think we’ll see broader adoption in the future,” Hill predicts. “There are even some government applications where this technology could be particularly useful.”
Availability and Industry Reception
DMP expects to launch the product in early to mid-Q2 of this year. Originally slated for an earlier release, the company delayed its rollout to incorporate an additional feature: the ability to upgrade firmware in the field. This allows for future enhancements without requiring a complete hardware replacement.
Security professionals got their first in-person look at during ISC West, where DMP will showcase the product; however, due to the nature of its functionality, the company will not conduct live demonstrations – operating a cellular jammer within the convention center would be impractical. Instead, an in-depth look at its capabilities will be accomplished through discussions and virtual demonstrations.
According to Hill, early field tests have been promising. “We took it to a key customer in New York, and they were really happy with how it performed,” he says. “We’re excited to bring it to ISC West and share it with the industry.”
Additionally, Hill notes that the product development team is exploring ways to enhance the product’s functionality through future updates. “Our goal is to stay ahead of the curve,” he says. “Security threats evolve, and we want to ensure that our customers have the best possible tools to counteract them.”
