Abstract: A distributed residential alarm system and method provides protection of occupants and property from loss due to theft or hazardous conditions in the residence such as fire or flooding. The alarm system includes multiple alert detectors coupled via a wireless connection to multiple control units each capable of providing master control functions. The control units and detectors communicate with the detectors and each other via a token-passing scheme, whereby unit pairs may be located within the distance limitations of each nodal connection, thus providing coverage over a longer distance than would be possible with communication to a central unit. The system also provides modularity and scalability in that sensors may be easily added to the system and the system is not dependent on any one of the control units in order to function.