Abstract: In an alarm system, outgoing calls representing a sensed alarm condition are routed to one of several communications networks. The calls are routed by first initiating a telephone call to a defined number, in response to sensing the alarm condition, and then selecting one of plurality a plurality of available networks based on called number information. A communication over the chosen network is placed to signal the alarm condition. Routing may be performed at an interface module in communication with a conventional alarm panel.

Abstract: A security system comprises at least one component interconnected with the security system for detecting an alarm condition. A control panel is interconnected with the security system for at least one of controlling and communicating with the at least one component. A memory is interconnected with the control panel for storing a system identifier (ID) associated with the control panel and for storing connection information for accessing a system configuration file associated with the system ID. The system ID and the connection information are stored prior to interconnecting the control panel and the security system. The system configuration file identifies the at least one component and is stored remote from the security system.