The Tuxedo Touch - Not An AlarmNet Communicator

In this video, Jorge explains that the Tuxedo Touch Keypad isn't an AlarmNet Communicator. The device connects to WIFI to transmit Z-Wave information to AlarmNet360 and Total Connect 2.0. The actual panel will still need a communicator for alarm monitoring and connectivity with the AlarmNet Servers.

The Tuxedo Touch WIFI is a touchscreen keypad used with Honeywell VISTA Alarm Systems. The device provides the functionality of nearly any alarm keypad, including the ability to Arm and Disarm the system. It also offers a Console Mode for making system programming changes. But one of the best selling points of the Tuxedo Touch is that it functions as a Z-Wave controller. This way, an end user can control their Z-Wave devices from the keypad and from Total Connect 2.0. A user will need a monitoring plan that includes access to TC2 with automation enabled to do this.

Many people mistakenly believe that the device is an internet communicator. However, that is not the case. While it's true that the keypad connects with a local internet network, it does not provide internet connectivity for the rest of the alarm system. The keypad only connects to a WIFI network so that it can relay Z-Wave information to and from Total Connect 2.0. The system will still need an AlarmNet Communicator for monitoring service and access to Total Connect 2.0.

AlarmNet Communicators use IP connectivity and/or cellular connectivity to access the AlarmNet Servers. These devices are installed directly at the panel. Without one of these devices, the panel would be forced to rely on a phone line for monitoring service. Phone line connectivity is an outdated practice that is seldom used today. Most users will use IP and/or cellular connectivity because of the faster speeds and better liability. It should be noted that cellular connectivity is the most reliable communication path available.

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