Before installing VoIP telephony, what should homeowners do regarding their alarm system?

Performing an alarm system test before installing VoIP telephony is crucial because it ensures that the existing alarm system functions properly prior to any changes in the telephony setup. VoIP may impact how an alarm system communicates, as many home alarms rely on traditional landline connections to transmit alerts. By testing the alarm system, homeowners can confirm that it operates correctly and identify any potential issues that could arise from the transition to VoIP. This proactive step helps avoid situations where the alarm system may fail to alert in the event of an emergency due to incompatibilities with the new telephony service.

The other options may seem relevant but do not directly address the immediate need to verify the operational status of the alarm system in the context of VoIP installation. For instance, requesting new hardware might be unnecessary if the current setup is adequate post-testing. Disconnecting devices could lead to assessing problems that might not exist or disrupt service unnecessarily. Similarly, simply increasing the service plan without first evaluating the existing system may not be an effective solution if the current setup is functioning well.