AddSecure Highlights Dual Signal Path Importance for Alarms After Network Outages

Stockholm-based AddSecure, a provider of security solutions, is highlighting the importance of resilient communication paths for alarm systems following Telstra's widespread network outage in Australia. The July 2026 incident, caused by a single software glitch, disrupted train services, payment systems, and emergency calls. AddSecure views this as a cautionary tale for UK alarm installers and Alarm Receiving Centres (ARCs), stressing the necessity of dual-path signalling and independent transmission routes.

The company explains that dual-path alarm signalling ensures continuous transmission of alarm signals by utilizing two independent paths. This setup prevents a single network failure, whether it's a software error or a carrier outage, from disrupting connectivity to the Alarm Receiving Centre (ARC). This redundancy is particularly crucial in light of the ongoing Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) switch-off in the UK, which necessitates a transition to modern signalling technologies.

Telstra's outage, as reported by The Guardian, stemmed from a simple software error, not a cyberattack or physical infrastructure failure. It demonstrated how a single point of failure at the software layer could impact services that are operationally distinct but share common network dependencies, including emergency calls, commercial payments, and public transport. AddSecure points out that a similar risk exists for the transmission of alarm signals.

Alarm signals travel over networks, and an outage on a single path can prevent a signal from reaching the ARC. Dual-path signalling is designed to mitigate this risk by providing two independent transmission routes. A properly configured system ensures that the connection is maintained even if one network path or carrier becomes unavailable. This aligns with the performance requirements for higher-grade alarm installations as defined by EN 50136 standards.