Cellular vs. Wi-Fi
For most property owners, the choice of communication for their sump pump alarm comes down to cellular or Wi-Fi.
Below, we have analyzed the benefits of cellular over Wi-Fi; based on setup, reliability, and redundancy.
Quick device connection and setup.
With a Wi-Fi connection, you will inherently run into routers, router passwords, and network configurations. In addition, Wi-Fi can be very spotty, even within your own property. This is due to interference, network config issues, and just plain lack of power from your Wi-Fi router or extender.
All of these obstacles are removed with our Cellular Sump Pump Alarm. You simply go online to activate using our simple-to-use form and then power your device on, it’s ready to connect automatically.
Point 2 Point transmission eliminates middleman outages.
Wi-Fi devices use a cloud-based infrastructure, which utilizes a server, creating a central point of failure. Who is managing and running the server that powers your sump pump alarm notifications? Is it your pump manufacturer, the alarm provider, or some guy in his basement? When the servers fail, how can your device transmit the alarm to you? If your app can’t receive data because the servers are down, how do you get your notifications?
With Point 2 Point transmission, which PumpAlarm.com utilizes, there is no middleman server, communication is sent directly from your device to the robust Verizon Wireless Cellular network and then to your phone via text message. This eliminates the server and the inherent problems with a central point of failure.
Power outages won’t stop transmission, even wide-scale ones.
Wi-Fi routers do not have built-in power protection. You would need a UPS to supply the power. In addition, if the power outage affects your neighborhood, your cable connection point in your yard may be without power as well. This renders your Wi-Fi network useless.
With our Cellular Pump Alarm, 4 AAA batteries power the device. In the case of a more widespread outage, cell towers have backup generators and inherent redundancy so that power outages don’t bring their network down. Our device will even warn you when the installed AAA batteries start to get weak, keeping you protected throughout power outages.
Annual cellular subscription fee required for ALL PumpAlarm devices.
All PumpAlarm devices, including the PumpAlarm and TextLight, require users to enroll in an annual subscription service to connect to the cellular network in order to properly monitor your investment. Configured completely using your cell phone! No need for apps or additional software. Instructions to activate your device and enroll in the corresponding Unit Payment Plan for either your PumpAlarm or TextLight are included in the manual, as well as on the PumpAlarm website. The annual fee for the PumpAlarm is $49.99, and $75.00 for the TextLight. This covers the real-time text messaging capability of the device. Service can be unsubscribed at any time.