Sensors in the Dialog network typically use a 60-bit protocol for communicating with the security panel transceiver, while security system keypads and the gateway use the encrypted 80-bit protocol. The Dialog network is configured for reliability, as well as low-power usage. Many devices are supervised, i.e. they are regularly monitored by the system ‘master’ (typically a GE security panel), while still maintaining excellent power usage characteristics. A typical door window sensor has a battery life in excess of 5-7 years.
The gateway has two modes of operation in the Dialog network: a first mode of operation is when the gateway is configured or operates as a ‘slave’ to the GE security panel; a second mode of operation is when the gateway is configured or operates as a ‘master’ to the system in the event a security panel is not present. In both configurations, the gateway has the ability to ‘listen’ to network traffic, enabling the gateway to continually keep track of the status of all devices in the system. Similarly, in both situations the gateway can address and control devices that support setting adjustments (such as the GE wireless thermostat).
In the configuration in which the gateway acts as a ‘slave’ to the security panel, the gateway is ‘learned into’ the system as a GE wireless keypad. In this mode of operation, the gateway emulates a security system keypad when managing the security panel, and can query the security panel for status and ‘listen’ to security panel events (such as alarm events).