Hi,
This is something I know nothing about. I have a speedstream router connecting 1 only win 7 computer to the internet. It works fine. Now we need to have our burglar alarm use the router to talk to the monitoring company. I thought , buy a switch, plug the computer and the alarm in and everyone would be HAPPY. The installer says I have to "CREATE a path through the router" so the company can talk to the alarm. How do I do this and is it necessary?
GeofflYou will need to set up a static IP for the device connecting to the router and then set up port forwarding. If they can give you instructions on what ports to forward etc that would help you out greatly. Otherwise if they can assist you hand on on which ports to forward etc with you navigating the router settings and them standing right next to you to assist or over phone to assist that would probably be best.

I haven't had to set up one of these alarms yet myself, only worked on older alarm systems, but it cant be any different than any other network device and port forwarding. It would be best to have a battery BACKUP powering the modem and router so that the alarm can still report back upon power outage etc. The alarm if a good one will have built in cellular communications and its own battery backup system to run for a period of time without power, to alert alarm company to home for any crooks that try to out smart the system and cut phone/cable line and BREAK in.Thank you so much for your help.
Geoffl