Frequently Asked Questions
Access Control
Access control is a security measure that regulates who can access a physical space. Authorized users can enter the space using a key card, fob, phone, app, or passcode.
Access control is important because it helps to prevent unauthorized access to sensitive information, areas, and resources. It also helps to ensure compliance with regulations and protect against security threats.
The right access control system for your business will depend on several factors, including the size of your business, the level of security required, and your budget. Contact us for a free Consultation and quote.
Yes, access control systems can be integrated with other security systems, including video surveillance and intrusion detection systems. This can help to provide a more complete security solution.
How do I ensure that my access control system is secure? To ensure that your access control system is secure, it is important to follow best practices for access control, including using strong passwords, using different passwords for each user, and regularly updating access permissions.
Can I manage access permissions by myself? Yes, the systems Cozzmic uses have easy to use interfaces and we provide training during install.
Can access control systems be used in residential settings? Yes, access control systems are often used in multi-tenant residential buildings to provide tenants with access to the building, parking areas, storage areas, and common rooms.
Cellular Boosters
A cell booster system consists of one or more outdoor antennas, a signal booster, and one or more indoor antennas. The outside antenna sends and receives signals to the cell towers in the area. The signal booster will amplify any cell signals it receives from the outside antenna. The indoor antennas broadcasts the amplified signal throughout the building.
Cell signals get weaker the further you are from a cell tower for your provider and are also affected by terrain such as hills, trees, and buildings between you and the provider’s cell tower. Buildings are also constructed with more metal, concrete, and energy-efficient windows which are all very good at blocking cellular signals.
Cell towers are typically owned by a single provider and other providers may not pay to have an antenna on that specific tower. In addition, cellular antennas can be set to different power levels, so the strongest signal to you may not be the closest antenna.
Yes, the WilsonElectronics cell signal boosters that Cozzmic uses will work with any Canadian or US cellular provider.
When we do a survey, we can map out the towers belonging to the different providers, as well as the power levels at each tower at the time. We will install a directional antenna pointed at the best towers for you or install an omni-directional antenna that broadcasts and receives in all directions.
Yes, WilsonPro and WEBoost antennas are designed to work with 3G, 4G, LTE, and 5G.
No, WiFi and cell boosters operate at different frequencies so they will not interfere with each other. However, the signal booster should be placed at least 12 inches away from a WiFi router to avoid any electrical interference.
Possibly. If there is an area inside the building that has a good signal, the outdoor antenna can be installed inside the building at that location to communicate with the cell tower, and the indoor antennas placed strategically in the rest of the building.
Paging Systems
A paging system is a communication solution that allows for broadcasting messages or announcements to multiple locations or areas within a facility simultaneously.
A typical paging system consists of a central control unit which may be your phone system, speakers or paging horns, amplifiers, and sometimes volume controls, microphones, or paging stations. Cozzmic also recommends a UPS to keep the system functional during power outages, which is particularly important for emergencies.
A paging system works by receiving audio input from a source (such as a microphone or audio source) and transmitting the audio signal to the speakers or paging horns located in various areas of a facility.
Paging systems provide quick and effective communication, allowing for mass notifications, emergency announcements, safety instructions, and general information dissemination. They enhance safety, productivity, and coordination within a facility.
Yes, modern paging systems can integrate with other communication systems such as telephone systems and public address (PA) systems, enabling seamless integration and centralized control.
Yes, paging systems can be designed to cover outdoor areas as well. Weatherproof speakers or horns are used to ensure clear and audible messages in outdoor spaces.
Yes, paging systems can be configured with zoning capabilities. This allows messages to be broadcast to specific zones or areas within a facility, ensuring that announcements are directed only to the intended recipients.
Yes, paging systems can be utilized to play background music or pre-recorded messages, offering versatile audio capabilities beyond emergency notifications.
Yes, paging systems can be integrated with digital messaging systems or emergency alert systems to provide recorded messages, synchronized messaging, and enhanced emergency response capabilities.
Paging systems typically require periodic maintenance and inspections to ensure proper functioning of components. Cozzmic is able to perform routine maintenance, address any issues, and provide technical support when needed.
Phone Systems
An on-premise phone system, also known as a private branch exchange (PBX) system, is a telecommunication system that is physically installed and managed on the premises of an organization. It allows for internal and external call routing using hardware equipment located within the organization’s facility.
An on-premise phone system uses physical hardware, such as PBX servers and phones, to manage and route phone calls. It connects internal extensions and external phone lines, enabling users to make and receive calls within and outside the organization using a dedicated telecommunication infrastructure or may run on your network infrastructure.
Key advantages of on-premise phone systems include greater control, reduced dependence on third-party providers, potentially lower long-term costs, and the ability to integrate with other on-site systems and applications.
Yes, an on-premise phone system can support multiple locations by interconnecting the phone systems across different sites. This allows for centralized management and seamless communication between various branches or offices of an organization. Allworx systems are particularly good at connecting multiple sites over the Internet.
Typical hardware components of an on-premise phone system include a PBX server, desk phones or handsets, wiring infrastructure, and any additional equipment necessary for specialized features like voicemail, call recording, or conference calling.
Yes, on-premise phone systems can support advanced call routing features, such as automated attendants, call queuing, call forwarding, and interactive voice response (IVR) menus. These features help manage call flow efficiently and improve the caller’s experience.
Cozzmic recommends having a UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) to provide power to the phone system and any related hardware. Depending on the system you have, you may also need a UPS for the phones.
Yes, on-premise phone systems offer scalability and can be upgraded or expanded as the organization grows. Additional hardware, phone lines, or licenses can be added to accommodate increased call volume or support new features and functionalities, although some models are limited to how much they can expand.
Security
Security alarm systems work by detecting and alerting you to potential security threats. Sensors detect motion, sound, or other anomalies such as temperature changes or water leaks. When a potential threat is detected, the system sends an alert to you or a monitoring service.
Cozzmic installs several types of security alarm systems, including wired systems, wireless systems, monitored systems, and unmonitored systems. We are authorized installers for Honeywell/Resideo, AJAX, and Bosch.
Each system has their benefits and we prefer to match customer needs with the right product.
The cost of a security alarm system can vary widely depending on your needs. Basic systems can cost as little as a few hundred dollars, while more advanced systems can cost several thousand dollars. Contact us for a free consultation and quote.
Residential monitoring starts at $20/month and Commercial monitoring starts at $30/month. Additional features such as open/close notifications or access to mobile apps will incur additional costs.
Even if you live in a safe neighborhood, a security alarm system can provide added peace of mind and protection for your home and family. No neighborhood is completely immune to crime.
DIY security alarm systems are available, and they can be installed by homeowners with some basic technical skills. However, professionally installed systems are generally more reliable and can offer better protection, as well as provide 24/7 monitoring from an alarm monitoring station.
While security alarm systems can be vulnerable to hacking, the risk is relatively low. Most security alarm systems are designed with strong encryption and other security measures to prevent hacking.
If your security alarm system is triggered, the system will send an alert to you or a monitoring service, who are able to notify you, the police, fire department, or other authorities as required for the situation.
It is recommended that you test your security alarm system at least once a month to ensure that it is functioning properly. You should also have your system professionally serviced on a regular basis. For a system monitored by Cozzmic, you can put the system on test by calling 866.223.0722 with your account number or we can setup an online account for you to put the system on test as needed.
Video Surveillance
A video surveillance system consists of cameras, recording devices, and a monitoring platform designed to capture, record, and monitor video footage of a specific area or location for security, surveillance, or investigative purposes.
Video surveillance systems use cameras strategically placed in desired areas to capture video footage. The cameras transmit the footage to a recording device, such as a digital video recorder (DVR) or network video recorder (NVR), which stores the video data. Users can then access and view the recorded footage through a monitor or remotely through a computer, smartphone, or tablet.
Some benefits of installing a video surveillance system include deterrence of criminal activity, enhanced security and safety, monitoring of sensitive areas or assets, evidence collection for investigations, remote access for monitoring and management, and peace of mind for property owners or managers. Advanced cameras can trigger a light or alarm upon detecting motion providing a further deterrence.
The main components of a video surveillance system include cameras (analog or IP), recording devices (DVR or NVR), storage devices (hard drives or cloud storage), monitors for live viewing, cables or wireless connections for camera connectivity, and a power supply for the cameras and devices.
Yes, many video surveillance systems offer remote access capabilities. With appropriate setup and network configuration, you can access your video surveillance system remotely through a computer, smartphone, or tablet. This allows you to view live footage, playback recorded videos, and manage your system from anywhere with an internet connection.
The storage requirements depend on factors such as the number of cameras, resolution settings, frame rates, and retention period. Cozzmic will determine what is needed for you.
There are various types of video surveillance cameras available, including dome cameras, bullet cameras, PTZ (pan-tilt-zoom) cameras, thermal cameras, covert cameras, and even solar powered cellular cameras. Many cameras also offer a colour image at night instead of the infrared images.
Yes, video surveillance systems can integrate with other security systems such as access control systems, alarms, and video analytics. Integration allows for enhanced security capabilities, such as triggering camera recordings based on specific events or integrating video footage with access control logs.
Since Cozzmic provides different types of video surveillance systems, we are well suited to finding the right solution for you. Contact us for a free consultation and quote to determine which system will serve you best.
VoIP
A PBX (Private Branch eXchange) is a telephone system that manages all calls for a business. It allows for extensions, multiple voicemails, auto attendants, and many features that are typically used by businesses.
Voice over IP is the technology that allows calls to be made over the internet or a network instead of a traditional telephone line. It converts your voice into digital signals, sends them over the internet, and converts them back to audio at the recipient’s end. This has also allowed PBX phone systems to work from mobile and desktop apps, in addition to desk phones.
VoIP has allowed for a PBX to move into the cloud so you no longer require a PBX server in the office. Hosted PBX is a phone server on the internet that allows your phones to
connect from anywhere while still providing a full business phone system experience. It also allows you to manage the phone system from anywhere with a web browser.
Cozzmic takes a Hosted PBX Phone System one step further and includes a
management service where we will manage the system for you. That means we will
make any name changes to extensions, reset voicemail passwords, and setup any new employees. We call this a Managed PBX Phone System.
Absolutely. Cozzmic has access to all of Canada and the US so you can not only keep your number, but you can add local numbers from anywhere you do business in Canada and the US to present a local presence, even without a physical location.
Yes, you can have as many phone numbers for as many locations or campaigns as you want (at a small additional fee) and they can all ring to your main office, or to their local
office. You can also check the call records to determine how effective your marketing campaigns are.
That depends on how much you use your Internet for your business. We have many businesses with low Internet needs running VoIP on DSL. More important than the speed is the quality of your internet. Quality can be measured by looking at the Latency and Jitter values on most speed tests online. A good one is found here, which also gives you a Quality score for your test. https://www.fusionconnect.com/speed-test-plus
Or use our Network Performance and Assessment Tool which goes a little more into VoIP specific testing.  https://npat.cozzmic.ca/ This is a little more complicated and requires a plugin, so we created a guide here: https://support.cozzmic.com/portal/en/kb/articles/npat
Very little. The actual number we use as a guide is 0.08 Mbps (upload and download). As a comparison, most DSL is at least 0.6 Mbps upload, unless it is in a bad area.
You can actually get started with no new hardware. Since the server we use is online, there is no server to install. You can use a Soft Phone app on your computer or smart phone which keeps business and personal calls separate. If you want a physical phone, we can supply desk phones and cordless phones as well.
Yes it does. Cozzmic registers your phone number with 911 services per Canadian E911 regulations.
Yes, you can either bring a desk phone or use a soft phone anywhere in the world for both incoming and outgoing calls, as long as you have access to the Internet. No one
will know that you aren’t at the office.
- Voicemail to email. Most customers love being able to receive their voicemail in their email so they can check it from anywhere, and save or forward it as needed.
- Soft Phones allow staff to make and receive calls as the business from
anywhere. This presents a single phone number to the customer instead of
multiple cell phone numbers. - Ring Groups that can call cell phones as well as the desk phone so customers
can reach you where ever you are. - Linking multiple locations so staff in one location can call or transfer calls to someone in another location as an extension.
- Simple to use. We manage the system for you, but there is an online portal that allows managing your phone or the entire system on your own, from anywhere using a browser.
- Scalability. The number of phones on your system can be increased or decreased without expensive server hardware upgrades.
No, the VoIP desk phone does not require a computer to be on or connected to it.
Yes, we have equipment to connect paging systems to our VoIP phone system. We also have options for notification lights when paging or ringing (for loud environments).
VoIP desk phones do require the Internet and power. However, in the event of an
Internet or power outage, the Hosted VoIP service will still operate allowing incoming calls to still reach auto attendants, forwarding, and voicemail. If you have the soft phone installed on your smart phone, it may also use cellular data to make phone calls.
Not necessarily. If you own the phones, then we can usually reprogram them for our system. Some vendors lock their phones to their system but we’ll let you know if we can modify the phones before you sign anything.
Nope. VoIP can assign as many lines as you need to your main phone number. Rollover numbers were only needed due to limitations of the analog phone infrastructure.
The main reason is customer support. We show up on site to do installations and training. We also like to get to know the company so we can design the system in a way that makes the most sense for how you run your business. We’ll also make suggestions on how to make things better. And if you need help later, we’ll be there to help solve problems, redesign the system as the business changes, and still show up on site if you want us there. No additional cost to a higher level of support.
