Method and apparatus for a cooperative alarm network

A cooperative alarm system, comprising:

• a processor;
• a sensor coupled to the processor, the sensor configured to detect a security event;
• a wireless or wired transceiver coupled to the processor;
• and
• an annunciator coupled to the processor;
• wherein the processor is configured with executable instructions to perform steps comprising:
• transmitting a first type of network signaling announce chirp via the wireless or wired transceiver, the first type of network signaling chirp for network establishment;
• using a second type of network signaling chirps to form secure communications channels with another alarm system;
• transmitting alarm system OK chirps indicating no security event is detected;
• monitoring the sensor to detect a security event;
• transmitting alarm system distress chirps via the wireless or wired transceiver if a security event is detected, the alarm system distress chirps indicating that the security event is detected;
• receiving alarm system distress chirps via the transceiver from the other alarm system;
• and
• activating the annunciator in response to receiving alarm system distress chirps from the other alarm system.

A method for establishing a cooperative alarm network, comprising:

• transmitting a first type of network signaling chirp from a first alarm system, the first type of network signaling chirp indicating that no security event is detected;
• monitoring a sensor coupled to the first alarm system to detect a security event;
• transmitting a second type of network signaling chirp from the first alarm system if an security event it detected, the second type of network signaling chirp indicating that the security event is detected;
• receiving at the first alarm system the second type of network signaling chirp from a second alarm system;
• and
• activating security measures at the first alarm system in response to receiving the second type of network signaling chirp from the second alarm system.