Frequently Asked Questions
Product & Components
How does ROAR define a dead zone?
We define a “dead zone” as any area where you would have difficulty receiving Wi-Fi or cellular connection, typically locations such as basements, stairwells, parking lots, vaults, elevators, emergency departments, radiology and CT rooms, exterior locations, and more. At ROAR, we can go anywhere your staff, patients or guests may require assistance in or around your property.
How does ROAR work in areas where Wi-Fi or cell coverage is poor or unreliable?
With ROAR’s standalone solution, coverage is completely independent of external Wi-Fi and LTE networks. The system was intentionally built to address dead spots so there is no singular point of failure, and can work in campus
How is ROAR’s BLE mesh technology better than other panic button solutions?
With our BLE mesh technology, devices are connected to each other in a way that allows for multiple pathways for data to travel from one device to another. If one device is unable to communicate directly with another device, data is still routed through other devices in the network to reach its destination. Unlike other BLE solutions that may rely on a single hub or router, this ensures reliability and resiliency because there isn’t a single point of failure that would otherwise disrupt communication. It’s also useful in disaster situations where some devices may be damaged or offline. Learn more about the differences between Bluetooth panic buttons and Bluetooth mesh technology here.
Is Bluetooth mesh technology reliable?
Yes, depending on how it is built. ROAR’s mesh technology allows communication between multiple devices and removes the need for smartphones, and cellular or Wi-Fi networks that may be prone to dead zones. In our BLE mesh network, each Smart Beacon on the network can communicate with other devices on the network. This means that if one fails or goes offline, the others can still communicate with each other, making the network more resilient and reliable. Mesh networks can be easily expanded with more Smart Beacons, allowing them to grow and adapt to changing needs while increasing the network’s redundancy capacity.
We have Wi-Fi, how would we work with your system?
ROAR’s BLE mesh technology works independently of your Wi-Fi system. If you would like to leverage your Wi-Fi, we offer a tier that is used in combination with an LTE connection to transfer all your messages from the gateway to the cloud server, ensuring reliability for your staff.
Who is notified when a ROAR panic button is activated?
When a ROAR panic button is activated, an alert will be sent to any ROAR Alert Console and connected mobile device with the ROAR Mobile Alert app installed, ensuring that every alert is received and responded to.
Can ROAR’s Panic Button Solution be used for prevention or de-escalation?
Yes, we have heard the following from customers:
- Facilities that posted signage about ROAR panic buttons saw benefits like home security or CCTV camera signage, reducing the likelihood of incidents.
- Wearing the panic buttons in a visible location and using them prior to physical escalation has been shown to reduce the frequency and severity of incidents.
Leveraging ROAR as a de-escalation tool would ultimately be determined by your facility depending on your safety guidelines and training.
Our IT department doesn’t allow integrations with other networks. Can we still use ROAR?
ROAR understands the importance of your network security. You have the option to set up your system utilizing a standalone network where we use LTE connectivity for your network to communicate with our cloud server.
What type of reporting is available?
We offer a web portal and email reporting sent daily, weekly, or monthly based on your preference.
If I buy your core solution, is ROAR Emergency Response included?
ROAR’s 911 panic button service is available as an add-on product to one or all of the devices you purchase in the core solution. 911 service can be added to both static or wearable button options.
If I buy your Emergency Response Solution, can I upgrade to the ROAR Core Solution?
Yes, the 911 panic button solution can easily be expanded to the full ROAR core solution to cover your entire location, including stairwells, parking lots, elevators, emergency departments, CT rooms, and any other location in or around your building.
Does the ROAR Emergency Response solution call 911 directly?
Our 911 panic button solution discreetly works to provide your precise location to emergency response as quickly as possible when help is needed. When a 911 alert is triggered, our emergency response partner RapidSOS will contact the location to gather information to share with local emergency responders, determining the type of assistance required (fire, EMT, police). If the caller is not available RapidSOS will send law enforcement immediately to the location.
Can ROAR support traveling workers, such as visiting healthcare staff?
Yes, ROAR’s mobile app and roaming ROAR Alert Devices can be integrated with the system installed in your facility giving you the ability to protect employees off-premises, such as staff deployed for home visits or other locations. Request a demo to learn more.
Does the ROAR solution work internationally?
Yes, ROAR’s solutions are available to organizations within the United States, Canada, and select international locations. If your organization is located outside of North America, please drop us a line and we will be in touch.
How much does ROAR cost?
Cost varies based on services selected and the size and scope of the facility being covered. We suggest covering areas where employees may be isolated or that don’t have a line of sight, such as stairwells, linen/janitor closets, service elevator landings, etc.
Please contact us to discuss your specific requirements.
Installation
How long does it take to install a 100-room property?
We recommend budgeting for three days of installation. Once we have designed your network based on your property layout, our team will work with you on an implementation timeline.
Will installation require new electrical outlets, drilling, or construction?
Mesh nodes do not require additional construction. Your networking equipment, such as gateways, will need electrical connections. Properties often have available electrical outlets in the networking closets where their Wi-Fi system is installed.
How will ROAR work with my IT organization?
The beauty of the ROAR solution is our flexibility. We can work without direct IT interaction and as a standalone solution, like your fire prevention system. Conversely, we can provide your IT department with access to manage our system directly within their network.
Maintenance
What is required to maintain the system?
Your system is designed with redundancy in mind to be hassle-free. Our support team will proactively monitor and notify you when equipment requires your attention, and will work with you on a quarterly basis to test your system. We also provide automated battery life notifications.
In addition to outreach from our support team, you can monitor network health and the battery life of any ROAR beacon or alert device via our customer dashboard, which provides advanced notice on battery replacement.
How long do the batteries in the Smart Beacons and ROAR Alert Devices last? How will I know if the batteries need to be replaced?
Batteries on both devices are designed to last three years, though they often last longer depending on your usage.
All equipment comes with a default 1-year warranty.






