Introduction to Home Automation

Smart Home Guru
Aug 22, 2017 · 5 min read

Home automation can quickly bring the future in to our homes by incorporating security, climate, and household gadgets and transforms our regular home into a futuristic smart home. These smart home systems can be used for simple or elaborate tasks by integrating devices and gadgets inside and outside of your home.

A simple definition for home automation is the ability to do tasks automatically and monitor or change status remotely. Common tasks include turning off lights when no one is in the room, locking doors via smartphone, automates air condition systems that can sense and memorize temperature settings and appliances that help you reduce the time you spend in the kitchen.

DIY HOME AUTOMATION

Do-it-yourself automation has a unique advantage in it; customizability .you can set up automation solutions quick and easy, and is a great option for both budget and custom requirements. Lot of diy solutions are available in the internet.

Some DIY websites are great for describing exactly what you can automate and what supplies you will need. Check out YouTube and common tutorial sites for instructional videos from beginner to expert automation set ups.

PLUG-AND-PLAY DEVICES

The easiest way to set up home automation is to start with stand-alone Wi-Fi or Bluetooth friendly products.

Present market has many consumer products which come with pre-existing Wi-Fi modules.You can use smart mobile apps or connect the products to a wireless gateway to communicate with them to start you home automation journey.

In plug and play segment you can start with Wi-Fi smart plugs. A smart plug converts an ordinary power outlet into a smart one without any installation hustle. You can automate a device or power outlet one at a time and start building your automation network around it.

Execute tasks like turn on and off a device or set rules to operate the device automatically from your smartphone. You can find Smart Plugs available in the market at a very affordable price, so beginners and enthusiasts can enter in to home automation segment and experiment with smart plugs.

FULL AUTOMATION SYSTEMS

If you can’t find enough time for do-it-yourself style solutions, you might want to check out home automation products available in the market.

There are overwhelming number of service providers from start-up companies to home security companies to tech innovators, these companies can design and install a custom system to suits your home.

Professional installation can come especially in handy for those who need to retrofit older homes and can’t use a standard plug-and-play setup. Major home automation systems works around a gateway, or hub.

The hubs act as a central command post to communicate between the controller and the controlled i.e., computer or mobile device used for control and monitoring. Stand-alone hubs are readily available in the market, you can select a hub based on range of products you are using and the tasks you are aiming to execute.

Home automation systems will usually have their own hub, and products are built around the hub so configuration and installation will be simple and can be done by yourself or a technician will be provided to you.

Here’s a basic breakdown of the important components in any home automation system.

PROTOCOLS & PLATFORMS

A home automation system consists of a device which communicates to a gateway or a hub. The number of devices required in your home depends on the degree of control you wish to have in your home .This can be achieved by using DIY set up or full automation system.

Each device works with a protocol. Your choice of protocol will determine which products you can use in your system. Some of the most common protocols include:

Bluetooth — This is common for using a few devices from a computer or mobile device, and built into most smartphones.

Wi-Fi — Major number of home automation devices works on your wireless internet connection, connects into your wireless router.

Apart from Wi-Fi, Bluetooth protocols there are zig-bee and z-wave are available in the market. Both are wireless protocols which use mesh network to communicate. Each of these protocols should have a set of products that work with its technology.

MOBILE APPLICATION

You want a user friendly app to control your products at your convenience.

Whether using a fully automation system or a basic automated system or plug and play devices you can find an app which is intuitive and interactive app in the market .

Different apps may work better for you depending on your mobile and the automation system you choose.

HOME AUTOMATION BENEFITS

There are many plus points for user by automating your home.

  • Gives you a peace of mind with security solutions.
  • Save time by accessing and controlling daily tasks with the touch of a button.
  • Save money and help build a friendly environment by avoiding wastage of electricity and water.

CONCLUSION

Home automation is still one of those areas that are very new, with various features and options, and growing user demands. Home automation industry is trying to evolve and offer a great user experience to the customer.

Either you are opting for full automation system or plug n play or DIY solutions, with a little programming background or some familiarity with electronics can help you create awesome home automation systems as per your needs.

So keep an eye out for new products and technologies in the market.

— Smart Home Guru

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