Smart Home
What is it?
A smart home is a residential building that employs Internet-capable devices to allow for remote tracking and management of appliances and systems. This technology, also known as home automation and domotics, enables homeowners to control their smart devices with the help of an application on a networked device, e.g., a cell phone.
Smart home systems and devices may function cooperatively, exchange usage data, and automate actions to fit the homeowner’s preferences.
How does it work?
All smart home devices in the network are controlled by a master home automation controller (smart home hub). It is a hardware device that senses, processes, and wirelessly communicates data. Additionally, the smart home hub integrates all applications into a smart home app controlled by homeowners.
Some smart homes leverage Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, while others rely on Zigbee, Z-Wave, etc. Devices within the network may be programmed to execute some commands or follow specific schedules. Alternatively, they might be configured to answer voice commands via home assistants.
Smart home examples
Kinds of smart home systems include the following:
- smart TVs
- smart lighting systems
- smart thermostats
- smart door locks
- smart garage door openers
- smart security cameras and systems
- smart pet and lawn care
- smart kitchen appliances
- smart household monitors
- smart plugs
Smart home benefits and challenges
The advantages provided by smart home technology encompass reduced household hazards, satisfaction of the homeowner’s comfort-related needs, improved health and well-being, more efficient energy consumption, saved resources and costs, as well as automated tasks.
At the same, there is a range of issues to be solved. For instance, it may refer to inoperability in case of unreliable Internet connection, subjective complexity, missing technical standards, vulnerability to cyberattacks, insufficient data privacy, and costly devices.
