Do you think the smart home is science fiction? Think again, this is not a concept to come in the distant future. It is a current concern that makes it possible to connect almost all the elements of your home to each other. You’ve probably seen these Wi-Fi connected items that can be controlled from anywhere. What if you could open your garage door while driving down the street? Or close your roller shutters? How about broadcasting your favorite playlist simultaneously throughout your home? All of this is possible in a smart home.
What is a smart home?
It depends on who you ask! Because this seemingly simple question has many different answers. Basically, a smart home is a dwelling equipped with a number of devices that automate tasks normally performed by their tenant or landlord. Who says smart home says applications, voice commands, automation, artificial intelligence, etc.
For some people, equipping themselves with a Bluetooth speaker is already having a smart home. For others, it may mean linking multiple items together like a computer, smartphone, tablet, TV, speakers, etc.
How does a smart home work?
Smart home automation – another name for “connected home” – can do a lot for you and your home. With the right devices and trained professionals, you can connect your entire home. Besides, chances are you already use smart home features every day. For example, if you have a sprinkler system that goes off when you’re not home, that’s automation. But this is only the tip of the iceberg.
History of smart home automation
Before, smart home automation was just a dream, a figment of some people’s imagination. Today, it is indeed the reality. Home automation began with the ability to program and control certain devices. At the very beginning, the connections between the different elements were wired. Then there were major breakthroughs. Lights, appliances, blinds began to be connected. Now, with Wifi or Bluetooth for example, many things are possible. The most common is to connect your phone with many other devices. You can of course – by calling on a professional – connect all your systems together: lighting, heating, shutters, etc.
What can we automate?
It would be tempting to answer: everything. Because everything electronic is potentially automatable. The bigger question is not what can be automated, but what should be. If you had exceptional financial resources, you could go to extremes and connect everything in your interior. You could, for example, store data about your entourage, which would allow you to offer them their favorite lighting, temperature, music! Currently, we might as well stick to what exists on the market. The choice is vast and the offer is growing every day.
In terms of security, for example, the offer is already substantial. Cameras and alarm systems considered practical are among the most used products in smart home automation. These can be set from your phone. You can also upgrade your system by adding smart locks, which are extremely useful if your kids get home from school before you or if you need to let a repairman in.
How does wireless home automation work?
Wireless home automation works by deploying equipment capable of sending and receiving information. Let’s take an example. You could have exterior light sensors that detect the rising sun and send commands to automatically open your bedroom shutters.
This is an illustration of the “Internet of Things” that you may have heard of. It refers to wireless devices that owners can access to send commands remotely over an internet connection. When it comes to wireless protocols, you’re likely familiar with Bluetooth and Wifi.
Bluetooth
You’re probably already familiar with Bluetooth technology, as it’s widely used to connect things like an external speaker or wireless headphones to your smartphone. Developers continue to improve it, constantly increasing data throughput.
Wi-Fi (wireless)
Do you also have experience with Wi-Fi, for example connecting a laptop, tablet or smartphone to the Internet? Your home automation installation may need WiFi for certain applications.
Smart home automation system
Many household appliances are already designed to be connected to your mobile phone. You can connect a large number of products: entrance door, shutters, solar panels, coffee maker, kitchen appliances, speakers, household appliances, vacuum cleaner, etc. Some can be voice controlled. With all these “small” household appliances, a simple connection to Wi-Fi is enough. But if you want your home to get really smart, you’ll need to hire an experienced professional. Because there is a difference between many elements connected to your phone one by one and elements that all communicate with each other, as a whole.
Smart home automation has come a long way. There is still work to do, even if connected objects are beginning to become more democratic. The smart home will very soon be completely part of our daily lives. Just as the printer or the Internet connection entered our homes, the smart home is on its way to becoming standard technology in the near future.