

Updated · May 20, 2022
Updated · May 10, 2022
Wouldn’t it be nice if robots did most things? This way, you wouldn’t have to lift a finger. It sounds like a pretty futuristic idea, but in reality, the world is steadily moving in that direction.
Have you ever heard of a “smart home”? If you haven’t, you might be surprised to find out how common of a concept it is. In fact, by 2023, the smart home industry automation in US households will be 53.9%.
Actually, even if the term sounds unfamiliar, you’re probably aware of the practice itself. There’s also a strong possibility you already apply some of that tech in your own home.
Let me tell you more about what a smart home is:
It’s a setup of internet-connected devices in your house that can be monitored and controlled remotely. These home appliances are automated and linked with each other. They’re often managed using a smartphone or tablet.
The elements you need are a router, through which the connected devices can communicate, and, well… devices. Here are some examples of what a smart home system could include:
Plus, some kitchen smart home electronics:
Intelligent homes may be a great idea for technically competent people. However, if you’re not so tech-savvy, you might struggle with such systems. Obviously, if you find controlling the setup too hard, then it all becomes counter-productive.
On a different note, it can be life-changing for elderly or disabled people.
There are four protocols smart home technology can run on:
This is the first one, and it works for older devices. Through the home’s electrical wires, X10 allows compatible technology to communicate.
Transmitters (remote controls) send signals to the system whenever a user tries to control a device. The software then gets an identifying number for the appliance in question and a code with the command. The device itself is the receiver.
This protocol for smart houses uses radio waves instead of going through electrical wires. It has a range of 10 meters. It’s a mesh network — there’s more than one way for a message to be received. Zigbee creates a hierarchy between devices — ones that function fully and route messages and ones that don’t.
Another mesh network protocol that uses radio waves. Its range is 30 meters and is considered less complex than Zigbee. The hierarchy between devices exists here as well.
With Insteon, appliances can communicate through both radio and electric wires. If one method fails to work, this protocol switches to the other.
All appliances in a smart house should use the same or compatible protocols. Otherwise, you’ll need a bridging device.
All technologies in intelligent home systems are controlled by a hardware device called a smart home hub. Examples of such hubs include:
Here are some ways that smart home technology can improve your life:
Integrated home systems come with some disadvantages as well:
Intelligent home systems will continue to rise in popularity. People’s houses are slowly transitioning into automated havens.
There are pros and cons to these systems. If you know how to use them, though, they’ll undoubtedly make your home life more comfortable and convenient.
If technology is your thing, then turning your house into a smart one could become your next goal. If it’s not, however, it’s perfectly okay to stick to the classic, manual way of life.
A smart home system is a network of internet-connected devices that can be automated and remotely controlled. These gadgets can communicate with each other and share consumer usage data among themselves. This way, they can adapt and adjust to the homeowner’s lifestyle and preferences.
Yes. If there’s a weak device in your network, it’ll be vulnerable to malware and hackers. If cybercriminals manage to get into your system, they can take over and control it the same way you can.
Here are some ways you can secure the smart technology for your home:
It is! However…
An intelligent home can make your house more comfortable, efficient, and safer. The biggest downside, though, is the cyber security threat. You need to keep it in mind and take necessary precautions against it. When that’s done, you can enjoy all the system’s benefits.
Feel free to check out our comprehensive article on what a smart home is, plus its pros and cons.
Deyan G.
Techjury.net's manager. Deyan has been fascinated by technology his whole life. From the first Tetris game all the way to Falcon Heavy. Working for TechJury is like a dream come true, combining both his passions – writing and technology. In his free time (which is pretty scarce, thanks to his three kids), Deyan enjoys traveling and exploring new places. Always with a few chargers and a couple of gadgets in the backpack. He makes mean dizzying Island Paradise cocktails too.
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