Smart Home - The Complete Guide!

What is a smart home?

A smart home is a home where different devices and appliances are connected and can communicate with each other. These devices can be anything from thermostats and lighting fixtures to appliances and security systems. By connecting these devices to the internet and using wireless protocols, users can remotely control and automate various functions in their home.

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Benefits of smart homes

Having a smart home has several advantages. Firstly, it provides a higher level of convenience. For example, you can remotely control or automate the lighting or adjust the temperature in your home without having to be physically present. Second, smart homes can increase security by providing monitoring and alarm systems that can be activated and monitored through mobile applications. Finally, smart homes can be energy efficient by automating energy use and optimizing lighting and temperature as needed.

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Common components of a smart home

A smart home is made up of several different components that work together to create a seamless and automated experience. Here are some common components:

Main Unit (Gateway/Hub)

The main unit is the brain of the smart home. It acts as a centralized control unit and communicates with all other devices in the system. It is this device that performs all the logic, either locally or in the cloud. The advantage of doing it locally is that your automations work regardless of whether you have an internet connection or not. The benefits of logic happening in the cloud are that you don't have to back up your settings and automations. However, it comes at the expense of sharing all their data with a third party.

Sensors

Sensors are used to detect and collect data on various conditions in the home. For example, motion sensors can be used to sense when someone is present in a room, while temperature sensors can be used to monitor and control the temperature. All this data collected by your sensors can in turn be used as a basis for your automation. Here is an example of how this can be done. Let's say you have a senson in your front door that senses whether the door is open or closed. Then you can create more automations based on this value.

Event: The door opens. Automation: If the sun has set - turn on the lamp on the house knot and turn it off after 1 minute.

That way, you've automated something that would have required you to remember to turn on and off after you when it's dark outside.

Connection devices

Connectivity devices are used to connect smart home components to the internet. These can be wireless routers or hubs that allow the devices to communicate with each other and with the user. With the new Matter standard, these are becoming fewer and fewer. Read more about Matter here.

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How to set up a smart home

Setting up a smart home can seem overwhelming at first, but with the right planning and understanding, the process can be relatively simple. You can also read our guide which describes How to get started quickly in 5 easy steps:

Step 1: Go through your home

To know what you need, it's good to know what you already have. Consider what products are already in your home.

Step 2: Needs Analysis

It is very important to do a needs analysis to know what you will need. What do you want your smart home to help you with?

Step 3: Set a budget

The smart home market is still relatively young and the components to manufacture the products are still quite expensive. A smart home can go down in price pretty quickly.

Step 4: Primary Controller

‍If you're only going to use devices that are connected to the cloud, chances are you won't need a physical controller in your home. With the new Matter standard, you may need a border router. It is a powered device that supports Matter and can act as border router.

Step 5: Shopping List

Select the different devices you need to meet your budget and needs. There are so many devices to choose from.

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Protocols and standards

ZigBee

ZigBee is a wireless communication protocol designed to enable low-efficiency and slow data transfer between devices. It is particularly suitable for smart homes because it is energy efficient, allowing long battery life for connected devices. The ZigBee network uses a mesh topology, which means that the devices can communicate directly with each other or by forwarding messages to other devices. It allows the network to be robust and reliable even if a device should stop working. This is the protocol that e.g. IKEA uses in its smart home products.

Z-Wave

Z-Wave is another wireless communication protocol used in smart homes. It is also energy efficient and uses a mesh topology to allow communication between devices. Z-Wave operational frequencies are different in different regions of the world, which may mean that some devices may not be compatible if they are intended for a specific region. Z-Wave has limited bandwidth compared to Wi-Fi but is well suited for devices that require easy and reliable communication, such as smart locks and sensors.

What is the difference between ZigBee and Z-Wave

The main difference between ZigBee and Z-Wave lies in their frequency bands and usage. Zigbee uses a frequency of 2.4 GHz or 915 MHz, and Z-Wave uses 908.42 MHz. Zigbee operating frequencies are standardized, and devices from different manufacturers are usually compatible with each other. On the other hand, Z-Wave uses different frequency bands in different regions, which can affect device compatibility. Both protocols are energy efficient and use a mesh topology to create robust networks, but ZigBee has a higher bandwidth compared to Z-Wave.

Z-Wave has a range of about 50 m while ZigBee can reach up to 100 m. Z-Wave can be easier to handle in an installation but also has a higher price tag than ZigBee.

Thread

Thread is a wireless network protocol that is based on Internet Protocol Version 6 (IPv6). It is developed to enable communication between smart devices in the home and focuses on low efficiency and security. Thread also uses a mesh topology that allows devices to communicate directly with each other or by relaying data through other devices on the network. It is also an open protocol, which means that multiple companies can develop and implement Thread in their products. Thread is also the protocol that is being pushed the most now in connection with the new Matter standard. Thread requires a so-called border router in the lining of, for example, a HomePod Mini.

WiFi

WiFi, or wireless networking, a common protocol used in smart homes to enable fast and broadband data transmission. It is known for its high speed and wide coverage, making it ideal for devices that require a fast and stable internet connection, such as smart TVs and streaming devices. WiFi uses a point-to-point topology, meaning that each device communicates directly with the router, and multiple devices can be connected to the same WiFi network.

Bluetooth

Bluetooth is a short-range protocol that is commonly used in many smart home devices, especially those that are portable or mobile. It is widely used to pair devices and enable wireless communication for audio transmission, data transmission and control of devices. Bluetooth has various versions, of which Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) is particularly energy efficient and is used in many smart home sensors and other battery-powered devices.

The difference between a protocol and a standard

A protocol and a standard are two different concepts that are related to how devices communicate and interact with each other within a network. A protocol is a set of rules and conventions that govern how data is transferred and interpreted between devices. It specifies the exact steps that need to be taken to initiate a communication, transfer data, and deal with any errors that may occur. A protocol thus defines “how” the communication is to be carried out.

On the other hand, a standard is a specification or guideline established to ensure uniformity and compatibility between different products and devices from different manufacturers. A standard can include specific protocols and other technical details to ensure that products can work seamlessly together. Standards allow interoperability and allow consumers to mix and match products from different manufacturers without any problems.

Finally, it is important to understand the difference between protocols and standards when we talk about smart homes because different protocols can be used to achieve the same standard. For example, both ZigBee and Z-Wave can be used to enable communication between smart home devices and meet a certain standard of interoperability and functionality.

Matters

Matter, formerly known as Project CHIP (Connected Home over IP), is a standard formed by several major technology companies, including Apple, Google, Amazon and others. The goal of Matter is to create an open standard for smart home devices to ensure they can work seamlessly together regardless of manufacturer or protocol. Matter is based on Internet Protocol (IP) and will support multiple wireless protocols, including WiFi and Thread. By standardizing communication between smart home devices, Matter hopes to simplify the installation and use of smart home products and increase their interoperability.

In summary, protocols and standards are central to enabling communication and collaboration between smart home devices. ZigBee, Z-Wave, Thread, WiFi, Bluetooth, and Matter are all different technologies used to achieve this goal, and the choice of protocol and standard can affect the performance, energy efficiency and interoperability of devices within a smart home network.

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Voice control

With voice control, you can use voice commands to control various devices in your smart home. Popular voice control technologies include Amazon Alexa, Siri, and Google Assistant. Make sure that the system you choose supports the voice assistant you use the most.

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Mobile applications

Mobile applications make it possible to remotely control your smart home from your smartphone or tablet. You can turn lights on or off, adjust the temperature and monitor safety features with a few simple taps. The industry is moving more and more towards the fact that it is the mobile applications of large companies that you will use. Google Home or Apple Home. These apps are for gathering all your devices in one place. The new standard Matters is a step in this direction.

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Smart homes for security

Security is an important aspect of a smart home. Here are some ways to integrate security features into your smart home:

Security cameras

Security cameras can be installed both indoors and outdoors to monitor and record activities around your home. You can get notifications and watch live video from the cameras through your mobile application. See which security cameras we recommend.

Alarm system

Alarm systems can detect unauthorized access to your home and trigger an alarm alert. You can set different security modes and receive notifications if something unusual happens.

Fire and smoke alarm

Fire and smoke alarms can be integrated into your smart home to provide early warning in case of possible fire or smoke detection. You can get notifications directly to your mobile app even when you're not at home. Learn more about smart smoke alarms and see which ones we think are the best.

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Energy savings in smart homes

One of the great advantages of smart homes is the ability to save energy. Here are some ways to make your smart home more energy efficient:

Thermostatic control

By using smart thermostats, you can automate the temperature settings in your home. You can set the schedule and adjust the temperature according to your preferences and daily routine.

Lighting control

With smart lighting solutions, you can control the lighting in your home to save energy. You can schedule the lighting, use motion sensors or remotely control lights from your mobile application.

Smart Power Outlets

Smart electrical outlets allow you to monitor and control the energy usage of various appliances and devices in your home. You can turn devices off or on remotely and monitor their energy consumption. Here you will find some of the most popular smart plugs.

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Read more: How to save money and electricity with a smart home

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The future of smart homes

Smart home is a technology that is constantly evolving and growing. In the future, we are expected to see even more advanced and integrated systems. That could mean increasing the use of artificial intelligence to anticipate and adapt to users' behaviors and preferences. Matter is the big new standard that everyone hopes will revolutionize the smart home by simplifying the interconnection and management of devices. Learn more here about which devices are supported today.

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Conclusion

Making your home smart can give you a more comfortable, safer and more energy-efficient everyday life. By using smart home components and automation systems, you can remotely control and automate various functions in your home. Be sure to plan and read on before setting up your smart home and choose components that fit your needs and desires. If you have any questions or concerns, our experts will be happy to help you answer them in due time.