Four essential networks your smart home needs to have
The promises of smart technology simplifying our lives by automating everyday chores, making our homes more pleasant to live in at the touch of a button, even reminding us to turn off the lights or the taps are boundless.
Did you know that, as of 2004, nearly 50% of all new homes in America are built using structured copper “smart” wiring that supports the installation of smart home technology systems?
How do you know that your home is ready to receive the new level of habitat-centric intelligence? Here are four key networks that your home should be equipped with to support the new technology out there.
1.Structured Wiring
This involves extending a system of specialized high-performance cabling throughout your home. This set up distributes data signals for phones, computers, television sets and audio devices in a highly reliable and secure manner
a.Who it’s for
People who are constructing new houses or planning for a major renovation and those who are prepared to use all smart appliances within the reach of cables jacks and plugs. This sort of network is not easy to install in an existing home.
2.Wireless networks
Although this form of network needs no formal introduction, it is basically any type of system which can be interconnected without the use of physical wires. Wireless devices commonly use electromagnetic waves (like radio waves) to send and receive information.
a.who it’s for
Those who seek flexibility, mobility, and freedom from the complications of traditional wiring.
Users must be prepared to deal with or tolerate unreliability of wireless network connections, as well as frequent disruptions brought a bout by other transmitting devices such as baby monitors or cordless phones.
3. Power-line networks
A home’s existing power lines can be used to transmit data.
a.who it’s for
People who want a low-fuss set-up, and are prepared to encounter privacy issues – neighbors who share the same transformer may have access to household networks, if they are unsecured.
4. Phone-line networks
A household’s existing telephone lines can carry multiple services where each service carries a different frequency spectrum to avoid interference.
a.who it’s for
Homeowners who want to call back home to control specific home operating systems, via a phone line; also homeowners who want their smart monitoring services to be pre-set to dial out to an emergency number in case of a crisis like a fire or burglary.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by all this technology – don’t be! You don’t have to be an expert, just ask your home technology integrator how to design, install and integrate your home’s technological capabilities!