What is a Smart Home?

 A smart home is a convenient house setup in which electrical appliances and other internet-enabled devices may be monitored and managed remotely using a smartphone or other networked device with an internet connection. WIFI, Bluetooth, Z-wave, or ZigBee are commonly used wireless networks for monitoring and managing devices.  A smart home's devices are connected to a network, enabling the user to manage features such as home security, lighting, temperature, and other devices such as cameras and motion sensors remotely. 

Basic Components of a Smart Home

A smart home system is composed of four main components at their most basic level: a smart device, a smart hub, an interface, and a server.

While some smart systems only use two of the aforementioned components—a single device that connects to an app directly or a hands-free hub that manages smart devices—the majority of smart systems use all four of these.

Smart Hubs/Gateways

The smart hub (also known as gateway, bridge, or controller) is the smart home ecosystem's command center. It's the component that connects your various devices and allows them to communicate with one another. Different techniques of connecting with smart devices include infrared, ZigBee, Z-Wave, and Bluetooth.  Some systems feature hubs that only operate with devices made by the same company, while others, such as the Amazon Echo, work with a wide range of devices.

Smart Hub Communication Types

·       WiFi

·       RF 443

·       IR

·       Zigbee

·       Z-Wave

·       Bluetooth

·       Ethernet/Wired

Servers

All of the "thinking" in smart homes takes place on servers. The majority of this work is now done offsite by several devices, thanks to cloud servers. You've probably experienced this if you've ever asked a question from Alexa while the network was down. Alexa works by recording your voice, sending it to Amazon's computers, and then returning information or carrying out a command. Home Assistant is an alternative option as a server for Smart Home Hobby. This is software that operates locally, so you don't have to rely on the servers of other companies to make your smart home work.

Server Examples

·       Home Assistant

·       Amazon Server

·       Apple Home Kit

·       Cloud Servers

Interfaces

If a hub is a device that performs communication with a smart device, an interface is the means through which YOU communicate with the smart device. Smartphones, voice assistants, and different sensors are all integrated here. You can ask Alexa to adjust the temperature or switch off the lights. You may also do this using your smartphone with an app for your device. Sensors are also used to connect your smart home to the internet.

Interface Options

·       Smartphones

·       Voice Assistants

·       Sensors

·       Automation

Smart Devices

The true stalwarts of a smart home system are smart devices. They're the components that carry out commands. Here are a few examples of the various sorts of smart devices that you might be able to integrate into your system:

Access Control and Security Devices: Security cameras, smart locks, and motion sensors are examples of access control and security devices.

Appliances: In the coming years, almost every item could be able to become an element of your smart home system. Refrigerators, coffeemakers, dishwashers, and microwaves that are connected to the internet already exist. 

Climate control services are frequently integrated with power management systems. The most common type of climate controller is the smart thermostat.

Remote sprinkler controls and energy managing systems are examples of smart energy management devices. Smart switches and panels are also included in this category.

Smart TVs, DVD players, and film projectors are examples of entertainment items.

Health Care Devices: In the smart home sector, health care systems are becoming more popular. Two common examples are smart humidifiers and smart scales.

Lighting Controls: There isn't much to say about lighting controls. Dimmers, light strips smart bulbs, and switches are all covered. GE, Philips, and Belkin are just a few of the lighting companies that exist.