Connected home - smart living, comfortable living
A connected home, also known as a smart home, allows residents to intelligently control and automate their home to improve everyday comfort and efficiency. By integrating technologies and products that are networked with each other, various tasks and devices can be controlled centrally. With the appropriate software, intelligent building technology offers a number of advantages compared to previous everyday life. A key benefit of a smart home is the convenience it offers. By connecting devices and systems, residents can, for example, control the lighting, heating, shutters or shutters, or control the air conditioning from the comfort of their couch or even remotely. You can switch off the light, dim it or regulate the temperature without having to get up every time. In addition, different devices can communicate with each other and trigger actions automatically. For example, turning on the TV can automatically dim the lights and activate surround sound to create the best entertainment experience, the possibilities are endless. The networked "smart" house not only offers comfort, but also security and efficiency. All areas, from watering the garden to lighting and operating the garage door, can be controlled using software or an app with a smartphone or tablet.
A connected home offers a variety of benefits, including convenience, security, and efficiency. It enables residents to intelligently control and customize their home to meet their individual needs. With the constant further development of smart home systems, we can expect even more innovations and possibilities in the future to make living even more pleasant and sustainable.
A home of the future: convenience and benefits of a smart home.
A key component of smart networking is bundling scenarios that run automatically. For example, the door closes automatically when the residents leave the house, the roof windows close, the heating is turned down and the alarm system is armed. Automation rules and automation processes can be programmed in this way.
Time controls for the morning scenario "getting up" can also be set individually, for example to preheat the bathroom, listen to the news on the radio or be informed about the weather by Alexa. If desired, all these functions can be operated remotely via a corresponding app. The scenarios are not always the same. They are tailored to the individual user. The software is encrypted and offers secure protection against hackers.
Planning SmartHome correctly - 7 tips
- Which devices should be (remotely) controlled and automated (6 areas of smart home living)?
- What budget is available?
- Which radio technology / which system should be used (WLAN, Bluetooth, KNX, Z-Wave, ZigBee)?
- Which manufacturer / which app should be used (e.g. Busch Jäger, Devolo, GIRA)
- Where will the user interface / controller be installed?
- Who will do the on-site installation?
- Secure Smart Home
1. Division of the networked house into 6 areas/scenarios (smart living / comfortable living)
Housekeeping - When the household is self-managed
Smart Home automates processes and scenarios. These are processes that are repeated and not complex. The work of robot vacuum cleaners or lawn mowers, for example, can be perfectly automated. The devices (domotics) can be controlled via WLAN and smartphones via apps. Window cleaning robots and wiping robots, which can often be integrated into a vacuum cleaner robot (combi robot), are now also popular. Modern washing machines dose the detergent themselves from a storage tank and order more if the supply runs out. The oven receives cooking recipes via an app and sets the cooking time and temperature automatically. Anyone who owns several household appliances from one manufacturer can control the processes centrally from an app. Groceries can be ordered and bought online. A shopping basket is created online and the selected groceries are delivered. To find the best deals, many apps offer comparison portals. The software compares the prices in the finished shopping cart with the respective online partners.
Energy management – More comfort and optimization of self-consumption
Thanks to the automation of smart homes, the (underfloor) heating regulates itself and adapts to the outside temperature. The heating also turns itself on automatically when the windows or doors are opened. The radiator thermostat is linked to the software or app via a sensor. Even "learning" programs (artificial intelligence) can make "independent" decisions based on evaluations of large amounts of data. The software learns from the individual consumption profile and optimizes the options for action depending on the weather or the circumstances. In this way, it adapts to the individual needs of the users.
Entertainment
Smart home devices whet the appetite for multimedia within the four walls of your home. Loudspeaker, hi-fi systems or receivers can be connected and controlled via an app. To listen to music, users often have several devices in the household. The morning sounds come from the radio alarm clock when you get up, feel-good music plays in the bathroom to accompany you brushing your teeth and taking a shower, and the current news and the latest hits come from the kitchen radio while you're having breakfast. Smart home entertainment enables music playback from a central source. Via streaming services, the user can select a large selection of songs or podcasts using a uniform operating concept. The services and devices can be controlled via smartphones, tablets, wall switches or even voice control. The streaming services also allow individual playlists to be put together. The same applies to home theater systems. Instead of umpteen remote controls (e.g. receiver, Blu-ray player, hi-fi system, television), the entertainment devices can be operated via smart-home-apps via a single control.
Light and window control - room darkening at the push of a button
The light sources in the house can also be controlled automatically and used in an energy-efficient manner. Lamps create a pleasant atmosphere in the room. Above all, energy costs can be saved with programmed light management systems. Luminaires switch on at a pre-programmed time or switch on or off according to certain daylight conditions. The operation of the blinds and shutters can be adapted to the spatial conditions and personal needs. Several options for programming can be combined by default: manually via a time switch (several windows are operated via a central switch), time-dependent via a blind timer (the opening and closing of the roller shutters is determined by programming the timer), light-dependent via Sensors and twilight switches (the blinds are controlled depending on the amount of sunlight), weather-dependent (depending on environmental influences such as wind, snow, hail or at certain temperatures) or centrally via a building control system.
Health and assisted living – intelligent healthy living
Assisted living with smart home technology not only offers comfort. Security and communication between residents and the outside world play a decisive role. Unforeseen incidents such as a fall can be recognized and reported to external service providers such as the nursing service, relatives or the emergency service directly. Another central element of assisted living in a smart home is the optimization of outpatient care in your own home. The vital signs and the current state of health of the residents can be regularly transmitted digitally to medical facilities if required. This minimizes the use of the nursing staff. From the collected toilet data (smart toilets), for example diabetes.
Security and access control – safety first
Electronic access solutions combine convenience and security. The front door or garage door can be conveniently controlled via the app on a smartphone or tablet. Automatic unlock functions allow doors to be opened without hands when approached. Selected persons, such as the craftsman, can be granted access while on the move. From a distance you can make sure that the stove is off and the coffee maker is off. Additional elements such as surveillance cameras and security devices on windows and doors are a good investment against burglary protection and increase your own security in the house. An app can be used to display what is happening outside and inside on a smartphone or tablet from anywhere. In the event of a break-in, the software triggers an alarm. The cameras can B. camouflaged in the form of a smoke detector or outdoor lighting. Smart cameras are also equipped with a motion detector. Depending on the provider, the recordings are stored on a cloud and deleted after a certain period of time.
2. What budget is available?
How much does a smart home cost? There is no general answer, because the budget depends on the system choice, the installation costs (especially for wired systems), the number of devices and the software / app. Wired smart home systems (such as KNX) are generally more expensive than wireless networks and range in price in the four-digit range. The installation entails the laying of cables and thus a greater effort. The components / devices used are often more expensive. Radio-based systems are available as starter packages for a few hundred euros and are usually geared towards specific areas such as security, lighting or energy management.
3. What radio technologies / systems are there for controlling the smart home?
Many manufacturers/suppliers offer a complete system for controlling the smart home. As a user, you should ensure that the technology is as uniform and future-proof as possible. If you are building a new house or own a house, the wired KNX bus system may be an option for you. In old buildings or rented apartments, the wireless networks WLAN, Bluetooth, ZigBee or Z-Wave are recommended, which can of course also be used in new buildings. The following is an overview of the common standards. However, professional advice (smart home consultant) is recommended in order to find the optimal network technology that is tailored to your own needs and wishes.
- WLAN is a wireless network standard for connecting to the Internet
- Advantages
- No additional devices required
- Designed for high data traffic
- Disadvantages
- Smart home devices that communicate via a different standard cannot be combined
- Limited range and stability
- High battery consumption in smart home battery-powered devices
- Advantages
- Bluetooth is a short-range radio standard. Smartphones, wireless headphones, computer keyboards or mice use Bluetooth technology.
- Advantages
- Energy-saving BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) variant for Smart Home applications
- Battery-powered smart home devices have a longer operating time
- Established short-distance radio up to a distance of approx. 50 meters
- Disadvantages
- No uniform functionalities - depending on the version, devices may not be able to communicate with each other
- Structural conditions can limit the range and stability (especially inside buildings)
- Advantages
- KNX was developed for controlling building automation. The so-called fieldbus technology is based on a wired system.
- Advantages
- Manufacturer-independent standard
- Better propagation by using a medium frequency
- High reliability
- Architectural conditions (thick walls) do not pose any problems for the technology
- Can be used flexibly as a component or as the sole system in a wired (KNX) bus system
- Devices can be easily integrated into a network and are available in a wide variety
- Disadvantages
- Relatively expensive end devices (e.g. motion detectors, hand-held transmitters, touch sensors)
- So far not very widespread
- Non-professionals cannot install KNX-RF themselves
- Advantages
- ZigBee is a standard in the smart home sector and is particularly widespread in lighting technology. The devices communicate
each other and manage the so-called mesh network themselves.- Advantages
- Established standard, supported by many manufacturers
- Low energy consumption
- Operation can be flexibly adapted and operated intuitively
- Long range, as each lamp also serves as a radio amplifier
- Disadvantages
- Compatibility issues - ZigBee 3.0 as standard is not 100 percent backward compatible
- Advantages
- Z-Wave is short-distance radio technology and is suitable for all home automation. The radio range is 40 meters inside buildings.
- Advantages
- The radio technology is widespread internationally and very user-friendly
- High reliability - devices are networked with each other. Problems with individual devices the control unit have no influence on the overall network.
- Disadvantages
- Z-Wave operates on different frequencies in different countries.
- A Z-Wave end device from the USA may therefore not work in Germany.
- Advantages
4. Which manufacturer / which app should be used
A good smart home system accompanies everyday life inconspicuously, intelligently links the individual processes and can be controlled via app, wireless switch or voice assistant. The selection of smart home apps and manufacturer components is huge. Smart home devices are connected to the tablet, smartphone or a control panel via apps. Every manufacturer of smart home devices and products has its own app. Devices from different manufacturers often cannot be connected to one another. If you want to use a comprehensive system with different devices/components, you should therefore make sure when deciding on a manufacturer that compatibility with other systems/manufacturers is given. If only a specific area of application (e.g. lighting, security or better room climate) is targeted, a Smart Home provider specializing in this can be selected if necessary.
In order to find the right smart home system for your own requirements, the following points should be clarified:
- Which areas should the system link (light, heating, blinds, multimedia control)
- How should the smart home system be controlled (via app, radio, language assistant or IFTTT)
- How flexibly expandable should the system be:
- Closed system (one manufacturer)
- Partially open system (includes cooperating manufacturers)
- Open system (can be freely designed, e.g. Amazon Alexa)
Some smart home systems are EQ-3 Homematic IP, Elgato Eve Smart Home, Netatmo Smart Home, Belkin WeMo Smart Home, Magenta SmartHome/Qivicon, Samsung SmartThings, Innogy SmartHome, Bosch Smart Home, Homee Smart Home, Lupusec XT1 Plus, Egardia Alarmsystem, Gigaset elements Smart Home, iSmartAlarm, Philips Hue.
5. The user interface of the intelligent house - the heart of technology and design
The smart home includes a user interface, also called a panel or control module, which is usually attached in the hallway of the apartment or house. The desired control unit should be determined during the planning phase. Central control is via an app (e.g. Busch Jäger, Devolo, GIRA and many more) or software. If various devices such as thermostats, sensors, lights and even the heating are to be connected to one another, a so-called base station must be set up. Base stations can be used to program if-then scenarios such as "when the front door is opened, the hallway light goes on" and stored in the form of automatic scenarios. A freshly brewed coffee in the morning right after the alarm clock rings is not rocket science. With a radio-controlled socket and time control via the base station, a classic espresso machine can be made smarter very quickly.
Tablets, smart panels (control modules) or smartphones control the various systems that turn the home into a smart home via apps. The control modules can be mounted horizontally or vertically, depending on the spatial conditions and purpose. With wall brackets, the panels/tablets can be discreetly and stylishly blended into their surroundings. They are ingenious in design and easy to use and install. The range in the online shop includes numerous tablet mounts for various tablet manufacturers such as Apple, Samsung or Microsoft - e.g. wallmounts, sockets, wall mounting, floor stands or tablemounts. The holders are available for tablets with or without an accessible home button and in a wide range of colors made of different materials such as oak or stainless steel. The display is fully accessible as a universal touch screen. In addition, the shop offers a small power pack (TecLines TNT001 USB power pack) for tablets, which can be concealed in a built-in socket/cavity socket behind the tablet. Connected with a USB cable, the tablet as a control module has continuous power supply while mounted in the wall.
In the online shop you will find a large selection of both universal tablet mounts and model-specific tablet mounts (e.g. for Apple iPad, Samsung Galaxy Tab or Microsoft Surface) from well-known manufacturers. Examples include basalte, Bosign, BRAVOUR, Compulocks, Dataflex, Durable, Erard, Gripzo, INNO, iRoom, Novus, TabLines, peerless, PureMounts, R-Go Tools, smart things and Vogels. Choose between tablet floor stands, wall installation solutions, wall mounts or table stands / table mounts.
6. Who will do the on-site installation?
In order to use the simple levels of building automation, such as automatically switching radiator thermostats or lighting on and off, no specialist is required for the installation to a large extent. Systems that are suitable for "retrofitting yourself" are available here. When a house is fully equipped with smart home technology, users can quickly reach their limits. The installation of flush-mounted switches and sensors should be carried out by an electrician, otherwise there is no insurance cover in the event of a fire. Comprehensive systems should definitely be planned and installed by an expert. Plug & Play radio systems that can be taken with you when you move are ideal for rented apartments. If the control system is to be accessed via the Internet, a secure home network must be set up.
7. Risks - Safety is the motto
Many customers have concerns about the IT security of smart living. This includes both the weak points of the IT infrastructure and legal ambiguities. As with all computer-controlled systems, hackers can gain access unnoticed and use the function of the devices for criminal purposes such as burglary, fraud or manipulation. The risks of data misuse and manipulation increase with the vulnerability of the smart home systems and the controls. If you want to connect your system via the Internet, you should therefore make sure that the WLAN home network does not have any security gaps. In addition to the router firmware being up to date, this includes the use of secure passwords. The control modules such as tablets, smartphones or panels should comply with the current safety standards. Another important aspect is data protection. Before you buy your smart home system, find out about the transfer of personal data. Smart home experts will advise you comprehensively on the subject of security and data protection. Anyone who is extensively informed and develops an awareness of security and privacy in their own home can identify weak points at an early stage and take measures. In this way you prevent the coffee machine from becoming an accomplice in the next hacker attack.