Dos and don’ts of designing a Smart Home 

A Smart Home is one wherein all appliances are connected to the internet in order to enable remote monitoring and management of appliances and systems such as air conditioning lighting, security systems and audio-video systems. 

Smart home technology provides homeowners comfort, security and convenience by allowing them to control smart devices by means of a smart home app on their smartphones or on other network connected devices.

Setting up a Smart Home can become an easier task if one takes informed decisions and keeps certain key factors in mind. From seemingly simple lighting systems to complicated entertainment options, one wrong move can end up blowing fuses- your own and the ones in your home. Hence, we have come up with a list of few Dos and Don’ts of designing your Smart Homes.

Do’s

 1. Do your homework: Put in some thoughts as to what you want your smart home to be like and what is the kind of automation you will need. A clear plan with specifics marked out can help get the best results.

2. Check for compatibility: If you want a system on the “Smart” network, the system should allow communication between itself and the Smart controller. For example, not all LED lights can be dimmed or controlled. Similarly, a standalone HVAC system that does not talk to a 3^rd party control system can’t be part of a common user interface that controls all devices in a home.

3. Identify the control systems OEM: Keep in mind that controls are the most important aspect of home automation. The complete process of smart homes is intended to make lives simpler;if one has to open 10 apps just to switch on/off the lights, then the entire process is a waste. Hence, make sure all controls are handy and easy to use, and that it is not a tedious task. More importantly, ask the question -is the control system company having a product portfolio that is reliable and known as “good quality”? Remember- a cheaper system may not always be “value for money”.

4. Choose a Smart Home System Integrator (SI) based on their record of performance in the industry: Always ask for reference of similar work done for other homeowners. An SI who is new to the industry (less than 3-4 years of experience) or one who  has just tied up with a OEM recently is a risk and you do not want to be the “Test case”

5. Pick one major hub: Choose your default user interface for the Smart Home. Is it going to be a smart keypad? Is it going to be your phone? Is it going to be a wired touch panel on wall? Or is it going to be a voice control system (Google or Alexa, etc.) that you prefer? While it doesn’t have to be one or the other (it can be combination of all), choice upfront for every room would help define the board contours of what your smart control system would look like.

6. Factor in the Wi-Fi network: Most of the devices of your Smart Home will make use of the Wi-Fi network, its connectivity and speed will have considerable effect on usage and often clutter your network, unless you have made provisions for enough bandwidth.

7. Spend on a capable Firewall: A Firewall can harden the home network against external threats such as malware and hacks. These days, one can buy a special device, like a dedicated firewall, to enhance effective security for you home Wi-Fi. Smart devices don't come with built-in anti-virus or firewalls; adding an extra device can provide that extra bit of protection.

Don'ts

1. Don’t buy products blindly: In the domain of home automation, the devices are generally connected and communicate with each other. Some devices may use different communication technologies. Hence, always check product features and choose products that are compatible with your home system.

2. Don’t hesitate to call in experts: This is the golden age of DIY philosophy and most consumer-grade home automation products these days come with easy installation techniques. But if you are not well versed in any of the aspects, especially when dealing with networking or electrical circuits, do seek expert help. Look for qualified professionals, as this is a relatively new field and a badly executed automation system is worse than having no automation.

3. Don’t use your default Password: If you want the flexibility of control of your home network from anywhere in the world, you need to observe some basic common sense rules. Making sure your control processor doesn’t have default password. Not using a simple password (such as your/ your wife’s name) could help against mischief makers.

4. Don’t skimp on devices: Cheaper devices and routers may also have weaker security protocols- Known, Trusted brands are much better in this aspect. They may be pricier, but one can get better security and performance with these. Past cyber-attacks have focused heavily on devices manufactured by mid or low-tier brands.

Remember these guidelines and pointers when you plan your home automation upgrades - They may help save you money and a lot of grief.

- Alok Hada, Anusha Technovision Pvt. Ltd.

Hi-Tech Security

The current image of discrepancy between the quality of modern day luxuries and amenities, between the two ends of economic spectrum is disappointing. This is perhaps, one of the strongest social contributors to the increase in crime rate across Indian cities. Most people involved in crimes, are from an economically unstable background. Social media posts revealing family details enhance the scope of public information, while unchanged passwords on house locks allow easy access to previously hired helps. These draw attention and opportunity for theft.

Surveillance systems have been around for some time. What is now common is the ability to view the camera output on the go, on most smart phones. Technology now allows us (with IP cameras) to have constant surveillance of our homes, irrespective of wherever we are in the world.

Video door phones (VDP) provided by many developers in apartments, are old features. What is new is IP video door phones- For many nuclear families where no one is at home when the hired help arrives to do work, a simple press of the bell on the IP VDP allows the homeowner sitting in office to see who is at the door, and also open the door to allow access.

In the case that a glass break sensor turns on alarm signaling intrusion, the security system which is linked to the lighting control system, could start flashing the whole house lights on, thus scaring away a potential burglar. Simultaneously when the alarm turns on a signal to the home owner who is away – in the form of a message or email signals potential trouble at home.

What is also new, is the addition of intelligence to the security systems. For example- A Home owner who was planning to have biometric locks, for entry in the house wanted us to allow access to some house hold helps only at certain times of the day. A normal biometric lock once having read in someone’s thumb print, cannot restrict the access depending upon time of the day. However with a separate intelligent thumbprint reader (removed from the lock) each reading can be sent to a server, where conditional logic would then send the signal to lock and enable opening - depending upon the person and also the time of the day.

Hi tech security systems can take such observations into account to reduce the possibility of theft. By linking security systems in a home to other automation systems, the house can be made more secure.

Something that would soon be available in security systems is the ‘Facial recognition’ feature. Something that is not very far on the horizon of technology is the intelligence in access control systems to make  even thumb print control redundant and upgrade to facial recognition, wherein  locks read your face and provide entry to the owner inside the home.

- Alok Hada, Director, Anusha Technovision Pvt. Ltd