How Does Smart Home Work? Let's Get to Know This Technology!

From the time when texting had to be short, concise, and dignified because the rate was set per character to now being able to open a forum for extended families directly on WhatsApp, technology has proven to be able to bring about major changes in the way people live. And it is time for this change to transform the most intimate space in life, namely the home.

With internet access now increasingly widespread such as smartwatches and smart TVs , homes also don't want to be left behind in becoming smart. Well, for those of you who are still unfamiliar with the concept and how smart homes work , this article can be used as a guide to this futuristic technology!

Still confused about what a smart home is?

Like smartphones which are the evolution of HP, smart homes are basically the evolution of the concept of residence itself. In the concept of smart homes , homes are filled with smart devices , smart versions of electronic devices that we are already familiar with such as light bulbs, air conditioners, or electrical outlets.

The feature that makes the device 'smart' is its ability to connect to other devices and the internet. Thanks to this interconnection, smart devices have a ton of additional functionality over their 'dumb' predecessors.

For example, smart devices can be controlled remotely from a mobile phone as long as there is an internet connection. Smart devices can also be programmed to operate independently using routines , such as a smart light bulb that will automatically lower the light intensity and emit a 'warm' light that can help you sleep at night.

How do smart homes work?

Smart home technology itself is an implementation of the Internet of Things (IoT) concept. By installing a chip on a watch, TV, or even a power outlet, all devices can be connected to other devices or the internet using connections such as wifi or bluetooth.

In its implementation, smart home and IoT technology requires the following elements or devices:

• Internet access and wifi router: The router functions to connect smart devices to the internet, thus enabling remote control.
• Smart devices : Devices such as smart light bulbs or smart wireless doorbells can connect to the internet or each other using connection protocols such as Bluetooth or WiFi.
• HP and supporting applications: Almost every smart home brand has its own application, and you will need this application for the pairing process and setting up smart devices from that brand.

Once you have all the elements above, you can start designing your dream smart home . After the installation is complete and the smart device is turned on for the first time, the first step is to initiate the pairing process with the cellphone, usually via a wifi connection.

Users can directly control or manipulate the operation of smart devices through supporting applications . From this application you can also start creating routines , such as dimming the smart light bulb and activating the 'warm' light color when it is 9 pm.

At the specified time, the phone will send a signal to the smart light bulb to activate the routine without any intervention from the user. Through routines , you can freely experiment to create a smart home that can anticipate your every need using the concept of home automation .

Smart home and home automation functions

Technology exists to improve the quality of human life, and so does smart home technology. Both in terms of aesthetics and comfort, users can experience the following benefits of smart homes and home automation in various aspects of life :

• Convenience : By combining several smart devices , you can design a 'smart home' that can anticipate all your needs automatically. For example, smart motion sensors can turn smart lights on or off depending on whether someone is in the room and remote controls can help you if you are in a hurry to leave the house and forget to turn off certain devices.
• Security : For those who live alone or often travel, smart cameras can help you monitor home security directly from your cellphone. For those who routinely care for the elderly, pets, or children at home, smart indoor cameras are also very useful for ensuring that the occupants of the house are still healthy.
• Save electricity : Without having to buy new devices, smart plugs and smart universal remotes can practically upgrade your old devices to smart devices . Using a smart plug, you can automatically cut off the power to devices such as washing machines or kettles that still often consume power even when not turned on.
• Aesthetics : Most home improvement trends start from an aesthetic perspective, and smart homes are no exception. With a palette of millions of colors, smart LED strips are a must-have accessory for serious gamers who want to live the RGB life. For house parties, the music sync feature is also great for facilitating a little dance session.

What are the disadvantages of a smart home?

It may not be right to call it a disadvantage, but as technology develops, there are some things to consider when first diving into a smart home . But don't worry, you don't need a PhD to enjoy the benefits of a smart home as long as you are aware of the following:

• Varied interoperability : As mentioned earlier, each smart home brand generally has its own mobile application. This means that if you want to use devices from different brands, you must ensure that the smart devices can interact with each other. For example, BIOTA Smart Home products are compatible with several popular ecosystems such as Google Home so that they can interact with other smart devices that are also included in the ecosystem.
• Need a learning period : Smart home technology is not just a gimmick and can provide concrete benefits in the lives of its users. However, the magnitude of these benefits is directly proportional to how committed you are to optimizing home automation routines on the smart devices you use.
• Start from the simple things first : The assumption that smart home is only for sultans is just a misconception. However, there are smart devices such as 'smart refrigerators' that are clearly in the luxury category, so new users are advised to start from simple products such as smart light bulbs or smart plugs so as not to be overwhelmed.

How smart home works

Not magic, not sleight of hand, and certainly not just a gimmick, smart homes can improve the quality of life holistically. With smart home technology still continuing to develop, it is possible that this 'smart home' can have a transformative effect like a smartphone or even the internet.

Cover image courtesy of Freepik .