Home Automation or the Smart home technology is a part of the internet of things (IoT).

IoT essentially refers to the interconnection between devices through digital networks. This technology allows homeowners to connect all the electrical devices in their homes on a single home network and function at their command. By equipping people with the ability to control the functioning of appliances in their homes, home automation is a secure, convenient, and energy efficient option.

The concept of a smart home originated in 1975 in Scotland when a Pico Electronics developed the X10. It is a protocol that allows compatible electronic appliances to communicate with each other. While the appliances function as receivers, the device (remote controls or smartphones) that controls them acts as transmitters. It uses power line wiring for transmitting commands and signals in the form of numerical codes. But X10 has a limitation – as many devices are connected to a single network, their communication can often get “noisy,” and hence, it not always reliable.

All smart home products correspond to one among the four prominent protocols: X10, Z-Wave, ZigBee, and EnOcean. These products are compatible with both, the internet and cell phones. In the past, smart homes were limited to the rich and affluent, but today, smart homes have become much more affordable. With each passing year, smart homes are becoming ‘smarter,’ all thanks to fresh technological innovations and breakthroughs.

Z-Wave and ZigBee are two popular protocols for home automation. These technologies are primarily mesh networks, that is, they use more than one way to convey commands to their particular destinations. ZigBee derives its name from the transmitter that has a zigzag pattern like bees, searching for the best path to reach the receiver. Z-Wave, on the other hand, utilizes Source Routing Algorithm to determine the fastest route for delivering commands.

Why Should You Opt For A Smart Home?
A smart home brings with it numerous advantages that help simplify your life to a great extent. Home automation paves the way for more efficient use of energy, water, and other resources, thereby saving your money as well as the earth’s natural energy resources. Let us look at the advantages of home automation in details.

1. Easy management of all home appliances from one place

With just one app on your smartphone, you can control the functioning of all the devices in your home. Think about it – your TV, fans, air conditioner, refrigerator, lights, thermostat, and so on, can be controlled with just a click not only from within your home but from anywhere you are! Isn’t that super convenient? When you own smart home, you no longer have to bother yourself with the little issues, whether you turned off the fan or the TV, whether you set the security alarm, because you can do it all through your smartphone!

2. Maximize the security of your home

Safety and security of homes is a huge concern for every individual. By incorporating advanced surveillance features in your smart home network, you can fortify the security of your home very efficiently. There are plenty of options to choose from – motion detectors, surveillance cameras, automated door locks, etc. Just incorporate them into your home security network and activate them before going to bed or heading out.

3. Add new appliances easily

When it comes to incorporating new devices on your home network, smart home technology can be very flexible. The overall approach is to allow you to retrofit more modern and better appliances for a seamless controlling of your home. As technology continues to progress, newer products with better features emerge. And with the flexibility the home automation technology provides, you can always incorporate additional appliances to your home network for making your life more convenient.

4. Increased energy efficiency

Home automation is designed to make your living space more energy-efficient. For instance, a smart programmable thermostat or air conditioner can learn the behavior of the homeowners and automatically modify the settings according to their preferences. They can even suggest the best energy efficient setting for your home throughout the day. Also, lights can be programmed to turn on and turn off automatically when you enter and leave the room. These little things can help you save a lot of energy.

5. Achieve improved appliance functionality

With a smart home system, you can improve and optimize the functioning of your appliances. A smart oven will guide you through cooking, so you don’t have to worry about overcooking or undercooking your recipes. Likewise, a smart TV will learn your preference pattern and line up programmes and channels according to your preferences. Similarly, all your home appliances will achieve improved functionality and make your life so much more enjoyable and hassle-free!

With tremendous possibilities for the upcoming future, the concept of a smart home is rapidly becoming a trend that is here to stay.

About Atomberg
In today’s world of household appliances, there is a massive gap. On one hand, we have appliances which have standard features but consuming a lot of electricity in the process. On the other hand, there are energy efficient appliances which simply cannot compete with others based on parameters like design, looks, price etc. We, at Atomberg Technology, are here to change this once and for all.

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Smart homes, Technology, Household Appliances, Atomberg, Future Technology, Smart Home products, Home Automation, innovations, Home Networking, Wireless Network, Internet of Things, IoT