Our lives are fast becoming part of the digital world around us, and one new trend is the “Internet of Things” where smart devices are connected to Wi-Fi networks. With the IoT we can manage devices through our smartphones. At the top of the list of things we can control is our own homes – the smart home is here. We can program lights, fans, thermostats, and more for convenience and cost-efficiency. You can control and monitor your home from practically anywhere in the world.
Different Approaches
The complexity of the system may depend on how large your home is and the quantity and location of devices you want to use. Some systems rely on radio or infrared systems, and some devices can be converted for use by simply installing a receiver. However, the steps given below are a solution common in small-to-medium homes and modern technology.
It doesn’t require any technical knowledge on programming or installed devices. If you’re buying a home you can find more houses that are already set up as smart homes. If not, and even if you have an older home, transforming it to a modern smart home is not difficult. Anyone can now automate their home with a few new gadgets. Here are 5 simple steps to home automation.
- Purchase the hub, or controller which serves as the center of the system
This is typically a small box which connects to your devices and allows an IoT platform to work. Once you have the hub installed, you’re ready to begin creating a network of compatible home devices.
- Connect the Hub to a Router
Purchase a router to direct signals between the hub and devices. Today’s devices operate over Wi-Fi, so there’s no need of a lot of hard wiring. Installation is simple. All you have to do is connect the hub to the router with a single cable, which creates a secure connection and links the hub to any smart devices you want to add.
- Purchase and Add Your Smart Devices
Once your router is connected and the hub is operational, you can add as many smart devices as you want around your home. Start with those that cover your basic needs. Alarm systems, cameras, sensors, smart lighting, locks, and more can make you home more secure and responsive. Check with the manufacturer recommendations on each product to be sure it will work with your system.
- Connect With a Smart Home App
If everything is setup correctly, your devices are now communicating. All you need is an app to take control of them. Your hub manufacturer can recommend or may have even included one. Usually they can be downloaded to your smartphone. If it’s not to your taste, a little searching could find you one that is. Many of these apps are made for both iOS and Android devices, and often more mobile device platforms. Follow the app instructions on configuring and controlling your devices.
- Follow Up
Your system should be up and your smart home working for you. You may need to do a little experimenting to get everything working the way you like. As your needs change, you will likely find yourself adding, removing, or replacing devices. There’s an astonishing variety of smart devices out there, from refrigerators that alert you when you’re out of milk, to watt hour meters for measuring electricity, to sensors that alert you when you get packages in the mail. And new ones are appearing all the time.