“Smart home devices have turned my home into a surveillance system. Why do I need a smart home? How to make a smart home

Tips for beginners

Technologies " smart home" allow you to control almost everything today. Some things, such as devices for turning lights on/off on command, are simple and inexpensive, others, such as video surveillance systems, require more significant investments. Until recently, Smart Home systems attracted only rich eccentrics, today it is already, as they say, mainstream, i.e. devices familiar to many, and the development of these technologies, which received a powerful impetus due to the widespread use of broadband mobile Internet, is proceeding very quickly, it is not for nothing that electronic giants such as one after another entered this market. Apple, Google and Samsung.

Naturally, complex and extensive systems that control everything in and around the house, which you access through a smartphone or tablet, are on sale and, if you have enough money, you can install them yourself. At the same time, today almost every company involved in home devices and systems, or security systems, wants a piece of the home automation market pie and is starting to produce remotely controlled products. But so far, unfortunately, there are no systems that could unite all devices, regardless of who produces them and on what principle they work. Maybe Apple or Google will make us happy?

However, let's look at what can already be used. And first of all, we will understand why this is necessary.

Why do I need a smart home?

Automation makes your life easier and better in your home or apartment, moreover, it saves time and money. Here are some reasons to start creating your smart home.

Automation improves efficiency. This applies to efficiency individual systems in your home and to the efficiency of the entire household. For example, because the automation system can control multiple devices, you can turn off thermostats and turn off lights with the touch of a button when you decide to go on vacation. You won't have to worry about forgetting to do something.
Automation saves you money. Only smart control of lighting, heating, ventilation or air conditioning can reduce energy costs by 15-20%, according to automation system developers. For owners of their own homes, this also includes the possibility of using non-standard heating or cooling systems, which also dramatically reduces electricity costs and allows for a quick return on investment in " smart House".
Automation is convenient. Ability to control many electronic devices(lights, heating, audio/video, curtains and doors, locks, security systems, etc.) with one touch device on the wall or just a smartphone - this alone makes you think about home automation.
Automation creates comfort. Ability to actively control various electronic elements home provides comfort in which the environment around you - from installing lighting to turning on music center- begins to obey you.
Automation provides peace of mind. A home device control system allows you to avoid problems that may arise due to forgetfulness or inability. From anywhere you can check whether everything is normal in your home and, if necessary, make corrections using your smartphone.

Smart home technologies

Before you start buying smart home devices, let's understand a little about the technologies that are used in these devices. There are a few different standards or communication protocols that these devices use to communicate between themselves and the management controllers. Some devices are connected by wire, some by wireless, and some use both. Be sure to check what protocol the device uses before purchasing it so that all your purchases are compatible with each other.

X10. This is the oldest of the home automation protocols, which appeared back in the 70s of the last century (sounds terrible, but this is only about 40 years ago, and not during the time of Sherlock Holmes and the activities of the People's Will). Now it is also used for wired communication and wireless. X10 is not characterized by insane speed or ultra-reliable communication between devices in a home automation network, however, this standard has long been debugged and many still prefer to use X10.

ZigBee. It's a different name wireless standard IEEE 802.15.4, which is used by a group of manufacturers that are members of the ZigBee Alliance. The main advantage of this standard is that it creates a mesh network ( mesh network), in which most devices are equal and communicate with each other on equal terms. A mesh network offers increased reliability and resilience. When one of the nodes stops functioning, the other nodes continue to work, connecting to each other directly or through other intermediate nodes. In addition, this connection consumes very little power.

Z-Wave. Another wireless protocol belonging to one company - a chip manufacturer, including for smart home systems Sigma Design.

Insteon. This is perhaps the most best protocol, which combines an electrical communication protocol with wireless protocol. Both work as a mesh network. All nodes in the Insteon network are equal and can communicate with each other. If one node fails, communication goes through others. The protocol developer is Smartlabs. The protocol is compatible with X10.

WiFi. This network protocol, now used not only computer systems. Very fast, works well. And it is not surprising that some manufacturers began to make products for the “smart home” that take advantage of the advantages of this protocol. Other protocols consume less power and use less bandwidth, but WiFi capabilities much more extensive.

HAI. This is the protocol used for professional installations worth more than $50 thousand. We will leave it aside for now.

Planning a smart home

Before you rush to buy those interesting devices that we will describe below, you need to plan everything in advance and decide on your goals. To do this you need to create short list of your actions.

Define your goals. Do you want to control your home by phone and check the bathroom temperature from anywhere on the planet, or are you a little more modest in your desires? Write in detail what you ideally want to receive. The right approach- starting small, but knowing what you want to get in the end is key factor successful completion of the project. Try to figure out what will be most useful to you. Start with the security system, for example. Or here are a few other examples.
Vacation system. Press one button on the keyboard and the heating will be turned off, the security system will be in the “On” mode, and the lights will turn on in the evening in a certain order to simulate the presence of people at home. Or a mode in which, in the event of a call front door, an image of the caller is sent to your phone, and you get the opportunity to have a two-way conversation with him. And you can decide whether to remotely open the door for him (and then lock it after he leaves).

Choose a standard for home automation. In principle, you can use any one. The main thing is to decide in order to select necessary devices. X10 and Insteon dominate now. Both are uncomplicated, the X10 is somewhat cheaper, and the Insteon can handle a lot of data.

Determine the phases of system installation. Smart home devices make life better, but if you decide to immediately install large-scale devices, then after a while you may decide that you were in vain. Break the process down into stages, make sure all the devices you have installed on at this stage, work, and only then proceed to the next stage. The more detailed you draw the installation diagram, the easier your life will be when carrying out the work.
Select a control system. For example, Activehome for the X10 standard is an easy-to-use solution, but with a few limited functionality. Or Powerhome is a good choice, but difficult to learn. Some systems allow you to use voice control, but they are not very friendly with the Russian language. Individual solutions allow you to get remote access to management.
Install the computer that controls the system. This computer needs to run 24/7, so choose a location where it won't disturb anyone. Install the software, connect the X10 controller (or other standard of your choice).
Install home automation devices and modules. The number and list of devices and control modules depends on your plan. There are many of them, we won’t dwell on them here. specific devices, for example, if you are using X10, then to control, say, a garage door, you can use universal module. There are modules for lamps, or wall switches, most of them are very easy to connect. We will talk about some devices below.

And a couple of comments.

To save electricity, use additional sensors that will allow, for example, the system to automatically turn off the lights when you leave the room.
Where possible, use wired switch-type modules rather than plug-in modules. This will allow you to control lights and devices without using a smart home control system if, God forbid, something in it breaks.
Keep in mind that automation requires understanding what you're doing, especially when you're dealing with electricity. Wrong actions can be dangerous for you.

Devices for "smart home"

Statistics say that the most popular home automation project is creating a security system. The creation of home theaters and home music control systems is in second place, followed by light and energy management. Then comes the integration of several systems with each other.

Nest Learning Thermostat

The Nest thermostat (owned by Google) not only controls the temperature in your home, but also decorates it. It was designed by the man who designed the iPod. Apple. It works over WiFi and you can control the temperature remotely using your smartphone or computer. It is not very cheap, but it will not be superfluous in any “smart home”. Additionally, Nest has open interface, which will allow new devices to be connected to it in the future, as Google promises.

Honeywell Wireless Thermostat

Honeywell wireless thermostat

This is another WiFi thermostat from Honeywell, which has been making home devices for decades and its line of thermostats offers a variety of connectivity options.

The thermostat has a color touch screen And software, capable of learning user habits, and can also monitor internal and external conditions to optimize the performance of heating and cooling systems. Thermostat settings can be preset on a schedule, or entered directly through a touch screen, computer or mobile device. The screen displays indoor and outdoor temperatures, humidity values, as well as the local weather forecast. In addition, several versions of this device can be controlled by voice.

Insteon

Insteon home automation system

Insteon is having a lot good reviews a home automation system that uses both electrical wiring and a wireless channel for communications. Insteon combines dual-lane and mesh technology to create fast and reliable network, which is compatible with everything from thermostats to home theater systems.

The Insteon Starter Kit includes a hub and one module - a dimmer for adjusting the light. The hub connects the entire system to the Internet (via home router) and works with a mobile application that allows you to control the system from anywhere, program timers and your own “scenarios,” and also monitor the system status. The hub can also send email and text messages when sensors in the house are triggered. According to the manufacturers, Insteon offers everything from light switches and motion sensors to garage door openers, night vision cameras, water leak sensors and more.

Kevo Smart Deadbolt

If you can open your car without keys, why can't you do the same with your house or apartment? One option is Kwikset's Kevo Smart Deadbolt, a deadbolt lock with a touch ring on the outside and a smart mechanism on the Bluetooth-based 4.0 inside. Kevo uses several methods to open: key fob, iPhone with the Kevo app, touching said ring with your finger, and a password word to open. However, according to user reviews, the application does not work very well yet.

Belkin WeMo

Belkin WeMo. Smart plug

This is an easy-to-install device that can be a great start to creating a smart home and can start working within minutes of installation. Belkin WiFi powered outlets allow you to remotely turn on or off your connected appliances. electrical network Through them. Belkin has released several other very convenient devices - for example, the WeMo Home Light Switch, a motion sensor that allows you to activate devices plugged into a WeMo outlet, and a video nanny with WiFi access. All this is controlled through a mobile application based on iOS or Android.

Philips Hue lighting system

Hue is a lighting system consisting of lamps, light strips and wireless bridge, which are controlled via an iOS application. According to the company, "each HUE lamp has 600 lumens luminous flux and can produce all variants white light, from warm to cool, as well as various colored light options. Each lamp uses 80% less energy than a traditional lamp." The light can be infinitely dimmed, faded in, and color adjusted, all from anywhere you can access the Internet. The app also includes a number of "recipes" from experts to help you concentrate or relax better. Hue is compatible with a range of other smart home devices, including Belkin MeMo switches.

How much can you trust a smart home?

An important question: what is the reliability of such systems that combine many “smart” devices, how confident can you be that after you command it through your smartphone to close the front door, the lock will actually lock? Does such a system have “fool protection”?

All systems in the house, such as light, heating and security, are subsystems of a single automation system. The advantage of this system is that it provides very reliable control and integration of all subsystems. Moreover, almost always when the automation system fails, the subsystems continue to work. This will only create some inconvenience for you. For example, you won't be able to turn off 20 lights at once with the press of a button, but you can still do it individually and in the normal way.

Note that the smart home system uses feedback from its subsystems and receives a signal if something goes wrong. At the same time, a message is sent to the user’s phone and he can decide what to do in this case.

Films often show a living space that seems to live its own life. Light bulbs light up with a wave of your hand, curtains open, and music plays after a certain word. All this equipment is intelligent home system, and we propose to consider how to make a smart home with your own hands, what is needed for this, and also what is the diagram of such a system.

Smart home - what is it?

Smart home refers to home automation, which is a residential extension of building automation. Home automation may include centralized management lighting, HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning), home appliances, open gates, doors, GSM and other systems to provide improved convenience, comfort, energy efficiency and security. It should be noted that for some categories of the population (elderly, disabled people) this event may become necessary.

Photo – Smart home distribution ideas

Photo – Simple smart home

WITH latest implementation SMART technologies have become part of our lives, many can no longer imagine their lives without automatic installations, software equipment, we need wireless Internet, household appliances.

Home automation refers to the use of computer and information technologies to control household appliances and their functions. It can vary from simple remote control lighting up to complex networks based on a computer/microcontroller with varying degrees of intelligence and automation. Home automation should mainly be as simple as possible.

Photo – Smart door lock

Advantages of using a smart home in an apartment based on PIC or WAVE:

Economical expenditure of time on daily setup of various mechanisms, receiving calls, sending mail;
The use of gaseous or liquid fuels, and later the use of electricity, allowed increased automation in heating systems, reducing the labor required to manually refill the heater and furnace.
The development of thermostats allowed for more automated control of heating, and later cooling;
This is how industrial facilities and residential premises are often protected;
As the number increases managed devices their relationship rises in the house. For example, a furnace can send notifications when it needs cleaning, or a refrigerator when it needs servicing.
IN simple installations, smart can turn on the light when a person enters the room. Also, depending on the time of day, the TV can be tuned to necessary channels, set the air temperature, lighting.

A smart home can provide an access interface to household appliances or automation to provide control and monitoring on your smartphone, through a server, mini Smart for iPhone, iPod touch, and also with the help laptop computer(special soft: AVR Studio required).

Photo – Home control via tablet

Video: Schneider Electric smart home system

Smart home elements

Home automation elements include sensors (e.g. temperature, daylight or motion detection), controllers and actuators such as motorized valves, switches, motors and others.

Photo – House control diagram

This heating, ventilation and air conditioning, HVAC can control temperature and humidity, for example, an internet control thermostat allows the homeowner to remotely control the building's heating and air conditioning systems, the system can automatically open and close windows, turn on radiators and boilers, and heated floors.

Lighting

These lighting control mechanisms can be used to control household lights and appliances. This also includes a natural lighting system, the operation of blinds or curtains.

Photo – Smart home diagram

Audio-visual

Remote control presence effect (This is the most modern technology, which is used to increase security). It involves turning on the lights and playing music.
Presence simulation
Temperature regulation
Brightness adjustment (electric lamps, street lighting)
Security (alarm, blinds).

How to make a smart home

You can make an intelligent system with your own hands; the most budget-friendly option is to set up control of lighting in the house or turn on a computer.

Photo – Smart home control option

To make a lamp that will light up on its own, you will need to connect special equipment to it. There are several options for solving this problem:

Install an acoustic relay (1 or x10-wire);
Attach the dimmer;
Connect a motion sensor.

The easiest way to work is with a sensor. It is sold in any online store, you can buy a duct device, or you can develop your own according to your parameters. The only note is that you cannot install an incandescent lamp with such a device, it may not withstand the load and explode, it is better to work with an LED one.

Photo – Smart home concept

Another “smart” silent option is a dimmer. Here you will need to touch the lamp, depending on the number of touches, the speaking device will change brightness. This is very convenient to use on a lamp in a bedroom or children's room.

To set up temperature control and regulation, we need a multi-channel system. The central temperature and humidity control circuit consists of:

Sensors (ds1820) that measure the physical state of liquid and air.
Controllers (rfm12), which can be simple physical components and complex devices special purpose or embedded computers.
Lunex drives that respond to controller signals.

Most modern way– this is to buy all the components of a smart home, wires, thermostats. Then install devices in each room, one thermostat for the radiator and one for the boiler. You will also need a controlled unit, or the “brain” of the entire system. It is recommended to install it on the heating inlet pipe.

Photo – Smart home system

The easiest way to install a video surveillance and alarm system. Fundamental provisions for installing security systems:

You need to connect sensors on windows and doorways, where the electrics will be the most productive;
The most difficult thing is to select a board; the smart home controller, the operation of mediocre parts, and the signal level depend on it;
Many experts believe that indicators should be mounted at floor level. About 20 cm from the baseboard, this increases efficiency;
It is advisable to establish constant monitoring and establish a digital system of contact with the security service. Often responsible owners set special program to your place Personal Computer, which allows you to control the operation of the system from anywhere where there is Internet (Elena Tesla and her book: “Smart Home: How to Do It Yourself” advises doing this; there are also other solutions there). You can enable SMS notifications.

A smart home is a very convenient way to make your life easier, often the whole system purchased in full (Arduino, KNX, Linux).

The cost of each system is individual. The most popular brands are: beckhoff, gira, lpt, redeye, Smart Switch IOT screen, teleco. We recommend that before building such housing, you consult with specialists; they will help you calculate the load level and calculate the power consumption.

Photo – Light control via phone

To get ideas, you can scroll through V.N. Gololobov’s “Smart Home” with your own hands, DJVU or PDF, look at our photos and video instructions, read the advice of famous masters.

Smart Home technology is familiar to almost every user digital devices, so there is little point in talking about the features. Smart home equipment is supplied in two versions - an expensive complex package and in the form of components; in the second case, the system must be assembled with your own hands. Consumers who buy an off-the-shelf package may not understand the features, but tech-savvy buyers already have a good idea of the functionality they want.

“Smart home” in every home – how accessible is the technology?

In practice, the use of Smart Home technology depends on the available equipment and software applications with which you can control the installed system. Our review will focus on the components offered on the market, and will discuss both price and technical availability.

Readers can choose between inexpensive hardware that provides all the functionality they need and more expensive systems, which are distinguished by advanced functions, high reliability and security. Both options are available to a wide range of consumers and do not require huge investments.

Available solutions – what are they?

Today you can choose between the following offers:

specialized equipment made in China and mobile APIs applications, the level of reliability of which can be improved due to inexpensive Russian-made equipment also produced in China and various desktop systems;
Russian components that allow you to assemble almost any complex Smart Home solution with the required level of reliability and protection, made by yourself with independently programmable PC-based functions, expandable on a modular basis;

First, let's figure out where to start and how to choose components for your Smart Home. Note that the functionality of the system can be expanded as needed in one or another version. Necessary and optimal package equipment allows you to control lighting and turn on/off equipment, usually carried out not only from remote controls, but also software application installed on a PC or on the user's smartphone.

Smart apartment or small house: how to make your life more comfortable?

Available technologies and their features

Objectively, technology has already become a part of our lives. Today, speaking about Smart Home technology, we are talking about the development of Internet of Things (IoT) technology. These are devices that can be connected to the Internet via wired and wireless channel, in the second case via Wi-Fi (with a radius of up to 50 on average, depending on the transmitter) or Bluetooth (up to 10 m).

Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are two short-range radio communication standards that are used in home automation systems. Bluetooth can only be used if there is no more than 10 m between the control module and the device, and in practice - no more than 3-5 m. Range wireless transmission Wi-Fi depends on the transmitter and specific installation conditions; radio signals are poorly transmitted by concrete floors.

Despite fairly developed capabilities, manufacturers are not intensively introducing and selling such equipment. The main problem is that the widespread use of technology will lead to an increase in the number of IoT devices that the existing Internet infrastructure is simply not designed for. As a result, those who want to install a Smart Home in their apartment inexpensively will have to understand the intricacies on their own, without relying on large manufacturers.

AliExpress – China will always help out: “Do-it-yourself smart apartment” package

If you want to implement new home automation solutions at low costs, of course, you need to contact manufacturers who sell their products on AliExpress. On this portal practically no packages are offered “Do-it-yourself smart home and how to make it”, but there are necessary equipment, which is quite enough for the necessary equipment of an apartment or house.

So, the minimum package of equipment that is available in China at a very affordable cost and applications on the network - let's call it “Do-it-yourself smart apartment” - includes:

control of turning on and off household appliances and devices;
sensory systems;
lighting control equipment;
devices for monitoring and security - alarms and video cameras;
API applications for smartphones, available for free on Google Play;
network cloud applications, simplifying the connection and control of home appliances.

Smart Home Equipment on AliExpress

The range of equipment includes relays for connecting devices, dimmers for smooth load control (for lighting and electric heating) and package systems, including control of “climate control”, lighting, alarm and sometimes a video camera. Full list offers can be obtained by entering “smart home”, “smart home”, “intelligent home”, as well as the names of two Chinese manufacturers Lilovo and Sonoff, into the search bar of the AliExpress portal.

Sonoff releases a Wi-Fi relay for remote control of household appliances from a smartphone. The device is installed on a line with one or more electrical appliances and allows you to turn the power supply on and off from a smartphone using a mobile application.

The advantage of this device is that it is always available online, can be connected via the telephone network (PTSN) and allows you to set an individual work program using 8 built-in timers. Through the relay, you can control the operation of any household appliance with a power of up to 2.2 kW using the eWeLink mobile application, available on Google Play IOS and Android.

Sonoff products are also available in Russia. The price in China is about 6 dollars (without remote control), in Russia - 2000 rubles (with remote control). The relay is offered in two versions for 10 A and 16 A; in the second case, in addition to all kinds of household appliances, a boiler can be connected to the mobile application.

Other models of electrical accessories work similarly, allowing you to connect several devices at once, for example, Sonoff Sensor-AM2301. Moreover, control is implemented with different meanings timers.

The manufacturer produces three models of Sonoff Wi-Fi relays:

Sonoff World On – Wi-Fi relay with connection to a mobile application (for household appliances and cameras);
Sonoff World On TF – Wi-Fi relay with sensors, for example, for a climate control system (for boilers and air conditioners);
Sonoff World On RF – Wi-Fi relay with remote control, for example, for gates and doors with magnetic locks.

Sonoff also produces touch-sensitive dimmer switches for lighting devices with continuous adjustment, which can simultaneously be connected to Wi-Fi and a mobile application.

For devices to be accessible on the Internet, they must be connected using one of the available methods. One of the successful and inexpensive options is the Broadlink home automation router, which supports 4 types of wireless WI-FI connection, IR, RF and 4G.

With it you can connect all home devices via a SIM card to mobile internet. It is better to choose the services of an operator with a new communications infrastructure, in particular, one of the MTS packages with per-megabyte pricing.

XIAOMI releases whole line relays, dimmers, sensors for home automation. First of all, you should pay attention to Wi-Fi humidity and temperature sensors, door and window sensors, smart sockets and inexpensive IP cameras. The equipment of this company is distinguished by its simplicity and affordability along with high quality assemblies.

The manufacturer produces packaged solutions for apartments and small houses - this is Xiaomi Smart Home Suite. This package is widely offered in Russia and belongs to the luxury equipment category. Price category These sensors are slightly higher than devices from Sonoff.

Lilovo touch switches only work with remote controls. Their key feature is the ability to smoothly adjust the lighting, elegant design and different color options. Switches from this company can be used to turn on and off household devices without an internet connection.

Wi-Fi relays from Russian manufacturers

In China you can purchase products from Russian manufacturers who assemble electrical accessories on a Chinese base. Russian Smart Home DC Wi-Fi relays are available at a lower cost than Sonoff, and are considered more reliable and accurately pick up the signal. Consumer disadvantage of the Smart Home relay is the absence plastic case, but this is the simplest, most reliable and inexpensive way to integrate household devices.

API applications for smartphones on Google Play

eWeLink is an application that allows you to connect a seemingly unlimited number of Smart Home devices and supports products from Sonoff and a number of manufacturers. The disadvantages include some lag in Russian networks; it is advisable to connect to the application through the interface mobile provider, not wired PTSN channels ( telephone network common use).
Smart Home from Alltek Technology Corp. is another universal mobile application to which you can connect lighting devices, alarms, heating and a number of other home devices. Some users about this application reviews better than eWeLink.

On Google Play you can download a whole range of mobile applications for connecting home automation devices, differing different levels versatility and stability.

Home automation devices can be connected using local applications, running on a PC and in the cloud. Each of these options has a number of advantages. Applications in the “cloud” are designed for low-cost use of Smart Home technology with a wide range of functions, but in such systems the issue of security and unauthorized access to home devices remains open.

Stationary package offers in a secure cloud environment or for PCs are designed for automation of country houses, public buildings and institutions. This application guarantees high level safety and reliability.

Smart Home Applications:

Bitdefender batch application For secure connection home automation devices, which allows you to use the functions of any external cloud without risks;
Friendly-tech.com offers a range of home automation products, including IoT device management with an admin console and user interface through mobile services, including using the cloud (IoT SaaS)
IoT Home Guide is available as a package for quite large systems home automation, as well as from partner API applications OpenHAB, Home Assistant and Eclipse SmartHome.

Clouds "Smart Home":

Sharp Cloud Smarthome System – advanced cloud system for automation of houses, an arbitrarily complex automation system for both a house and an entire block can be built on it;
Cloud Based IoT Platform GO+ – Russian free platform with a small number of users.

Russian equipment from the company “Reasonable House” is distinguished by high reliability and build quality. The manufacturer offers various electrical accessories, sensors, and relays for building arbitrarily complex systems using Smart Home technology with a guaranteed level of security. The devices allow you to create home automation systems with an individual set of functions, available software For mobile devices, PC and tablets.

Video instructions for assembling and operating the Smart Home

Conclusion

The equipment we have described will allow you to create various solutions for the automation of residential premises and household plots, ranging from inexpensive budget solutions for apartments to full automation large country houses. It is worth noting that web platforms for managing home automation devices are not currently being developed due to a concept problem.

Buyers are offered to install local systems PC-based or create private clouds managed ready-made applications. The user can choose for himself and assemble the most suitable option for automating an apartment or house.

As part of an experiment, journalist Kashmir Hill installed hundreds of smart devices and sensors. Thus, an Amazon Echo speaker, a smart bed, a smart coffee maker, smart light bulbs, as well as a smart vacuum cleaner, TV, toothbrush and even children's toys appeared in the house.

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Technologies

Hill immediately appreciated the benefits of the smart home system. She could observe from a distance what was happening in the house. Also using voice commands you could turn on the lights, start the coffee maker and your favorite music. With the help of a toy in the nursery, Hill was able to communicate with her daughter and her nanny. The journalist didn’t even have to vacuum anymore - the robot vacuum cleaner carried out the cleaning on its own, following a command from the smartphone.

However, from the very beginning, Hill was aware that smart systems in the home not only simplify life, but also monitor it. At the request of the journalist, her engineer friend Surya Mattu connected all the smart systems in the house to a homemade router on Raspberry based Pi - through it, Hill could track what data the devices were collecting and where they were transmitting it. According to Mattu, through the router he had access to the same data that the Internet service provider has access to. In other words, the engineer could see what the journalist was unknowingly sharing with her cameraman.

The engineer did not change the initial data encryption settings, so a lot of information was hidden. So, he could not find out what music was playing on the Amazon Echo alarm clock. But he knew exactly what time Hill and her family got up, what time they turned the lights on and off, and when they watched TV. The smart toothbrush reported in which room her teeth were being brushed.

Mattu could also find out what movies and series Netflix recommends for the family. On the Hulu streaming service, the data was not encrypted, so it was possible to determine exactly what its owners were watching.

When the Hill family went on vacation, the data streams showed that no one was home. It also turned out that devices constantly communicate with company servers, even if they are not used in active mode. For example, Amazon Echo sent requests to Amazon servers every two minutes. This way the device confirms that it is connected to the network and checks for updates.

Data streams that came from the devices on each day of the experiment. Gizmodo

As a result of the experiment, Mattu compared a smart home to a browser in which information is continuously collected, and the search history tells a lot about its owner.

At the same time, smart devices did not make life much easier for the journalist. According to her, the entire house was covered in wires and extension cords. To manage her gadgets, Hill had to install 14 applications and create an account for each of them. Setting up a combination of devices with the Alexa voice assistant also turned out to be difficult.

In addition, many systems recorded video and stored it in the application. Although only Hill herself had access to this data, she was embarrassed by the very fact of continuous video recording.

Hill admits that despite the experiment's irritation, she won't give up on some smart devices. So, smart TVs found in almost every American home. Smart speakers are also becoming a standard - Americans bought 25 million of them last year.

However, the journalist warns that after purchase the device may completely change its characteristics. Continuous updates provide gadgets with new functionality. Thus, a column can become a tool for accessing social networks, and smart scales One of the useful functions will suddenly disappear.

Is this system wireless?

Previously, to operate a smart home, it was necessary to lay cables and wires. If the system was installed in a ready-made interior, repairs had to be made. The "Smart Home on Z-Wave" system works without repair and without wires. You yourself with with minimal effort you can install and configure equipment for a smart home in just a few minutes.

Can I install these devices myself?

Creating your own Smart Home in your apartment is as easy as shelling pears. The sensors are easily attached to any surface, smart plugs They simply plug into regular sockets, and to install switches you need basic knowledge of 7th grade physics. You don't need to pay installation companies; you can easily do it yourself. After all, Smart Home is easy!

I want to create a wireless smart home. What devices will I need for this?

Conventionally, all smart home devices can be divided into several types:

Controller- this is the “brain” of a smart home. This device monitors the operation of the network and all devices included in it, stores complex scenarios (certain sets of actions) in its memory and ensures communication between the smart home system and your smartphone, tablet or computer.

Various sensors that detect movements, smoke, leaks are "sense organs" smart home. Thanks to them, the system continuously receives information about what is happening in the house.

Performers- a group of devices that execute system commands issued based on data from sensors. For example, a ball valve instantly shuts off the water if the sensor detects a leak. Relays turn the lights off and on, and dimmers change the brightness.

Control devices- devices for comfortable use of the smart home system. These are remote controls or, for example, battery-powered light switches that can be placed where it is convenient for you.

Others integrated equipment and web services— video cameras, equipment and services that have open API(multimedia equipment, various modern technology, projectors, etc.) or controlled by IR remote controls.

How is communication reliability between devices ensured?

Each smart home device simultaneously receives and transmits a signal, ensuring greater reliability of the entire network. If one device fails, the signal is duplicated by the neighboring one. Therefore, the network operates without interference or interruption. She is not disturbed by furniture, walls or any other objects. To expand your network coverage, you just need to add new devices.

How can I explain to devices what they should do for me if I’m not a programmer and don’t understand this at all?

We offer you technology with a simple, friendly and understandable control panel (interface) for everyone. You don’t have to know the technical details of how a smart home system works or be a programmer and write computer codes to issue commands to devices and set up simple scenarios for the system’s actions. Although, for complex and non-standard scenarios, some knowledge may be needed - we will help you figure it out or, if necessary, we will do everything for you.

How many of these devices will I need to make my home smarter?

You don't need to buy all the devices at once. You can buy a couple of sensors and a socket, and then buy something else. The system is expandable, you can always add new devices without repairs or unnecessary wires.

I want my iron to become smart too. Is this possible?

Yes, sure. Thanks to wireless technology any smart home can be connected to the system Appliances. You can make the alarm system, lighting system, heated floors and other communications that you have been using for a long time smart. They are “enlightened” by miniature devices installed autonomously without harm to the interior, for example, micromodules in a socket.

Or maybe this is all unnecessary? After all, I already live well. Do I really need a smart home?

10 years ago people got along fine without mobile phones, and 20 years ago - without the Internet. And only those who tested the capabilities of these technologies before anyone else still feel proud and satisfied that they were the first. A smart home is our big dream, which is already becoming a reality today. Very soon you won’t even be able to imagine how you lived without it.