How to Connect Smart Homes

In recent years, with the rapid advancement of technology, a new concept has gradually emerged in people’s minds – the Internet of Things (IoT). Although we haven’t fully grasped what it exactly is, another sector that has gradually entered our homes helps us understand the meaning of this concept – smart homes. Smart homes make our lives more convenient and comfortable, but they also make us lazier. So, how do they communicate with each other? Let me take you through it.

1.Zigbee

Zigbee is a new wireless network protocol for low-speed, short-range transmission. It is suitable for electronic devices that require short transmission ranges and low data transfer rates. Its main features are low power consumption, low cost, low data rate, and support for multiple nodes. These features make it ideal for smart homes. The low power consumption means that products using Zigbee for wireless communication do not need a dedicated power supply, while the support for multiple nodes avoids the problem of instability caused by an excessive number of devices connected, which is common with Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connections.

2.Wi-Fi

Wi-Fi is probably the most familiar wireless protocol and serves as the network foundation for any smart home platform. Despite the existence of excellent wireless protocols like Zigbee, countless products still rely on Wi-Fi for communication. On one hand, Wi-Fi has been around longer and has matured and stabilized its technology. On the other hand, Wi-Fi represents the only pathway for devices to connect to the internet.

3.Bluetooth

Bluetooth is another commonly used wireless transmission protocol, apart from Wi-Fi. It has the characteristics of wide applicability, short transmission distance, flexibility, and low power consumption. In the context of smart homes, Bluetooth plays two main roles. First, it is used to quickly find and discover new devices during initial setup. Second, it enables local interconnections between devices, such as Bluetooth Mesh light groups.

4.Infrared

Infrared, or IR, is perhaps the oldest and most widely used wireless transmission protocol we encounter in our daily lives. It is a point-to-point transmission method that requires a short distance and no obstacles. Therefore, it is mainly used for remote control of devices like televisions and air conditioners. In smart homes, while some appliances still use infrared remote controls, the more common application involves using infrared universal remotes provided by smart platforms to connect older devices and enable smart control.

The above is an introduction from smart home module manufacturers on “how smart home products connect.” If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us.