Communications in Smart Homes

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Communications in Smart Homes

• By Steven Koester

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What is a Smart Home?

• Smart homes differ from other houses due to
• A Communication infrastructure installed that
  allows various systems and devices in the home to
  communicate with each other.

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Modern Home has
Smart Home

• Central heating
• Fire and security alarms
• Devices such as televisions and lights
• All exist in isolation from each other

• These systems and devices pass information and
  commands between them.
• Example The security alarm can turn the lights
  on and off.

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How it works

• Controlled by a single network
• Computer controls removes the need to flick a
  switch or turn a knob to make something work
• Allows the elements of the home to be controlled
  remotely or respond automatically to the people
  living in it.

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How it works

• The network relies on a pin number and a number
  of small computers distributed around the house
  that turn devices and appliances on and off or
  send and receive information.
• The computers are linked by dedicated cable or a
  special signal through the mains electricity
  cables.

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Security alarm panel

• In the front entrance is a security alarm panel
  that also operates as an answering machine
• It can be used to dial into the house and tell it
  to do certain things.

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Security alarm panelFeatures

• If you are late coming home one evening, you can
  call the house and get it to close the curtains
  as it gets dark.
• If you have been away from the house for a few
  days and want to be sure the house is warm on
  your return, you can call the house and switch
  the central heating back on.

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Security alarm panelFeatures

• This system can also be used to call you at work
  or on a mobile phone, if somebody rings the
  doorbell when you are not in the house.
• Friends can speak to you and find out when you
  will be back so they can arrange to visit again.
• Delivery people can be let into the hallway to
  drop off parcels. The security alarm will prevent
  them from going any further into the house

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How to Operate

• All the devices in the house have manual controls
  next to them. Devices can also be operated by
  remote control, using either an infrared
  controller or a telephone.

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How to OperateInfrared controllers

• A wide variety of handheld devices are available
  that can be used to operate the house. These
  controllers can be programmed to operate any
  device or group of devices that you wish.
• They can be taught to operate your television,
  video and stereo, providing a single control
  point for a room or the whole house.
• The person who designs and installs the system,
  will be able to advise you which controller is
  the most appropriate for your needs.

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How to OperateTelephone control

• Any telephone, including the ones inside your
  home, can be used to control the house.
• If you ring from an outside telephone, you have
  to dial into the house and enter a PIN number.
• Voice prompts will guide you through a series of
  menus where you will be able to press buttons on
  the phone to turn devices on and off or to check
  their current status.

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Major devices operated

• Doors
• Windows
• Cupboards and sinks
• Water Bath/shower/Toilet
• Lighting
• Heating
• Detection devices
• Alarms and security
• Existing appliances

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Frequently asked questions

• What happens when something breaks down?
• The smart home uses a distributed control
  system so, if one part of the house stops
  working, the rest of the house will still be able
  to operate as usual. If something does stop
  working, you will need to contact your
  installation company who will either be able the
  fix the problem over the telephone or will come
  out to repair the device.

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Frequently asked questions

• What happens in a power cut?
• The smart home system is designed to keep you
  and your house safe in any circumstances. In the
  case of power failure, all the devices in the
  house will revert to a safe mode. So, for
  example, you will still be able to unlock doors.
  In the same way as in a normal house, some of the
  systems like the central heating will not work
  without power. Most of the special devices in the
  home have a battery back-up so they can be used
  in a power cut, though they may need to be
  operated by their switches rather than a remote
  control.

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Frequently asked questions

• How much of this do I have to have?
• The smart home is designed so that it can be
  customized to suit the needs of the people living
  in it. As a minimum heating, lighting and
  security controls would normally be installed. If
  there are devices that you think you would not
  use, these need not be installed. If you have any
  specific needs, additional equipment can usually
  be installed.

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References

• For more info check out
• http//www.jrf.org.uk/housingandcare/smarthomes/