The Role of Internet in Smart Homes

What is a Smart Home? 

A smart home refers to a home (or business) equipped with internet-connected devices which allow for the automated and remote control of various functions and appliances. It is essentially a home setup where appliances and devices can be automatically controlled remotely from anywhere in the world with a suitable internet connection using a mobile, app or other devices which can connect to the internet. 

Smart homes can include lighting, heating, and electronic devices which can be managed through a smartphone, tablet, or voice-controlled assistant (like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, or Apple Siri), making daily tasks more convenient and efficient. 

You can control the basic functions of most smart home devices directly via Wi-Fi and a suitable mobile app. 

Key Features of a Smart Home: 

Automation: Smart homes use automation to perform tasks without human intervention. For example, lights can automatically turn on when you enter a room, or the thermostat can adjust based on your schedule or temperature preferences.  

Remote Control: Homeowners can control devices from anywhere using an app. For example, you can lock your doors, adjust the thermostat, or check and monitor security cameras while away from home. 

If you are returning from holiday or work, you can set your heating to come on at a specific temperature or time from your phone, so your home is warm on arrival. 

Voice Commands: Many smart home systems can be controlled through voice commands via devices like smart speakers. You can ask your virtual assistant to turn on lights, play music, or even provide weather updates. 

Working in Unison: Devices in a smart home can sometimes even communicate with each other. For example, a smart doorbell can work with security cameras and smart lights to increase home security.  

 Fun Fact: 

Smart video doorbells are becoming more popular year-on-year; sales increased from 14% to 18% between 2022 and 2023. 

Smart Home Devices Examples: 

1. Smart lighting: Lights that can be turned on or off remotely or set to change brightness and colour. They can also interact with your TV by changing colour as the screen changes. 

1. Smart thermostats: Control heating and cooling based on your preferences, reducing energy usage. 

1. Smart locks: Allow remote access to your home and let you know if doors are locked. 

1. Smart security cameras: Provide live video feeds and alerts about movements in or around your home. 

1. Smart appliances: Devices like smart ovens, fridges, washing machines and tumble dryers which can be controlled remotely. 

 Did you know? 

There are an estimated 300 million smart homes in the world. 

Benefits of a Smart Home: 

• Convenience: Automating tasks saves time and effort, making daily routines easier. 

• Energy Efficiency: Smart thermostats and lighting help reduce energy consumption as you can turn off remotely if not needed. 

• Security: Smart security systems provide greater control and real-time monitoring of your home increasing safety.  

• Comfort: You can tailor your environment to suit your needs, such as adjusting the lighting, temperature, or even your entertainment system. 

Disadvantages: 

• Security risks: There are ongoing tech developments to ensure people outside your home can not gain access to a smart home's internet-enabled appliances. 

• Risk mitigation: Periodically changing strong passwords, using encryption when available, and only connecting trusted devices to one's network is vital. 

• The initial costs can be high to setup a smart home. 

• Learning to use the home system can take time and effort, though worth it in the long-run. 

Useful Information 

81% of consumers say they are more likely to buy a new home that has smart technology. 

Why is your internet Connection Important? 

Smart homes rely heavily on a fast, reliable internet service to function properly. Since the core of smart home technology involves connecting various devices, such as security cameras, smart thermostats, lights, and voice assistants to the internet, poor connectivity can lead to poor performance.  

However, a strong internet connection ensures that these devices can communicate with each other seamlessly and in real-time. Without a good internet service, you may experience delays, malfunctions, security vulnerabilities (esp. via smart doorbells and cameras which can record risks such as break ins). Therefore, a fast, secure, and reliable broadband connection is essential to running a smart home. 

If you have or are looking into developing a Smart home and need to understand which internet service best suits your requirements, contact the VFast team to discuss options on: 

Tel: 01227 668901 

Email: sales@vfast.co.uk