Characteristics of Home Automation - Part 2

Transmission

The transmission is the physical way through which the information flows exchanged between the various devices from the home automation network. Usually the systems support multiple types of transmission, in this cases there is the need for the use of gateways to connect each other. The main transmissions that are used in home automation is wiring, metal grid, fiber optic, infrared and radio frequency. Will be detailed below the transmissions used by the common protocols:

- Wiring

Use an own metal wiring as support for the transmission of control signals (and sometimes also for power modules and transmission of voice signals). This transmission is mainly used in telephone networks, the distribution of audio-video signals, high-fidelity sound and data. Are commonly used copper twisted pair (Ethernet or bus EIB networks), can also be used coaxial cables to allow higher transmission speeds. The main advantages is the high reliability and good speed transmission. On the other hand this type of transmission involves a high cost of implementation, especially in homes already built, because it needs is own cables, in many cases it is necessary to re-pierce the walls. In the case of using metal wire as the physical communication we must take into account the network topology. This may be a bus topology, star, ring, tree or mixed. KNX systems use this communication.

- Electric Network

It uses the existing electrical network in a home. By inserting the high-frequency signals we are able to modulate the current grid without interfering with the usual electrical appliances. This type of transportation has the advantage of the low cost of installation and is easily used in homes already built. Its biggest disadvantage is the low transmission speed associated with a reduced reliability and strong potential for interference and noise (solved by the use of filters). This is the main mode of transmission used in the X-10 systems.

- RF

Transmission by RF features a greater flexibility in controlling with distance, the signal can overcome walls and other obstacles. This type of transmission is very sensitive to electromagnetic interference and has a very low transmission speed and is usually used in remote controls that require great mobility. The Z-Wave systems use this transmission.

Characteristics of Home Automation

The characteristics of home automation are essentially three. Its architecture, broadcast and communication protocols. Not to be a fairly long post, this topic will be divided into two parts. In this post will be addressed first the Architecture and Communication Protocols.

Architecture

- Centralized Architecture

It has a central element, through which pass all the information. This type of architecture is usually more economical because it removes the ability of processing from the various devices, and centralizes all in one device. Type of architecture typical of proprietary systems. (cardio, mordomus, empower, etc.).

- Decentralized Architecture

Don`t have any central element. This form is more flexible and fault tolerant because the failure of an element does not compromise the functioning of all others. This type of architecture is used by leading home automation protocols, including the X10, Z-Wave, ZigBee and KNX.

Communication Protocols

Communication between two devices needs not only a mean of communication, it is also necessary that both use the same communication protocol. The protocol indicates the message format and language common to all devices so that they understand each other.

There are several different protocols may be:

- Standard Protocols

Are characterized by being open to any technology company, ensuring the future of technology and the existence of a huge variety of products from different manufacturers, which communicate and interact.

- Protocols owners

They are developed by a single company and only that company, or other licensed by, can manufacture products that can communicate with each other. The investment in this solution involves a huge risk because if the company decides to stop betting on this technology, the customer is no guaranteed support and is not possible to expand the system.

The various areas of home automation

- Security

It is possible with the aid of the Home Automation raise the Security and its control to a level never imagined so far. What were simply wired detectors connected to a single console and a siren, turned into a developed interconnected and intelligent system.

The various detectors, fire, flood, movement, etc., are now linked to a central that trigger the various actuators that will prevent disasters or alert users to these situations.

The integrated system control is possible via a local keyboard, a remote control, SMS, or even the Internet. Our homes have never been so safe.

If you do not want to be concerned with the management system, we can always set that to report to a central monitoring station that will act in our time. It is also possible to simulate our presence for long periods of absence, thereby removing potential intruders.

Thefts and accidents have never been so easy to avoid and control.

- Comfort

In terms of the Comfort Home Automation will allow us to control and integrate the various applications related to the comfort of the home. Since the lighting, blinds, air conditioning and heating, all of which are interconnected and can be controlled locally or remotely. Depending on the diverse needs and preferences, the system can be parameterized so pleasant as possible. The existing software will allow us to set schedules and schedule various actions depending on events and timings.

Imagine what is to regulate the light intensity of a lamp or ceiling light, without ever leaving the couch, imagine what is when we are getting out of the house, to press a switch and turn off all lights and close all blinds. With automation, this and more becomes possible.

- Economy

The correct choice of devices and a good programming of the system, may allow energy savings.

With Home Automation we can eliminate the cases where a light was lit, where an appliance was turned on.

We can use the hours of greatest heat and more light, why not manage the opening of the blinds according to the position of the sun? Gains and energy savings are significant.

It`s possible to analyze the habits and needs and optimize the various devices to work in our function and not vice versa.

Becoming an autonomous housing, energy savings will no longer be vulnerable to our forgetfulness and sloth.

- Communication

With technological advances in telecommunications, is now possible to access to the house from anywhere in the world with Internet access.

Anywhere we can make sure everything is as we wish, that nothing unwanted was on, etc.

By phone or computer, anywhere, we are connected to our home.

Home Automation, what is it? A good begin!

Hi start this blog about home automation, its applications and all the news about the technology, with this post.

The home automation or automatic house, which comes from the Latin "domus", is a technology that was born with the need that people had to facilitate certain tasks of daily house life.

In the early days, around the 70's, the original purpose was to facilitate the control of blinds, lighting and some electrical appliances such as household products.

These bases have been evolving and expanding, reaching today a great flexibility of control. There are already several possible control parameters in a house. In addition to the control of normal features, it became possible to integrate security, surveillance, with the already acquired comfort.

With advances in other technologies, such as communications, it became possible to improve control, both in variety, range and possibilities. We no longer are limited to a single control with a switch, we can control using a remote control, a PC or a mobile phone. The best is that the location is no longer the limit, with internet access, control the housing and all its components, can now be performed anywhere in the world.

In the future this blog will talk about the various features of home automation, the various integrations and the new developments that arise. We will talk also about the new communication protocols, products and applications.

By following this blog, you can find out and get some ideas on how to get started in this world of home automation. A recent world with a great capacity expansion.