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In today's rapidly developing era, owning a smart home is no longer a distant dream. Each smart device in the household is continuously innovated and diversified. Therefore, not everyone fully understands all the features that smart devices bring. This leads to the selection of inappropriate products for the smart home. Check out the following article to understand the importance of local control systems in smart homes.
How do Wireless Smart Devices Operate?
Wireless smart devices are those that communicate via waves. Common wireless waves include WiFi, Bluetooth, Z-wave, Zigbee,...
Depending on different brands, there will be a separate central hub, processing server, or controller. These servers serve as storage, receive commands, and control all devices within the system. These servers are sometimes referred to as 'Cloud.'
Important Considerations for Using Any Smart Devices at Home
- Data Transmission: While some locally controlled devices may not always require internet connectivity for operation, many hub devices still need internet access for software updates,...
- Remote Control: When users are away, cloud storage systems receive commands and control devices inside the house via the internet.
Guide to Distinguishing Between Local and Non-Local Smart Home Devices
Non-Local Control Systems
Currently, smart home systems often utilize platforms like Amazon Alexa and Google Home. Smart devices operate as follows:
- Phase 1: Users issue commands through control applications on smartphones or tablets. This data is then transmitted to the HomeHub (HomePod / Mini, AppleTV, iPad) via WiFi signals.
- Phase 2: The HomeHub sends commands via WiFi to the central control unit of the subsidiary devices (such as Philips Hue Bridge or Aqara Hub M2, ...).
- Phase 3: Central devices like the Philips Hue Bridge encode the commands. Subsequently, they control subsidiary devices within the system (e.g., Zigbee, Z-wave, ...) using your preferred language.
Local Control System
Local Control System (Local Control) is an advanced smart home control system that allows users to easily control all devices within the home without relying on the Internet.
Typically, these smart home systems require a central control unit (Hub or Bridge, ...). This system is responsible for processing, controlling other devices within the system. Moreover, it plays a crucial role in encoding language for subsidiary devices, helping push server information to the main server, supporting users to control devices remotely.
Specifically, locally controlled smart home platforms operate as follows:
- Phase 1: Users utilize their phone/tablet to issue commands through control apps. Subsequently, the data is transmitted via WiFi to the modem for preparation to be sent to the internet.
- Phase 2: These commands are transmitted to the internet and then to the central Cloud of Amazon Alexa/Google.
- Phase 3: The smart home platform (Cloud) receives and forwards the commands to the server of subsidiary devices (such as Philips Hue, Yeelight, ...).
- Phase 4: The server pushes commands to the network modem and controls the corresponding subsidiary devices.
Controlling smart home devices locally ensures faster response times and enhanced security.
Discover the limitations of remote control in smart homes and why opting for Local Control is crucial.
From the insights above, users likely notice the drawbacks of non-local control systems. Some issues include:
- Slow response: Smart devices may take several steps to execute commands, resulting in delayed responses. For instance, smart lights with motion sensors may take 4 to 5 seconds to illuminate when passing through multiple zones.
- Excessive reliance on the Internet: Continuous data transmission to central servers can strain Internet bandwidth, leading to network outages and loss of control over smart devices.
Local control in smart homes resolves the aforementioned issues. Moreover, the centralized control hub optimizes user commands and executes them accurately without Internet dependency, offering the best smart home experience.
Explore the most popular smart platforms and brands in use today.
Xiaomi Mi Home Aqara Platform
The Xiaomi Aqara on the Mihome platform is undoubtedly familiar to many users of smart home devices. Especially with devices like doors, motion sensors, all operating through connection to Xiaomi/Aqara Hub. Thus, ensuring stable local control for users.
Samsung SmartThings Platform
Similar to the Mihome platform, Samsung SmartThings also supports local control through the SmartThings Hub. SmartThings peripherals run locally thanks to Z-wave technology.
Apple HomeKit Platform
Apple products are renowned for their sleek design and user-friendly interfaces.HomeKit is a widely used platform nowadays. One of its key features that many users love is its HomeHub, which assists them in controlling local devices. Various brands are synchronized with it.
Philips Hue
It's no wonder Philips Hue is a premium lighting brand. With its highly sensitive system, you can control multiple devices simultaneously (up to 50 lights and 5 accessories).
Philips Hue lights communicate with each other and use Zigbee to communicate with the hub. This allows you to control locally even when the network is down. You can also create your own 'mesh' network, where lights link up and relay signals to each other.
Yeelight
Typically, devices that can be locally controlled often require a central control hub. However, Yeelight is one of the rare brands that allows local control without the need for a hub. And not everyone knows that.
Commitment
Above, Mytour has provided a comparison of local and non-local smart home control systems along with the advantages that local control systems bring. We hope that with this brief article we've shared, you'll be able to understand why it's necessary to use local control systems in smart homes. Thank you for visiting our article. See you in the next ones.
