Category: Home Automation

  • Z-Wave

    Z-Wave

    Z-Wave was developed by a Danish startup called Zensys. It is a proprietary wireless communications protocol specifically designed for the needs of remote control applications and therefore all kinds of home automation devices.  While using a low-power wireless technology it supports the communication via a mesh structure which means that several Z-Wave devices also act…

  • Universal Powerline Bus

    Universal Powerline Bus

    Universal Powerline Bus or short UPB is a communication protocol developed for the needs of home automation. As the name suggests it uses the existing powerlines of homes for sending data. It was developed in 1999 by PCS Powerline Systems and was inspired by the already ubiquitous X10 protocol.

  • X10

    X10

    As the oldest protocol on the market, X10 has built up quite some reputation over the last 30 years. X10 was originally designed for powerline communication only but through time the need for wireless communication emerged.

  • Zigbee vs. Z-Wave

    Zigbee vs. Z-Wave

    Zigbee and Z-Wave are the two major protocols running for the spot of best wireless communication protocol for the smart home. Yet, does Zigbee manage to comply with all industry standards? Let’s discuss!  It’s obvious that here at BuildYourSmartHome.co we are quite the Z-Wave enthusiasts. However, if we are completely frank, our team doesn’t care…

  • Advances in Security of Smart Homes

    Advances in Security of Smart Homes

    Based on recent research, 30 million households are expected to switch to smart homes in the United Stated by next year. Family safety becomes the top motivator for adopting smart home technology (63%) followed by convenience (53%).

  • The Crestron Home Automation System

    The Crestron Home Automation System

    Crestron made the Top Ten Review Award list for being a company whose high standards for running an automation system capable of supporting one of the largest networks operating today. Their system package also comes complete with their own professional installers that take care of every detail for you. Their professional installers ensure that every…

  • The Control 4 Home Automation System

    The Control 4 Home Automation System

    In 2003, Will West, Mark Morgan, and Eric Smith started Control4 with the goal of creating an effective platform for a convenient home through advanced technology. Their products were first debuted at the CEDIA tech show in 2004, and their initial production line was available later that year.

  • The mControl v3 Home Automation System

    The mControl v3 Home Automation System

    Founded in 1998, the software development company Embedded Automation designed and developed a number of breakthrough technologies intended to help create a completely digital home. The firm operated as a division of the mHome product group of companies. It marketed its innovative line of products through an mHome Authorized Dealer Network in the United States…

  • ZigBee

    ZigBee

    ZigBee is a home automation protocol which was originally invented for the use in Personal Area Networks (PAN). Like Z-Wave it uses low power radio frequency communication which results in long battery lives for ZigBee using devices. The protocal is based on the IEEE 802.15.4 standard and is widely considered as an alternative to Bluetooth…

  • Best Plug-n-Power Home Automation Kits

    Best Plug-n-Power Home Automation Kits

    Want to implement a new easy to install smart home solution? Check out our picks for the best plug-n-power home automation kits currently available on the market today.

  • 10 Amazing Facts About the History of the Smart Home

    10 Amazing Facts About the History of the Smart Home

    Have you ever wondered who’s the first to come up with the idea of a smart home? What about the first home automation devices? Here are 15 amazing facts about the history of the smart home, to answer your questions.

  • KNX

    KNX

    KNX is an abbreviation for the word Konnex and describes a standardized protocol for building control and also has its place in traditional home automation. Its biggest advantage is the independence of any particular hardware platform which means that it could also be executed on an 8-bit microcontroller.

  • Smart Thermostats – What you need to know

    Smart Thermostats – What you need to know

    Your normal thermostat helps you to adjust the temperature in your home, letting you control the heating and the air conditiong. The difference between Smart Thermostats and regular thermostats is the fact that they can learn from your specific needs and behaviours.

  • Insteon

    Insteon

    Insteon tries to combine the best of both worlds which means it supports powerline communication as well as radio frequency communication. Considering it only as a protocol would be an understatement. It is rather a complete technology stack which also consists of separate protocols for the two different types of communication.