Home automation can be a combination of different devices, or you can turn it into a central system that controls everything from your security to your lights. The question is, what's the best way to keep all of your technology organized so it can all work together? Minimizing hiccups in your experience starts with having an idea of your options. We'll look at what you need to know about home automation hubs and how they can help you keep track of your devices.
A hub is essentially the center of your home automation system, connecting devices and ensuring they work together. In some cases, an individual device will come with a hub. For instance, the smartphone application for your sprinkler system allows you to set your parameters and then have the technology learn your preferences from there. If you have multiple automated features in your home, you might opt for a separate hub so you can check all of your data in one place.
Wired and wireless devices are working in harmony like never before, but this doesn't mean that you can assume all of your devices will be compatible. When you select a hub, you have to take into account the existing technology in the house. Luckily, most manufacturers are including more devices than ever before. Different brands and operating systems can talk to each other and work together.
Often, the technology won't be as efficient as if you'd purchased everything from the same company - just keep in mind this inefficiency is a matter of degrees. The extra second or two it takes to connect the devices and get them communicating with each other might not be work making bigger purchases for.
Smart home hubs can be combined with other kinds of technology like mesh routers to do more than just control your lighting from one place. This option would be perfect for a larger home with Wi-Fi dead zones throughout the property. Not only can you see what's happening in a big house this way, but you can also eliminate any disruption to your coverage.
There are several choices in voice-controlled assistants that can serve as a hub for your smart devices. While they certainly can take place of a home automation hub, they don't offer the same degree of control. For basic systems, some homeowners might not even notice. However, if you want access to all the features, you might need to purchase a hub made specifically for more advanced technology.
Even if automation hubs aren't strictly necessary, they can quickly feel that way to homeowners who use them. Whether you're just exploring home automation or adding your fifth device, keep in mind how a hub can help.
Susan Shuxian Hu has been a dedicated realtor serving in Silicon Valley since 2010. With great passion, outstanding negotiation skills and due diligence, she has helped many buyers and sellers in their real estate needs. Living in West San Jose for more than 14 years, she has broad knowledge in Cupertino, West San Jose, Los Altos and Saratoga. She has enormous patience working with buyers and never tired of showing all possible properties that may fit client’s needs. Clients appreciate her best service to their satisfaction. She specialized in luxurious real estate purchase in Los Altos, Cupertino, Saratoga and Palo Alto. She also helped friend and past client’s referral working in San Francisco, Foster City and far reached Bay Area.
Susan Shuxian Hu was graduated in East China Normal University in Shanghai with bachelor and master degrees in Bio science. She came to US in 1989 and earned her Ph.D. in Molecular Genetics in Texas A&M University in 1996. After one year of postdoc in Southern Florida University in Tampa, she moved back to Orlando with her family and started working in Lucent Technologies. In 2002, Susan moved to California, Silicon Valley joined a start-up company. Since then she worked in high tech Corporation till 2009. Driven by her dream job pursuing, she found her passion working in sales by helping people in real estate after one year of education in De Anza business and real estate law study. Since then, she has been serving many people in Bay Area for their real estate needs.
With bilingual advantage, she has been actively working with Chinese immigrants as well as local engineers and residents. With rich high tech background and connection with Chinese community, Susan has served in luxurious real estate in last a couple of years.