Open Protocols for Smart Home Applications (3/8/2007)
The technology needed to link the functionality of various systems for heating, lighting, security and entertainment to create so-called 'intelligent' homes, has traditionally been both expensive and complex to engineer. This means that smart home systems, such as those by US-based AMX and Crestron, have been almost exclusively the preserve of the rich.
There have been a few more affordable systems such as Comfort/Cytech used mainly by the 'hobbyist' market, that is, people with sufficient technical knowledge and motivation to do it themselves. The oldest residential 'standard' used by this market is X-10, which is a mains signalling protocol (powerline) enabling a range of mainly plug-in modules to be grouped and controlled remotely.
X-10 products have the advantage of being relatively inexpensive, but their functionality is somewhat limited and there have always been issues with the protocol's reliability due to the effects of mainsborne interference.
The vast majority of affordable products for home applications tend to be single function - performing either lighting OR security OR heating control, and are rarely networked. However, over the last five years or so, a new breed of manufacturers has evolved that specialises in whole-house automation systems. Companies in Belgium, Germany, Italy, Spain and elsewhere in Europe have responded to an emerging market for more affordable controls that can be networked together to manage all the lighting, heating and security in the home.
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