Comments on: Say hello to the next home automation standard: Wi-Fi

By: Kevin C. Tofel

Kevin C. Tofel — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 19:44:33 +0000

Jay, thanks for chiming in. You’re correct in that the network protocol is only part of the puzzle; getting HA objects to speak to each other in a way they can understand is big part as well. Appreciate the thought!

By: Jay Martin

Jay Martin — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 17:48:17 +0000

IP-based devices (wired or wireless) by themselves aren’t enough to create a “standard” – there needs to be a standard application-level protocol as well. Currently, every home automation vendor implements their own proprietary protocol on top of whatever physical connection they choose (powerline, proprietary RF, standard RF, etc). So, if you’re a vendor of software to control those devices (either server-based or mobile app) then you have to implement every device as a unique device.

A true standard would require a documented set of application-level protocols that all devices adhere to. So, if you build a thermostat, you should support the standard thermostat API (whatever that is). Otherwise you’ve just moved the problem from a physical connection issue to a logical connection issue. Sure, it helps, but it’s not enough to make a “standard” IMO. (I’m in the HA software business.)

By: Tom Foolry

Tom Foolry — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 16:32:10 +0000

Yeah, I'd have to agree Jai on this one here. Even if people don't know exactly how WiFi works, everyone is extremely familiar with it already. I'll check with the guys that do home automation Puyallup and see what they think about this.

By: Jai

Jai — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 14:33:57 +0000

Simplicity and familiarity are the two overriding factors in favor of Wi Fi over any other standard for Home Networking. Relatively higher cost per point was the Hurdle but it’s only a matter of time. I think we will soon see Wi Fi emerging as dominant standard in this space

By: Aaron

Aaron — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 12:16:31 +0000

I’m always disappointed by the amount of electricity these things use while waiting for a command. Especially as most of the time they are idle. Beklin products may be different, but I don’t see how.

By: Paco

Paco — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 10:06:29 +0000

I do not think that WI-FI could make the difference. I think that the main reason to buy something is if you believe it will work. If you have confidence with it or the company that offers it, you will buy it, regardless the protocol. It doesnt matter if it is zigbee or wifi. Which is the protocol of your garage door or your car key?

One more thing, do you want your security system available via IP directly from the Internet?

Best regards.

By: Tom

Tom — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 02:21:04 +0000

This was supposed to happen with WiFi Direct, which is really on ly starting to roll out now. WiFi chip sets are still extremely expensive but hopefully greater utilization will start to bring the price down.