Under the catchword "smart home", control technology has been making its way into many households for a few years now.
The user expects comfort, security and energy-saving possibilities from thise technology. This can involve sub-areas such as sun protection or the time control of roller shutters, or comprehensive control of many functions.
In this article, we summarise for you what you should look for when selecting a smart home control system.
Often, building owners do not yet want to implement all ideas and possibilities immediately. Therefore, it is important that a control system is expandable.
This is the case when free radio channels are available that can also be subsequently assigned. Solexa II, WS1, WS1000 Style and WS1000 Connect systems from Elsner Elektronik offer such expansion options. For example, lights, awnings or blinds can be added very easily at a later date via radio modules.
Another question that often arises when choosing a control system is: With cloud connection or "offline"? Often, functions such as app operation and thus also control while on the move are linked to a cloud. In this case, control data and usage profiles are stored on a server of the system provider. This means that the user must be sure that the server is operated for the long term and that the data is not sold on or evaluated in any other way.
However, there are alternatives to the cloud! Systems such as Solexa II and WS1000 Connect have their own app for smartphone and tablet and still store all setting and operating data only in their own hardware memory. App use and data sovereignty are thus compatible.
WS1000 Connect offers even more network functions without revealing any data without being asked. For example, the control unit can be connected to the internet to "surf" on the large touch screen.
When setting up and readjusting the automatic functions, the pre-installed remote diagnosis tool of the WS1000 Connect can be a great help. After the user has given his consent on the unit, a service technician can access the control unit via the internet and help with the adjustment live. And all this without any travel costs.
Software updates are also possible via the Internet. These must be actively downloaded – there is no automatic access.
A prerequisite for the secure use of online functions is, of course, that the latest security standards are observed in the home network, for example encryption and secure passwords. Then the data communication of the control unit is just as secure as your home PC.
And for all offline friends: It goes without saying that the WS1000 Connect control unit also fulfils its task of regulating the home technology without the Internet. The connection to the network is a "can", not a "must".
