Home Automation systems can be deployed using a number of different technologies, and can broadly be categorized under two types - wired and wireless. Each type of deployment has its own set of pros and cons. Wired Automation has been around since the advent of Home Automation in itself and continues to see further innovation by market leaders due to the robustness it offers.
Wired installations will be more expensive than a wireless one (most of the time) depending on the size and scale of the installation, and the reason for it is merely because of installation charges and cabling. A brilliant smart home requires a professional to run cables throughout the property, it is essential to understand the cost behind the installation. On the other hand, smart wiring based installations offer several benefits that may make a difference.
Some of the primary advantages offered by Wired Automation Systems include -
Smart wiring allows constant connections with no dropouts and consistent performance
Smart wiring based systems don’t rely on sensors that communicate through radio frequency, they are extremely reliable. After a professional does the initial setup of a wired system, there are limited possibilities to have to worry about. For light controlling systems, keypads can be used and you have a wide range to select from. They are reliable and consistent. Once wired keypads have been laid with the correct wiring, they can be used for multiple rooms and multiple lighting scenes.
And with direct connections between different components within the system, chances of failures or dropped packets are considerably lower with response rates remaining consistent over time.
Guaranteed interference free
Smart wiring based systems don’t affect, and nor are affected by other wireless devices such as garage doors, remote controllers toys, or other such devices. As Wired Systems rely solely on wired connectivity, they don’t have to bother with multiple frequencies or devices in an area, as is the case with Wireless Systems. Keypads belonging to various rooms are independently connected to the central control system and do not interfere with one another.
Holistic; systems based on smart wiring are capable of running simple or complicated applications
Due to their robustness, smart wiring based systems are capable of higher data transfer rates making them ideal for complex applications including AV streaming services and AI-based use-cases. Interoperability between various systems is simpler given the simplicity of underlying wired protocols.
Centralized Intelligence
The intelligence that is used to control your smart home’s services is centralized as opposed to being siloed between various apps and devices that do not interact with each other. Centralized intelligence adds better context and utility to your smart home by increasing the number of possible use cases. For example, a light bulb that previously did not interact with your sensor can now be used to leverage to create a scenario that uses both.
No bulky add-ons to lamps or radiators to make them ‘smart’
Certain legacy devices may need add-on modules and bulky drivers to make them ‘smart’. Your existing devices may or may not be compatible with such modules. Wired devices on the other hand, and keypads simply need to be wired to the closest wiring cabinet to make them a part of your brilliant smart home ecosystem. They don’t involve any modules that need to be installed behind your touch panels, thereby avoiding any civil issues that may crop up due to lack of in-wall space. Once installed, these wired keypads simply need to be programmed using a central server such as Aura and your smart home is up and running!
Minimal changes during renovations with smart wiring in place
Installing a wired system, there is only a minimal amount of extra smart wiring compared to a traditionally wired home when undergoing a deep refurbishment or self-build project where new wiring is required. Most wired systems are said to last 7-10 years or even beyond before customers may even consider renovations. As a best practice, smart home installers ensure provisions are in place to accommodate any such expansions or renovations.
No battery changes required
Wireless home automation modules rely on regular batteries that have to be replaced every few months depending on usage by consumers. Installations that involve smart wiring on the other hand draw power from the mains and require very minimal maintenance.
Secure and Private
No one can deny that hackers have a more difficult time trying to hack a wired installation, so a stronger home security sign is a point in favor of wired connections. Smart wiring based systems can operate without internet connectivity, and hence need not be connected to the internet at all which is usually the source of such hacks.
But beware, there’s no perfectly secure network. Another positive element of a wired network is that it can get up to 1 gigabit per second speed-wise making it the ideal choice for streaming services and more.
The overall conclusion on networks that use smart wiring is that you can have reliability and stability once the whole installation is completed. Its signal will never be influenced by other networks, with no dark spots whatsoever. The speed can be considerably faster on wired connections and also reliable. It's the perfect option for new build or significant development projects whereby installation of cables in walls offers all the positives and once completed will be discreet enough that you will not know it is there. Once installed, it generally offers better robustness than utilizing wireless components.
The two main aspects that should be considered before making this type of choice are costs and security. Smart wiring has a higher speed of operation and higher bandwidth. Cables do not expensive, but installation does mean labor costs to consider. Unfortunately, it is also limited in future mobility which would require further development to the property than wireless, but it provides a better quality of service, hence is more reliable.
This rounds up our list of advantages in favor of wired automation systems such as KNX, Dynalite, Vantage, and more, with Aura being compatible with all of them. For more information, please feel free to check out our website https://www.aura-smart.com or drop us an email at info@aura-smart.com.
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