5 Important Home Automation Vocabulary Terms
The fact that DIY home automation and security is catching on does not come as a surprise to us at Uxari. People want home security and automation, but they don’t necessarily want to pay the high cost of professional installation or inflated markups on equipment packages. They have enough confidence in their own ability to install a state-of-the-art home automation and security system correctly.
Perhaps you are considering purchasing a system yourself. If so, be assured that installing and setting one up is not complicated. With a basic understanding of how home automation and security works, a few simple hand tools, and the ability to read instructions, you should be able to set up yours with very little trouble.
To help you in your endeavor, we have put together a list of five of the most important home automation vocabulary terms you should know:
WEP and WPA Security
The effectiveness of a wireless home automation and security system relies heavily on the network it uses to communicate. In most cases, it is the customer’s wi-fi network. For the purposes of installing your system, you need to understand Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) and Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA) security.
Both forms of security are merely encryption methods used by wireless routers to protect signals. WEP is the older of the two technologies; it is rarely used unless the property owner specifically chooses that option in the router set up. WPA is the modern encryption standard of choice. When you are setting up your system, check your router to make sure you are using WPA security.
Remote Access
Remote access is your ability to access your home automation and security system even if you are not home. Uxari makes it possible with a mobile app that gives you complete control of your central panel and each of your devices – including video cameras – using a smartphone or tablet.
Cellular Alarm System
Some equipment manufacturers market their products as cellular alarm systems. This means that there is no necessity for a hardwired landline because the control panel communicates with the remote monitoring center via cellular signals. One of the benefits of a wireless cellular system is that there is no telephone line that could be cut in the event someone wants to break in.
Hardwired Security
The opposite of wireless security is hardwired security. Though wireless is now the norm, you can still buy hardwired systems that tap directly into your home’s electrical network and landline telephone. Hardwired security these days is generally reserved for new home construction where it can be installed before a home’s interior is finished.
Remote Monitoring
Remote monitoring is an important term to know. When you choose DIY home automation and security, you have the choice of professional or self-monitoring. Choosing professional monitoring means your system will be monitored around the clock at a remote monitoring center staffed by trained professionals. In the event of an emergency, the security specialist monitoring your system is responsible for calling the authorities.
Should you choose to self-monitor, you would receive notifications as established by your system settings. That might mean a text message to your cell phone, an e-mail message, or a combination of notifications.
As you can see, there are some vocabulary terms you really need to know if you want to go with DIY home automation and security. But none of it is complicated at all. You should be able to set up your own DIY system without any trouble, especially if you are able to handle your own home network. As always, we are here to help if you choose Uxari as your home automation and security provider.