Articles and whitepapers

IP-Based Automated Home Monitoring (2/8/2006)

By John Turner, COMPUTERLINKS

IP or Internet Protocol is, in simple terms, the international standard for communication over computer networks. Each network device has a unique IP address to identify it.

A modern automated home will be based around a secure and stable network, which is the backbone to the IP-based solutions discussed below. The integration of traditional home functions like heating and lighting, is becoming easier using standard computer equipment running an IP network. Fast, secure home networks will continue to become ever more common place as media content moves to IP-based 'on demand' services. This in turn introduces the infrastructure required to cost-effectively link home functions together with a powerful monitoring and control system.

Reliability

One important point to note is that some people fear relying on 'PC' technology in a home control solution. It is for this reason that I recommend choosing a system where each 'sub system' can work completely independently of the control system in the unlikely event of a network failure. The automation and monitoring system should bring the systems together in operation as described later on, but still allow separate operation if required. This will allay any mostly unfounded fears, whilst allowing a modern IP-based solution - as opposed to proprietary closed technology - to be installed.

Priorities

Top priority for most customers will be their family's safety and their own peace of mind. A home automation and monitoring system that integrates the security alarm, climate, lighting, video surveillance and even irrigation to make homes safer and easier to manage, a reseller that can include remote access for monitoring and control within the home automation package, will surely become a valued supplier for many years.

We would advise resellers to encourage their customers to imagine scenarios such as when the sun sets and darkness settles in, their outside lights are automatically turned on to illuminate the driveway and front entrance. Later, when they go to bed, the outside lights will be turned off automatically. Drifting off to sleep, they can rest easy, knowing that in the event of a fire alarm, in addition to immediately calling the fire brigade, the home automation system will automatically turn on and flash the outside lights, turn off the heating system, and turn up inside lights along safe routes.

Remote access

To offer remote access, the security system should be integrated into an IP-based home automation solution. Integration will allow the home automation system to record and respond to alarms and other security events. With flexible remote access options via IP using a web browser, smart phone or PDA for example, the customer can check in easily. They could get an email or phone call from the house triggered by the security system, and then check the system via the Internet to actually see the current status of all doors and windows. They could see when the cleaner or gardener arrived, or when their child came home from school.

ConvergeX home control software designed for use with Windows Media Center devices and PDA/smart phones

An integrated security solution adds value to their home as well as providing the peace of mind and convenient access to ensure that their property is safe. A good home automation system lets a customer manage and easily access IP video cameras in their house through a straightforward interface. They can view thumbnails of multiple cameras and then select one to see a large display. They can even pan and tilt the camera toward the desired view.

Homelogic OneHome control software with thumbnail view of camera

Secure IP access enables your customer to connect to their home while travelling, or to connect to a second/holiday home anywhere in the world to check on the weather, the grounds or even to make sure the driveway has been cleared of snow! The pressing of the doorbell could be set to instigate the IP camera to send an SMS message to, or call the customer, who could then view the person at the door and allow entry if required.

Lighting

Lighting can also be integrated into an IP-based home automation and monitoring solution. An integrated IP home automation package allows selected lights to be scheduled to turn on at sunset (which is determined automatically, so lights are only on for as long as needed, saving energy) and then off later in the evening, allowing a customer to come home to a safe and well-lit house.

Homelogic OneHome lighting control software used with a wireless tablet

The user can create an unlimited number of buttons to control a variety of lights or scenes, allowing for customised lighting schedules for various scenarios, such as entertaining, going to bed, or for an emergency. With an IP-based system the lights all around the house can be remotely controlled. As mentioned earlier, integrated security and even lighting gives added peace of mind - a fire alarm will turn on lights all over the house, providing a lighted pathway to guide the residents to safety.

Example scenario

An example scenario of the benefits of an IP-based home automation monitoring solution to a high-budget customer is as follows:

Your customer checks their email at work to discover a message from their ski chalet to discover that the heating system is not responding and therefore the temperature is dropping. The monitoring system detected the lack of response from the heating system while the temperature was still above freezing, so there is time to get someone fix the problem before damage is done.

Later that month, your customer connects to their remote home again to check on its status. They review the temperature history for the last week and despite unusually cold weather, all rooms in the house are in good order. They check the security history, and confirm that the cleaning service stopped by on Wednesday morning as usual, entering at 08:30 and leaving at noon.

Then they check the driveway IP video camera only to discover that two feet of snow is blocking the road. Knowing that they and their family are arriving the next day, they quickly pick up the phone and dial their ploughing service to clear the driveway before they arrive.

In the car ride from the airport, they use their mobile phone to call into the house. The home automation system answers, and with a few simple button presses they switch the house into 'home' mode, which instantly sets all the thermostats so that the temperature will be comfortable when they arrive.

Conclusion

There are many ways in which home automation and remote monitoring can benefit a modern consumer, some of which I have touched upon above. It should be noted that the integration of multiroom AV devices are another key motivator in the buying decision of customers, and must not be overlooked when choosing a solution to propose. The IP network placed within the home must be secure and stable, which again is crucial to the system performance and ultimately, the customer's satisfaction.

John Turner is the Head of Multimedia Networking and IP Security Specialist at COMPUTERLINKS (formerly known as Unipalm), a leading distributor of IT security and Internet technology solutions.

www.computerlinks.co.uk