Can smart homes be controlled remotely?

Smart home hubs usually provide remote monitoring through a free mobile application on both Android and iOS.

What is a smart home hub?

A smart home hub is a piece of hardware that allows you to connect and manage multiple smart enabled devices inside a home network. Most smart hubs are often controlled through an application which can be accessed at home or remotely. Smart hubs allow for the management of heating and cooling, energy monitoring, motion sensors, smart lighting, smart door locks, smart speakers, and more. These hubs have built-in switches that facilitate tasks, scheduling of automated tasks, and distribute information between devices, virtually like a universal remote.

Do I need a smart home hub?

Devices that are WiFi-enabled often work well without a smart hub because your home network uses the same protocol. You can even leverage free services like IFTTT to connect different services or create schedules. The added benefit of using a hub is that you can control multiple devices with a single app, instead of using a separate app for each smart device. Smart hubs also allow for deeper integration between multiple WiFi, Bluetooth, Zigbee, and Z-Wave devices, introducing efficiencies and enabling voice commands.

How do I upgrade a smart home hub?

Most smart hubs are always connected and check for new firmware versions on a set schedule. When firmware updates are available, the hub will automatically schedule the update when the device is not in use. Updates address bug issues, introduce new functionality, and increase the number of devices it is capable of integrating with.

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A smart hub is a standalone piece of hardware that allows you to connect and control multiple smart home devices within a home network. Most smart hubs can be controlled both locally and remote. Smart hubs can control heating and cooling, energy monitoring, motion sensors, smart lights, doors, speakers, and more. These hubs have built-in switches that help to perform tasks, schedule task automation, and distribute data, almost like a universal remote.

Smart hubs typically offer remote monitoring through a free all-in-one Android or iOS app, and some are also voice-activated.

Hubs can be compatible with various kinds of devices and communication protocols. Look for one that will work with the devices you want, or as wide a range of devices as possible, for flexibility. Check out the app that comes with the hub, to see if you'll enjoy using it. Note that an automation hub usually requires a live WiFi internet connection at all times in the house, and communicates and stores data in the cloud. The most common protocols for smart devices are WiFi, Bluetooth, Zigbee and Z-Wave.

If you use your hub to turn off devices or shift the times that they are on, you can reduce your footprint and save on your energy bill.

Voice-activated hubs can be set up to open and close doors, turn lights on and off or set custom automated schedules, all by voice command.