Wi-Fi is the backbone of modern homes, connecting your mobile devices, TVs, computers, and Wi-Fi compatible appliances to the Internet for various communication, entertainment, and productivity applications. Wi-Fi networks offer high-speed transmissions of high volume data packets which are perfect for both large data transmissions delivered to a single device (like streaming an HD movie) and supporting multiple communications between various devices simultaneously (such as an active smart home network). Using your Wi-Fi network to build your smart home ecosystem is one of the most cost effective and easiest options for new smart home adopters and experienced tech enthusiasts alike. 

Unlike Z-Wave or Zigbee devices and networks, which require a special hub device, Wi-Fi devices often can be controlled directly from a mobile application without requiring a gateway or hub device to manage your connected devices and automations. Wi-Fi compatible devices are also more likely to be compatible with cloud-based platforms like Alexa and Google Assistant. This makes Wi-Fi connected smart homes an ideal choice for homeowners who want simplicity, optional scalability, and universal accessibility. HomeControls.com offers a wide range of Wi-Fi compatible products, from lighting controls to security systems to wireless audio streaming speakers. 

Use cases for Wi-Fi smart home systems are as varied as the devices themselves. Schedule a smart plug or smart switch to turn on a lamp or humidifier in the evening, receive an alert when your front door is locked or unlocked, or remotely open/close a door or set of curtains. Program smart routines or automations to coordinate multiple devices at the same time: trigger a motion sensor to turn on a Wi-Fi smart light when movement is detected, or schedule your thermostat to adjust the temperature based on the time of day and raise or lower your blinds depending on the time of day and local room temperature. Individual or grouped on-demand control of devices as well as programmed routines are all possible through mobile apps on your smart device.

Starting a Wi-Fi compatible smart home can be as simple as installing one or two standalone devices, such as a Wi-Fi dimmer switch or video doorbell. Over time, users can expand their network device by device, replacing older devices with more versatile models or adding a dedicated hub device to store programmed routines and setups locally and possibly incorporate other smart devices that communicate with different wireless protocols such as Z-Wave or Zigbee.

Lighting & Climate Control

Leviton Decora Smart Wi-Fi devices allow users to remote control connected devices and create automated or scheduled scenes with no hub required. Their smart switches,dimmers, and outlets replace your existing switches and outlets and connect directly to your Wi-Fi network. You can control your home’s devices from anywhere using the Decora Smart app and even voice commands when integrated with Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. 

Shelly Wi-Fi modules add automated control and advanced scheduling features to connected appliances, fans, and lights through the Shelly Smart Control app. Shelly devices’ small form factor and clear wiring instructions simplify installation behind switches, outlets, or within the casing of large appliances. 

Honeywell and AprilAire thermostats connect to their respective apps to provide sophisticated climate management, learning your schedule and allowing for remote temperature adjustments that can significantly reduce your energy bills. When coordinated with temperature and humidity sensors the Wi-Fi thermostats can optimize their control over your HVAC system to save you money on your energy bills.

Security

Home security benefits from wireless connectivity by providing real-time alerts when a device is triggered or its status changes. 

The most common upgrades new smart home adopters choose are either a smart lock or video doorbell. Yale, Kwikset, and August smart locks provide remote locking, real-time alerts, and keyless entry via passcode or ekeys for you, your family or roommates, and guests. 

Video doorbells connect your front door to your smartphone, allowing you to see and talk to visitors, family members, and guests before you reach the door. When paired with a smart lock, you can verify who is at your front door before unlocking it.

Home Audio

Beyond comfort and security, smart Wi-Fi devices include home audio speakers, amplifiers, and distribution matrices. Lithe Audio Wi-Fi speakers deliver premium wireless audio anywhere inside or outside your home. Their series of Wi-Fi speakers include in-ceiling speakers or versatile indoor/outdoor speakers with multiple mounting options. Once installed, they can play audio in a single area or across multiple zones simultaneously, and can even be added into smart routines to start or stop playing audio when added into select smart home ecosystems including Google Home, FIBARO, Control4, NICE, and more.

VSSL similarly offers audio streaming speakers that play audio from connected devices on the same Wi-Fi network. Their speakers are engineered to complement each other within a single zone, but multiple speakers can be placed around your home to create a multi-zone audio system. VSSL also offers audio streaming matrices that play audio streamed from a source connected to your Wi-Fi network through connected wired or wireless speakers.

Comparisons with other Wireless Protocols

Compared to other technologies, Wi-Fi offers distinct advantages. It provides high bandwidth, which is crucial for streaming video from Wi-Fi cameras and video doorbells. Individual Wi-Fi connected devices, or Wi-Fi networks as a whole, can utilize encrypted communications to protect from outside intrusion or signal interference. As internet speeds increase and new routers are capable of supporting greater bandwidth and number of devices, Wi-Fi networks can continue to be improved to meet the demands of smart devices and ingenuity of smart home users. Although it must be highlighted that the total limit of simultaneous Wi-Fi devices on a single network caps out a few dozen due to signal interference from competing devices. This is complicated by commonly used devices like smartphones, smart TVs, and computers that share bandwidth with smart devices. 

If you are planning on creating a smart home network that requires dozens of sensors, switches, relays, and more smart devices, consider purchasing a smart hub that is compatible with multiple communication protocols, including Z-Wave, Zigbee, or Matter. These other wireless protocols use different frequencies from Wi-Fi signals, ensuring that your wireless network and devices operate nominally with little interference (Zigbee devices do use 2.4GHz Wi-Fi signals, but not 5GHz signals). 

Ready to unlock the potential of your home network? Explore our extensive selection of Wi-Fi compatible smart home devices. From smart lighting and thermostats to security cameras and plugs, you’ll find everything you need to build a more convenient, efficient, and secure home.

For more questions about how you can enhance your smart home, or any other home automation or home securitytopics, talk to our team over the phone at (858)-693-8887or email us at service@homecontrols.com. You can also check out other entries in our blog for more insights about smart home automation and security devices.