Introducing yourself to new smart home products? Feeling overwhelmed by the vocab? Unable to decipher the writing on the packaging of your new device? We’re prepared to assist you. Think of this as the smart home technology alphabet – The one Smart Home Technical Glossary you’ll ever need.
To avoid coming off as ignorant, unless you’re a techie, there are probably many smart home terms you don’t know or don’t use. Well, those days are over, and we are here to help you make best smart living in India. You will comprehend all the complex terms used in this not-so-complex world with the help of this Smart Home Technical Glossary. Finding your way around the world of smart homes can be difficult, especially when you’re being inundated with technical terms. By demystifying these terms, this expanded glossary aims to give you a thorough understanding of smart home technology for a better and smart living experience.
This glossary includes all the words and terms that you’ll find in the world of Home Automation and Smart Home technology.
A smart home is a residence equipped with internet-connected devices that allow for the remote monitoring and control of various systems and appliances, such as lighting, heating, and security.
2.4 GHz is a radio frequency band commonly used for wireless communications in smart home devices. It offers a good range but may suffer from congestion due to its widespread use.
2-Way Switch Lighting refers to a lighting setup where a single light fixture can be controlled by two different switches. This is common in hallways and staircases.
A 2-Wire Lighting System uses two wires to connect a light fixture to a switch, typically one live wire and one neutral wire. The switching device may not require neutral to operate itself.
A 3-Wire Lighting system does include neutral at the light switch. Most of the electronic switching devices require neutral connection to work properly.
Home automation Device that switches digital (on/off for an electrical switch) or analogue signals (0% to 100% for a dimmer or blind control).
A wireless protocol launched by Apple in 2020 that enables data streaming (audio and video) between two compatible devices over a Wi-Fi network. You can connect your iPhone or iPad’s AirPlay to a compatible wireless sound system and then control the playback from the device itself. This technology is more stable than regular DLNA, but it only works on kits that are equipped with AirPlay.
Alexa is Amazon’s voice-controlled virtual assistant, integrated into smart home systems for tasks like controlling lights, thermostats, and more.
An Alexa Routine is a series of automated actions that can be triggered by a single voice command or event.
An Alexa Skill is a third-party app that adds extra features to your Alexa-enabled devices.
A brand of smart speakers developed by Amazon that can be controlled with a user’s voice. Once integrated into a home security system, Echo allows the user to use voice control for activating certain functions, such as dimming lamps 50%, locking the front door, or setting the thermostat to 72 degrees. This device connects to the cloud-based service Alexa Voice Services (AVS), which is more commonly known as “Alexa.” The wake word of this device can be changed by the user to “Amazon,” “Echo,” or “Computer”;
Android is an open-source mobile operating system developed by Google. It’s used by a variety of mobile devices and offers extensive customization options. Android also has its own ecosystem of apps, available through the Google Play Store.
IFTTT Applets are automations that connect two or more services to create a new experience. For example, an Applet can turn up your heat if the weather drops below a certain temperature. Or create events in your iPhone Calendar, via Google Assistant. You can enable any published Applet that you see on the Explore page or in blogs.
API is a set of rules that allows different software applications to communicate. In smart homes, APIs enable devices from different manufacturers to work together.
Automations refer to predefined rules that trigger specific actions in smart home devices based on certain conditions, like time of day or sensor readings.
The AA battery (or double-A battery) is a standard size single cell cylindrical dry battery. The exact terminal voltage, capacity and practical discharge rates depend on cell chemistry; however, devices designed for AA cells will usually only take 1.2–1.5 V unless specified by the manufacturer. An AA cell measures 49.2–50.5 mm (1.94–1.99 in) in length, including the button terminal—and 13.5–14.5 mm (0.53–0.57 in) in diameter.
The AAA battery (or triple-A battery) is a standard size of dry cell battery. One or more AAA batteries are commonly used in low-drain portable electronic devices. An AAA battery is a single cell that measures 10.5 mm (0.41 in) in diameter and 44.5 mm (1.75 in) in length, including the positive terminal button, which is a minimum 0.8 mm (0.031 in).
AAA batteries are most often used in small electronic devices, such as TV remote controls, MP3 players and digital cameras. Devices that require the same voltage, but have a higher current draw, are often designed to use larger batteries such as the AA battery type.
You can say for simplicity that LR03 is a subset of AAA battery (or AA and others). AAA only tells you about the size of the cell and nothing else. It doesn’t give you any indication of the chemistry which means you won’t know the voltage or the capacity of that cell. However, when you say LR03 it means this cell is of Alkaline Type.
Bixby is Samsung’s voice-controlled virtual assistant, designed to assist users in completing tasks, telling them what they’re looking at, creating reminders, and much more. It’s integrated into various Samsung devices, including smartphones and smart TVs.
Bluetooth is a wireless technology standard for short-range data exchange between devices. It’s commonly used in smart home devices like speakers and light bulbs.
The fourth generation of Bluetooth technology that is designed to require very little power to function while maintaining a similar range as previous Bluetooth versions. As the name suggests, devices using Bluetooth LE technologies need little power to function. Devices using Bluetooth LE will be able to run for years on a single battery.
Unlike regular Bluetooth, Bluetooth LE is a low-energy technology designed precisely to be used in the smart home, sports, and health sectors. So if your devices don’t use Wi-Fi to connect, they might use Bluetooth LE to communicate with your mobile device or with each other.
A home security system designed to detect unauthorized intruders from entering a building or a specific area.
A type of cable often used in the home automation industry for network wiring. This type of cable connects to the router, establishing a connection between the router and other wired home automation devices.
Cloud is the delivery of connected computing services—servers, data storage, databases, networking, software, analytics, IoT management, and more – over the Internet (“the cloud”).
A CFL, also called compact fluorescent light/lamp, energy-saving light and compact fluorescent tube, is a fluorescent lamp designed to replace an incandescent light bulb; some types fit into light fixtures designed for incandescent bulbs. The lamps use a tube that is curved or folded to fit into the space of an incandescent bulb, and a compact electronic ballast in the base of the lamp.
A communication protocol is a system of rules that allow two or more entities to transmit information. In smart homes, common protocols include Wi-Fi, Zigbee, and Z-Wave.
A connected device is any electronic device capable of connecting to the internet or another device, including smart home gadgets like thermostats and cameras.
A connectivity session refers to the active period during which a smart home device is connected to a network for communication.
A connected home is a residence where various systems and appliances are interconnected, often through the internet, for easier control and automation.
Control4 is a provider of automation and networking systems for homes and businesses, offering a personalized and unified smart home experience.
A home security system’s command center that connects and provides access to all the connected devices.
Cortana is Microsoft’s voice-controlled virtual assistant, initially launched for Windows Phone and later integrated into Windows 10 and other Microsoft products. While its consumer functions have been scaled back, it’s still used in enterprise solutions.
A user interface on a desktop PC, mobile device, smart home wall panel, smart home display hub or webpage that displays all the statistics and live data gathered from all or some smart devices in a smart home;
In other words: a dashboard allows you to monitor all the information collected by a smart device and often even to control some of its features, including lights, music, and heating.
A device or module is a hardware which will be connected to the controller or cloud for performing any action. All switches, touch panels, insert modules and accessories can be called as devices or modules. Number of devices define how big is the smart home network.
The digital device with a voice interaction system which enables the user to communicate in a human-style. The three most common digital assistants are Google’s Google Assistant, Amazon’s Alexa, and Apple’s Siri.
A Device that controls the brightness, as well as the On/Off state, of a local light. It will be connected to the light via standard wiring. Wireless Dimmers can be accessed through an App or Voice Assistant over a network.
To increase or decrease the light intensity of connected lights. Dimmable lights are different; all incandescent bulbs dimmable, however modern LEDs need a special driver to make them dimmable. An Electrical circuit in which dimmable lights are connected is referred as Dimming Circuit.
A standard set up by Intel and Sony to ensure that compatible wireless products can recognize each other and share data streams over Wi-Fi.
Another name for “home automation”. This word comes from the contraction of the Latin word for home “domus” combined with “robotics”.
In the context of smart homes, a driver is a software component that enables communication between the operating system and a hardware device. Sometimes, “driver” means a hardware that powers or controls any electrical or electronic device or appliance. For example; LED Drivers are simply called “drivers” these days.
A Dual-Mesh Network is a type of mesh network that supports both wireless and wired connections, providing greater flexibility and reliability.
A digital video recorder (DVR) is an electronic device that records video in a digital format to a disk drive, USB flash drive, SD memory card, SSD or other local or networked mass storage device. The term includes set-top boxes with direct to disk recording, portable media players and TV gateways with recording capability, and digital camcorders.
Personal computers are often connected to video capture devices and used as DVRs; in such cases the application software used to record video is an integral part of the DVR. A DVR system records digital footage from surveillance cameras continuously or when motion is detected .
An electrical switch is any device used to control the flow of electricity in a circuit. Switches are essentially binary devices; they are either ON or OFF.
These are visual representations of energy usage over time, often accessible via a smart home’s management platform.
Ethernet is a technology that connects computers in a local area network (LAN) using physical cables. It’s often used for more stable and faster connections compared to Wi-Fi.
In smart home terminology, an event is a specific occurrence that triggers an automation or routine, such as a door sensor being activated.
Philips LEDs conform to its EyeComfort standard, which measures its products against a set of key comfort criteria: flicker, glare, stroboscopic effect, photobiological safety, dimmable, tuning and color rendering – factors that can impact the comfort of your eyes.
Here are some features of EyeComfort standard by Philips,
Read this Philips White Paper for more technical details.
Increase or decrease the speed of Fan. Fan speed is controlled in multiple steps – Off, Low, Medium, High
Term used to say how many switches are on a switch face place. For instance if a switch has two switches that control different light circuits, this is know as a 2-gang switch.
An enclosure for electricians to mount switches. Different regions have different standards. Gang-boxes are generally made with PVC or metal.
Geofencing uses GPS, WIFI, Bluetooth or RFID in your smartphone to create a virtual boundary around a real world location, triggering actions like turning off lights when you leave a certain area. It can then be used to trigger something in your smart home to happen – like your lights or air conditioner turning on – as soon as you (and your phone) enter or exit that boundary.
Geolocation refers to the identification of a device’s physical location, often used in smart home automations.
A collection of individual Devices, which can be controlled as a group. For instance a controller can switch them all on with one action, rather than having to turn on each Device individually.
In smart home contexts, a group refers to a collection of devices that can be controlled together as a single unit.
Google Assistant is Google’s voice-controlled virtual assistant, capable of integrating with various smart home devices for control and automation.
Google Home is a smart home platform by Google that allows you to connect all of your compatible devices, manage them on your mobile device and control them using Nest smart speakers and displays. Google Homes Nest smart speakers were formally marketed as Google Home speakers.
A Home Area Network (HAN), often referred to as a home hub or home control point, is a heterogeneous set of linked networks controlling and monitoring home devices. A home network can include Wi-Fi (802.11), Bluetooth (802.15), ZigBee, and Z-wave (802.15.4). It can also be composed of several devices like modems, wireless routers, gateways, smart devices, switches, or hubs.
Home Assistant is free and open-source software for home automation designed to be a central control system for smart home devices with a focus on local control and privacy.
Home automation involves the use of various control systems for operating home appliances through the internet.
Home ID is a unique identifier for a Z-Wave network, allowing different Z-Wave networks to coexist without interference.
HomeKit is Apple’s framework for smart home devices, allowing users to control compatible gadgets via their Apple devices.
The Hub is a device that connects to all the smart devices in your home, and allows you to control them from one central place. Allowing your smart devices to communicate (wired or wireless) with a central device allows the hub to collate all of the data and for you to then control the devices directly from your smartphone, tablet, remote, and even with your voice.
The best smart home hubs are designed to balance everything in your smart home, harmonizing every bulb, alarm, camera, and speaker into a single coherent smart home ecosystem. It also enables your network to send and retrieve information from specific remotely located servers.
Hubitat is a smart home automation hub that allows for local control of smart devices, offering a faster and more reliable experience compared to cloud-based solutions.
IFTTT is a cloud based Automation Service which helps connect different apps and devices. You can enable your apps and devices to work together to do things they couldn’t otherwise do. For example, you can back up your Instagram photos to Dropbox, have your lights turn on when you enter your home, or automatically remind a Slack channel about a meeting.
Infra Red signals are used in remotely controlling any home appliance like TV, AC. Typically, a small LED is present on the remote, which will work only in directional line of sight.
Integration refers to the process of making different smart home devices and platforms work together seamlessly.
The Internet of Things refers to the network of physical objects embedded with sensors and software for collecting and exchanging data.
IP is a set of rules for sending and receiving data over the internet. Each device connected to the internet has a unique IP address.
iOS is Apple’s mobile operating system used in iPhones, iPads, and iPod Touch devices. Known for its smooth user interface and extensive app ecosystem via the Apple App Store, iOS is the foundation of a large number of smart home apps and integrations.
KNX is an open standard for commercial and residential building automation. KNX devices can manage lighting, blinds and shutters, HVAC, security systems, energy management, audio video, white goods, displays, remote control, etc.
LCD is a flat-panel display technology commonly used in TVs and monitors.
LED is a semiconductor light source used in various applications, including smart home lighting solutions. These modern light bulbs use very little power – typically 10% of the traditional incandescent bulbs.
These are smart home devices designed to operate with minimal energy consumption.
Manual Override refers to the ability to manually control a smart device, bypassing any automated settings or schedules.
A management platform is a software interface that allows users to control and monitor their smart home devices.
Matter (formerly known as Project CHIP) is an open-source protocol that uses existing IP technologies to create a unified wireless connectivity ecosystem for smart homes. It allows smart devices from different brands or companies to communicate with each other.
Matter uses Wi-Fi, Thread and Ethernet to make a bridge for all connected devices. Matter enables interoperability, which means that different types of devices can work together seamlessly controlled from a single app. It also makes it easier for users to set up their smart home system by connecting Matter-compatible devices to their network.
Matter supports the following device categories:
Z-Wave and ZigBee devices can’t work with Matter directly, but they could be connected to a Matter system with a bridge. For example, the Philips Hue smart lights and Ikea smart home devices use ZigBee, and both ZigBee hubs are being updated to bridge them into Matter.
A Mesh Network is a network topology in which each node relays data for the network, improving communication and eliminating single points of failure.
Meshing refers to the interconnection of smart devices to create a mesh network, improving communication and reliability.
Mi-Wi is a proprietary wireless protocol developed by Microchip Technology, used in some smart home applications.
A mobile app is a software application designed to run on smartphones, often used for controlling smart home devices.
A modem is a device that modulates and demodulates digital signals, enabling broadband internet access.
Momentary switches, also known as Retractive, Mono-Stable or Bell-Push, only remain in the On state while you press them, they return to the Off state when the button is released. These are commonly used in home automation systems.
A technology that enables devices close to one another to detect each other and share data without an Internet connection or pairing code. NFC is helpful because it forms the basis for Apple Pay and Google Wallet. In a smart home, NFC can simplify streaming between media players.
A network refers to the interconnected system of smart devices and computers, often facilitated by a router and modem.
In a smart home network, a node is any device connected to the network, such as a smart bulb, thermostat, or sensor. Each Node has a unique address, which the Controller uses to communicate and control it.
A device’s node ID is a unique identifier given to a device when it joins a network (such as Z-Wave). Each device in a network has a unique node ID.
The neutral wire is one of the wires in an electrical circuit that carries current back to the source. It is essential for the functioning of many smart switches.
Open Home Automation Bus (OpenHAB) is an open source home automation software written in Java. It is deployed on premises and connects to devices and services from different vendors. As of 2019, close to 300 device bindings are available as OSGi modules.
Synonymous to ‘provisioning’ or ‘learning mode,’ this is the process through which your smart devices establish a line of communication with your Smart Home Hub or Device Cloud, so that you can monitor and control them through mobile applications.
A smart home platform is like the foundation of your house or apartment building. It’s the underlying technology layer upon which different products from different brands are integrated together (usually with the help of a hub) and then controlled through a single app.
A network controller that can be moved around the home or office. These controllers are normally hand-held and battery-powered. It’s recommended that Portable Controllers are used together with at least one Static Controller to ensure reliable network operation.
Power cycling involves turning a device off and then on again to reset it, often used as a troubleshooting step.
This controller Includes all other Devices into the Network. It assigns its Home ID to the network and allocates a Node ID to each Device in the network (including secondary controllers).
A protocol is a set of rules governing the exchange or transmission of data between devices and can be called as the languages smart devices use to communicate with one another. Among the more popular protocols are Z-Wave, ZigBee, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), and Wi-Fi.
RF refers to the rate of oscillation of electromagnetic radio waves, used in wireless communication for smart home devices. Radio Frequency is being used in a lot of fields, but in the context of information and communications technology, it refers to the frequency band at which wireless communication signals are transmitted and broadcast. For e.g. FM Radio, Walkie Talkie, 2G/3G/4G, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Z-Wave, ZigBee etc.
An additive color model in which red, green, and blue light are added together in various ways to reproduce a broad array of colors. RGBW bulbs/tube lights/strips and controllers allow you to select any shade in the color spectrum created by the mix of red, green, and blue light along with dedicated white.
An electro-magnetic Device that controls the On/Off state of a local appliance (load). The Relay controls the power going to the load via standard mains cables.
Remote Access allows users to control smart home devices from a remote location via the internet.
A router is a device that directs data packets between computer networks, often connecting smart home devices to the internet. The router does this by assigning a local IP address to each of the devices on the network. This ensures that the data packets end up in the right place, rather than getting lost in the network. Router with wireless connectivity is called a Wi-Fi Router.
A routine is a set of automated actions performed by smart home devices based on predefined conditions.
An additional controller that can control Devices on a Network, however, it cannot Include devices to the network, this is performed by the Primary Controller. When the secondary controller is included into the network the primary controller assign its Home ID and Node ID.
A scene is a preset configuration that controls multiple smart home devices at once, like setting the mood lighting and temperature for a movie night. Like Groups, Scenes group together multiple Devices. However, while groups treat all devices similarly, scenes enable a controller to send different commands to different devices. This results in endless possibilities such as: “turn light switch off and open window B” or “dim all lamps to 50 % and turn on the TV”. This ability makes Scenes a very powerful part of a modern home automation network.
Schedules are time-based automations that control smart home devices at specific times or intervals.
A sensor is a device that detects and responds to changes in the environment, such as motion or temperature, and sends this information to the controller. This information allows the controller to react with actions on other devices or to send alerts. Sensors can detect temperature, motion, Carbon Monoxide (CO), Cooking Gas (LPG), vibration, sound etc.
Setpoint Temperature is the target temperature set on a smart thermostat, which the system will then work to maintain. If the room’s ambient temperature is below this setpoint temperature, the thermostat will send a signal (or close a switch) to turn on the heating system.
In a smart home network, slaves are devices that receive commands from a controlling device, known as the master. In Z-Wave networks, slaves are categorized as “standard” or “routing” slaves. A routing slave includes advanced capabilities for routing signals around the network. Typically slaves are Actuator devices such as switches, dimmers and relays.
Siri is Apple’s voice-controlled virtual assistant, integrated into all iOS devices, Macs, Apple Watches, and Apple TVs. Siri can perform tasks like sending messages, playing your favorite songs, answering questions, and more.
A smart device is an electronic gadget capable of connecting to the internet and interacting with other devices.
A smart home is a residence equipped with internet-connected devices for remote monitoring and control of various systems and appliances.
A connected digital lock that requires the correct wireless signal from a smartwatch or phone to move the deadbolt.
A new generation of electric and gas meters that can digitally transmit meter readings to a power or utility company. Smart meters allow for more accurate measurements of electricity and gas consumption levels at home, which can help reduce the risk of receiving overly pricey bills.
A device that can be placed around the home and activated via voice commands. A few examples of smart speakers are Google Home, Apple’s HomeKit, and Amazon Echo.
A smart thermostat is an internet-connected device that automatically adjusts heating and cooling temperature settings in your home for optimal performance. These devices learn from your behaviors, allow you to control the climate remotely, show energy consumption in real-time, and can even adjust themselves based on ambient conditions like humidity.
SmartThings is a home automation platform from Samsung, allowing users to control smart devices through a single app.
A network controller that has a fixed location. At least one Static Controller is recommended to ensure reliable network operation in Z-Wave systems.
The data flow from a media source to an end-user.
A switch is a device used to open or close an electrical circuit, turning a device on or off. In smart homes, these can be controlled remotely.
Thread is a low-power, wireless mesh networking protocol designed for connecting smart home devices.
Toggle (Bi-Stable) switches latch in position. For instance when you press the switch to On, the switch physically stays in the On position. These are the standard light switches you’ll find already fitted in your home.
Means the same Exclude – to remove a Device from a wireless network. After a device is Unpaired, it cannot be controlled by the network, but can be Paired again at any time.
A word that once said aloud by a user, can put a device in listening mode for voice control of smart devices where a command follows the wake word. Wake words can change depending on the smart digital assistant you’re employing.
Google Assistant uses “Hey Google” or “OK Google” as wake words. “Alexa“, “Amazon“, “Echo” and “Computer” are the wake words you can set for the Amazon Echo Devices. While Apple uses “Hey Siri“.
A WAP is a device that allows wireless devices to connect to a wired network using Wi-Fi.
A web interface is a graphical user interface accessed via a web browser, often used for smart home management platforms.
Web programmable refers to devices that can be configured and controlled through a web-based interface.
WEP is an outdated security protocol for wireless networks, generally considered to be insecure.
Wireless network that enables computers, printers and other devices to communicate with each other and the Internet (if the Router is connected to the Internet). Wi-Fi is based on the IEEE 802.11 standard.
These are versions of the Wi-Fi standard, with Wi-Fi 6E being the latest, offering improved speed and efficiency.
A wireless connection refers to the link between devices without the use of physical cables, often facilitated by technologies like Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.
A wirelessly connected Device that controls the brightness, as well as the On/Off state, of a local light. It will be connected to the light via standard wiring. Wireless Dimmers can be accessed through an App or Voice Assistant over a network.
A wireless mesh network (WMN) is a communications network made up of radio nodes organized in a mesh topology. It can also be a form of wireless ad hoc network. In a wireless mesh network, topology tends to be more static, so that routes computation can converge and delivery of data to their destinations can occur. Hence, this is a low-mobility centralized form of wireless ad hoc network.
A Network on which the Devices communicate wirelessly using radio waves (RF). Wi-Fi, Z-Wave and ZigBee are all wireless network technologies.
X10 is an industry standard for carrying control signals over the domestic mains power wiring. X10 devices can replace ordinary light switches, mains outlets and pendant lamp holders; these can be controlled by keypads, radio and infrared remote controls. X10 was introduced during the 1970s and is largely being superseded by the advanced capabilities of Z-Wave.
A cloud-based central controller for Z-Wave networks. It allows you to setup, manage and control Z-Wave Devices on your network without requiring a sophisticated Central Controller or Gateway.
Zigbee is a specification for high-level communication protocols using low-power digital radios, often used in smart home devices. An advanced wireless technology being built into home automation and smart energy devices; it is closely associated with the ‘Internet of Things‘. Zigbee devices are based on the IEEE 802.15 standard, however compatibility between manufacturers’ products is limited.
Z-Wave is a wireless communications protocol primarily used for home automation, allowing devices to communicate over a mesh network. A Network technology that enables all your home electronics to be controlled from a single wireless network. It’s easy to install with no complicated programming and no new cables to run, yet offers sophisticated control of your network. Any Z-Wave enabled device (from multiple manufacturers) can be added to the network, and many non-Z-Wave devices can be made compatible by plugging them into a Z-Wave accessory module.
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