Home Automation

Home automation has become a huge part of our everyday lives. They can control almost anything within your smart home including your LED lighting.

But what do you need to achieve an automated home lighting system?

First of all, its important to understand the control protocols used to allow home assistance. ZIGBEE, Z-wave or Wi-Fi protocols are perfect for smart home automation.

Wi-Fi

WiFi

Wi-fi is a popular home control protocol as it is a widely available network. A lot of people understand how to operate and use Wi-fi making it ideal for operating smart home devices.

However, using Wi-fi does have its weaknesses. Many devices already operate using Wi-fi and adding another could cause congestion. This can result in signal interference. Signal interferences weaken normal operation, causing lower speeds and frequent disconnects.

For this reason, it is recommended to use either ZIGBEE or Z-wave control protocols.

ZIGBEE

ZIGBEE

ZIGBEE protocols are designed to form a mesh network. Mesh networks turns individual smart devices into nodes. This enables data to be transmitted from device to device until it reaches the final destination. It will find the most efficient route to transmit the signal to different nodes that can be installed around your home.

Advantages of using a ZIGBEE control system is that it can support many devices on one network. It can also transmit signals over large distances. It is perfect for low power devices which are typically used in domestic settings such as in your home network.

ZIGBEE also features a ZIGBEE alliance that simplifies wireless product integration. Alliance members use standards that offer reliable, secure and easy to use wireless networking.

However, it does suffer from interferences. This is because it operates on a 2.4 GHz band, which Bluetooth, cordless phones and other wireless devices also use.

Z-Wave

ZWave

Z-wave technology is also designed to form a mesh network. However, it uses a 908.42 MHz frequency. This means that it has less interferences than ZIGBEE and Wi-fi. It also has an extended range to 100 metres or more.

The protocol adheres to standards of a private organisation. This ensures that all Z-wave devices are compatible with each other.

However, it can only support a small number of nodes on a single network. It also has a tree topology that makes configuration of the network difficult. It causes performance issues and it is prone to dense network traffic.

Gateway Hubs

After choosing a control protocol, we now have to chose an appropriate gateway hub or receiver. This will connect the lights to your smart devices for effortless control. You can also achieve voice control through Smart speakers such as Amazon Alexa or Google Home with these products.

We have a number of Gateway options from our Mi-light range for ZIGBEE or Wi-fi control. These are to be used in conjunction with Milight lighting products. This includes Wireless gateways and Wired Gateways. Both types connect to the router, one wirelessly and one through a wired connection.

Home Automation
Home Automation
Home Automation
Home Automation

It is recommended to use a wireless gateway if you are controlling your home system locally (within range of your router).

To control your lighting from outside your location, you will require a wired gateway. The wired connection allows your lighting to be controlled from virtually anywhere.

This is especially useful when going on holidays so that you can remotely turn your LED lights on or off. This is helpful for security purposes or if you simply forgot to turn your lights off before leaving.

The ZIGBEE home automation gateway can be wired so that it will work with products that use the ZIGBEE protocol.

Once the gateway is connected, you can create groups of lighting products. These groups can be labelled, for example "Guest Bedroom Lights" or " Garden Lights". Then they can then be controlled as a group or individually.

Sunricher also offer Z-wave and ZIGBEE receivers that are compatible with home automation systems.

ZIGBEE receivers support "touch-link" commissioning and "find and bind" mode. This ensures connection to a ZIGBEE network and pairing with other devices is easy. They use the latest ZIGBEE 3.0 protocol. This ensures that all ZIGBEE products can be connected even if they are from different manufacturers.

Home Automation
Home Automation
Home Automation

Z-wave receivers enable your light fittings to be connected to a Z-wave network and controlled by compatible devices. Z-wave receivers are security enabled Z-wave plus devices that take advantage of the latest technological advancements.

Home Automation
Home Automation
Home Automation

Both receivers support "Over The Air" (OTA) feature so that any firmware updates are installed as soon as they become available.

Note: Ensure you select a receiver that is compatible with your LED product. For example, if you have a RGBW product, select a receiver that supports RGBW control.

Control Units

LED Technologies is the sole UK distributor for Sunricher LED control products. Sunricher is a reputable company that is licensed to manufacture products for all three systems.

There are hundreds of Wi-FI, ZIGBEE and Z-wave products that enable effortless light control. Wall switches feature push and switch designs, rotary knob designs and touch sensitive panels. These allow adjustment of brightness and a range of other lighting effects. This includes colour selection, colour temperature, intensity as well as enabling programmable scenes and mode selection (product dependent).

Home Automation
Home Automation
Home Automation

Our stylish handsets come in many varieties including push designs and touch sensitive discs. They allow remote control over your lighting to make it effortless and simple.

Note: Ensure the product you have selected is appropriate for the control protocol you have selected. As well as the products they are connected to.

Home Automation
Home Automation
Home Automation

We also offer MiBoxer wall panels and handsets to control MiLight products in a ZIGBEE automation network. They feature a contemporary and stylish touch sensitive designs that will seamlessly blend into the background

Home Automation
Home Automation
Home Automation
Home Automation

Find the right control unit for your home and lighting products with our huge range of options.

LED Technologies have expert technical support team that have help and advise you on your home automation project. They will be able to specify the best products for your specific installation.

LED Technologies Staff

Knowledgeable trained staff

Specialists in house to advise and specify the more advanced solutions.
Speak to an LED expert today on
01260 540014 LED Technologies Logo