Smart home devices rely on wireless connections, whether that’s Wi-Fi, Zigbee, Z-Wave, or Bluetooth. When a device keeps going offline, responds slowly, or doesn’t work at all, signal strength is often the culprit. But “signal strength” isn’t just one thing. There are a few different factors that affect how well your smart home devices stay connected.
If you’ve been searching for a smart lock designed specifically for outdoor gates, you’ve likely discovered that options are very scarce. While smart locks for house doors are abundant, finding one suitable for a garden or side gate is difficult. This article explores why this is the case and offers practical alternatives to secure your gate effectively.
The table below lists common smart home terms and a definition
Using solar panels to power smart home devices appears to make a lot of sense, especially for outdoor use or where mains power isn’t easily accessible or changing batteries is inconvenient . But how well do they actually work in practice? Can solar keep devices running indefinitely? And how much sun do they really need?
A lot of outdoor smart home tech from irrigation timers to security cameras relies on a solid Wi-Fi connection. But once you step outside into a garden or outbuilding, signal strength often drops. Here’s how to fix that.
When setting up a smart irrigation timer, make sure it matches your outdoor tap’s thread size. Adapters are available, but it’s easier and usually more reliable to choose a timer that fits your tap straight out of the box.
If you’re researching wireless technology for smart home devices, especially outdoors you’ve likely seen the term LoRaWAN. It’s often mentioned alongside LoRa, but the two aren’t exactly the same. Understanding the difference can help you make better choices when buying devices for your home or garden.
Moving house is a major stress without having to think about all the smart devices you have connected. When you’ve got smart locks, bulbs, thermostats, and cameras involved, things can quickly get complicated. This guide helps you plan what to take, what to leave, and how to make the process smooth for both you and the next owner.
Home automation, often referred to as a “smart home,” involves using technology to control and automate various household systems and appliances. This includes lighting, heating, security, and entertainment systems. The common goal is to enhance home life, improve energy efficiency, and increase security by allowing homeowners to manage these systems remotely or automatically.
Dynamic energy tariffs like Octopus Tracker and Agile Octopus give you lower electricity prices when wholesale rates are low — but to really benefit, you need to time your usage. That’s where smart home devices can make a big difference. With a bit of automation and planning, you can shift your electricity use to cheaper times without changing your lifestyle.
