Smart Home Terminology: Definitions and Examples
The table below lists common smart home terms and a definition
| Term | Definition | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Access Control | Systems that manage who can enter or exit a property, often using electronic methods. | Keycard systems; biometric scanners; smart locks. |
| Actuator | A device that converts electrical signals into physical movement. | Motorised valves, smart blinds. |
| Air Quality Sensor | Monitors indoor air pollutants and provides data to improve air quality. | CO2 detectors; VOC sensors. |
| Alarm System | A security setup that detects unauthorized entry or other emergencies. | Door/window sensors; motion detectors; sirens. |
| Alexa | Amazon’s cloud-based voice assistant used in Echo devices. | Amazon Echo Dot; Echo Show. |
| Ambient Lighting | General illumination that provides overall lighting to a space. | Ceiling fixtures; wall sconces. |
| Automation | Using technology to control devices and systems automatically based on schedules, triggers, or routines. | Lights turning on at sunset; thermostat adjusting when you leave home. |
| Bluetooth | A wireless technology standard for exchanging data over short distances. | Smart locks; fitness trackers. |
| Dashboard | A user interface that displays the status and controls of smart home devices. | Home Assistant dashboard; SmartThings app interface. |
| Energy Monitor | A device that tracks real-time energy consumption to help manage electricity costs. | Sense Energy Monitor; smart plugs with energy tracking. |
| Facial Recognition | Technology that identifies individuals based on facial features. | Smart doorbells with facial recognition; security systems. |
| Firmware | Software programmed into a device’s read-only memory. | Updates to improve device performance or add features. |
| Geofencing | A location-based feature that triggers actions when a device enters or exits a predefined area. | Heating system turns on when approaching home. |
| Home Automation | The process of using technology to automate tasks such as turning on lights or locking doors. | Automated lighting schedules; smart thermostats. |
| Home Security System | A system designed to protect a home from intruders and other security threats. | Motion sensors; video cameras; alarms. |
| Infrared Technology | Uses invisible infrared light to send signals between two points, commonly used in remote controls. | TV remotes; IR blasters. |
| Internet of Things (IoT) | A network of physical objects embedded with sensors and software to connect and exchange data over the internet. | Smart thermostats; wearable fitness trackers; connected cars. |
| Mesh Network | A network where devices connect directly and via other devices to a central hub. Improving range and reliability | Zigbee mesh, some WiFi mesh networks. |
| Neutral Wire | A wire in an electrical circuit that carries current back to the source, essential for many smart switches. | Required for installing certain smart light switches. |
| Node | Any device connected to a smart home network. | Smart bulbs; thermostats; sensors. |
| Power Cycle | Turning a device off and then on again to reset it. | Restarting a router; rebooting a smart hub. |
| Protocol | A set of rules governing the exchange or transmission of data between devices. | Zigbee; Z-Wave; Wi-Fi. |
| Remote Access | Allows users to control smart home devices from a remote location via the internet. | Controlling lights through a smartphone app while away from home. |
| RF (Radio Frequency) | Refers to the rate of oscillation of electromagnetic radio waves, used in wireless communication for smart home devices. | LoRa (Long Range RF) |
| Scene | A pre-set configuration that controls multiple devices simultaneously to create a desired environment. | “Movie Night” scene dims lights and turns on TV. |
| Smart Camera | A camera that connects to the internet to allow for remote viewing and recording. | Arlo Pro; Ring Video Doorbell. |
| Smart Device | An electronic device that connects to other devices or networks via wireless protocols to operate interactively and autonomously. | Smart plugs; smart TVs; smart refrigerators. |
| Smart Home | A residence equipped with devices that can be remotely controlled and automated via the internet. | Smart lights; thermostats; locks; cameras. |
| Smart Hub | A central device that connects and controls multiple smart devices, enabling them to communicate with each other. | Samsung SmartThings Hub; Amazon Echo; Google Nest Hub. |
| Smart Lighting | Lighting systems that can be controlled remotely and can be programmed for automation. | Philips Hue; LIFX bulbs. |
| Smart Lock | An electromechanical lock that allows users to unlock doors without a traditional key. | August Smart Lock; Schlage Encode. |
| Smart Plug | A plug that allows you to control the power supply to devices remotely. | TP-Link Kasa Smart Plug; Wemo Mini Smart Plug. |
| Smart Sensor | A device that detects changes in the environment and sends the information to other electronics. | Motion sensors; door/window sensors; temperature sensors. |
| Smart Thermostat | A thermostat that can be controlled remotely and can learn user preferences to optimize heating and cooling. | Nest, Hive |
| Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) | An extra layer of security requiring not only a password and username but also something that only the user has on them. | Verification codes sent to a mobile device. |
| Voice Assistant | A digital assistant that uses voice recognition to perform tasks or services. | Amazon Alexa; Google Assistant; Apple Siri. |
| Wi-Fi | A wireless networking technology that allows devices to communicate over a wireless signal. | Most smart devices like cameras and speakers. |
| Zigbee | A wireless communication protocol used for creating personal area networks with small, low-power digital radios. | Philips Hue lights; Samsung SmartThings devices. |
| Z-Wave | A wireless protocol used for home automation, providing low-latency communication among devices. | Ring Alarm; Yale smart locks. |
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