WHAT IS A SMART HOME HUB? AND DO YOU NEED ONE?
PC Magazine|August 2020
The Internet of Things (IoT) initiative that connects smart home devices such as doorbells, lights, locks, security cameras, and thermostats has made it easy for everyone to install and use these gadgets in their homes.
JOHN R. DELANEY, ANGELA MOSCARITOLO
WHAT IS A SMART HOME HUB? AND DO YOU NEED ONE?

You still need some sort of mechanism to control them, though. In some cases, just a phone will do the trick, but if you use multiple different products or services, you might need a home automation hub to control everything and have the devices interact with one another. The problem is that no single hub can control all the different smart home devices out there. Read on to find out what kind of hubs are available and whether you need one to smarten up your home.

WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT HOME AUTOMATION PROTOCOLS?

Any discussion around home automation hubs should begin with a basic primer on protocols, or the method of communication used to control your devices. There are multiple wired and wireless protocols in use today that link smart home devices to each other and to a hub. One of the oldest protocols, X10, has been around since the mid-1970s. It uses your existing home electrical wiring to send signals to each device and is mostly used to control connected lighting systems and motion detectors.

The Universal Powerline Bus (UPB) protocol, loosely based on X10, uses your home’s electrical lines to transmit signals between devices, but it offers faster transmission rates and is generally considered to be more reliable. Oddly, X10 and UPB devices are not compatible and require a controller (hub) that supports both protocols to make them work together.

Devices based on the Insteon protocol use your home’s electrical wiring and RF (radio frequency) wireless technology to communicate. Insteon is known for its easy push-button pairing, speedy response times, and extended wireless range. There are more than 200 Insteon home automation devices available, including cameras, dimmers, keypads, light switches, and thermostats.

This story is from the August 2020 edition of PC Magazine.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the August 2020 edition of PC Magazine.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM PC MAGAZINEView All
AUDIO
PC Magazine

AUDIO

AUDIO

time-read
1 min  |
December 2022
SMART HOME
PC Magazine

SMART HOME

SMART HOME

time-read
3 mins  |
December 2022
T Mobile
PC Magazine

T Mobile

Mobile

time-read
2 mins  |
December 2022
Apple TV 4K 3rd Generation): Best for the Apple-Centric
PC Magazine

Apple TV 4K 3rd Generation): Best for the Apple-Centric

A powerful, feature-rich media streamer that’s pricier than most

time-read
7 mins  |
December 2022
20 Tips for Leveling Up Your Work-at-Home Game
PC Magazine

20 Tips for Leveling Up Your Work-at-Home Game

Whether you're new to working remotely or just looking fo do if beffer, fhese fips can help you stay productive and maintain balance.

time-read
10+ mins  |
November 2022
12 Google Calendar Tricks You're Probably Not Using
PC Magazine

12 Google Calendar Tricks You're Probably Not Using

Wondering how to share your Google Calendar? Want to add a new calendar? Here are the tips you need.

time-read
6 mins  |
November 2022
SimpliSafe Home Security System: Affordable Ease of Use
PC Magazine

SimpliSafe Home Security System: Affordable Ease of Use

Affordable security with a focus on flexibility

time-read
10+ mins  |
November 2022
Honda Unveils First All-Electric SUV, Built on GM's Battery Platform
PC Magazine

Honda Unveils First All-Electric SUV, Built on GM's Battery Platform

The Honda Prologue battery-electric SUV arrives in 2024 and will use the Ultium battery technology developed by General Motors.

time-read
2 mins  |
November 2022
We Must Save Streaming Video Before It’s Too Late
PC Magazine

We Must Save Streaming Video Before It’s Too Late

A generation of art risks extinction if the companies that own streaming services don’t believe their vast libraries are worth preserving. We have to act now to save it.

time-read
5 mins  |
November 2022
If You Have a Uterus, Don't Buy an Apple Watch
PC Magazine

If You Have a Uterus, Don't Buy an Apple Watch

New women's health and reproductive features in the Apple Watch 8 and Ultra have the potential to cause harm following the overturning of Roe v. Wade.

time-read
3 mins  |
November 2022