Do I need a SmartHome Hub or Smart Bridge?
When diving into the world of SmartHome Technology or Home Automation, you’re bound to run into terms like Hub or Wireless Smart Bridge. The term hub has been used for many years relating to networking and network design. With regards to SmartHome Technology, Hubs and Smart Bridges are hardware devices that act as a communication bridge/ translator to devices require particular communication. They are often similar sized in form factor to a standard wireless router.
Below are a few smart Hubs/Smart Bridges available on Amazon.
Communication Types include: Zigbee, Z-Wave, Bluetooth, these are opposed to WiFi. The main benefit to these non-wifi communications is that the receivers typically require less power. Low power consumption is especially useful in battery operated SmartHome devices, such as monitoring devices.
Essentially a Hub or Smart Bridge receive a Wifi signal from a platform device such as an Amazon Echo, Google Home, or Apple HomePod to communicate with SmartHome devices via the required non-wifi communication protocol. In general, the need for a Hub/Smart Bridge continues to decrease as more and more devices are Wifi Compatible.
Why might you consider buying a Hub or Smart Bridge?
- More Home Monitoring devices are available. As mentioned above, battery-operated devices have a significant benefit in using low power communication Hub/Smart Bridge technology. Common battery operated devices include Motion Sensors, Water Leak Sensors, Window Open Sensors. Samsung’s Multipurpose Sensor also opens up additional possibilities to add more automatic equipment control.
- You want to start using Philips Hue products. Most, if not all Phillips Hue lighting products require a Hub. We call Phillips Hue out intentionally because they continue to bring amazing innovations to the SmartHome lighting market.
Why you might not need a Hub or a Smart Bridge:
- You’re focused on device control. Most light bulbs, smart plugs, thermostats, and light switches have “no hub requirement” enabling you to connect and manage via wifi directly. Make sure you double check when purchasing devices that a hub is not required.
- You want to save money. Some devices are either “Hub Required,” or “No-Hub Required.” When you don’t have to buy a hub, there are device cost savings and added simplicity.
Hopefully, this article gave you a sense of when you might or might not need either a Hub or a Smart Bridge. Amazon’s Echo Plus
