Smart home security - choose monitoring

About a decade ago, the term "smart home" referred to the future and was only a fleeting dream of technology geeks. Today, the opportunity to take advantage of this technology is widely available, and its expansion includes more and more actions - lighting, humidifying the air, or securing a home through monitoring. This is the last of the mentioned functions.

Development of ideas over the years

Not so long ago, home security (in addition to security firms) was guarded by webcams. Special applications have been developed that allow you to receive a live image over the network from anywhere in the world. The main disadvantage of this method of home surveillance was electricity bills: a laptop or PC had to be constantly turned on to power the camera and work with a special program for live broadcasts.

The current boom in wireless technology and communications overcomes the above disadvantage. It is enough to purchase one monitoring device and connect it to the Internet, pair it with a phone or computer. The only unit that must be constantly turned on is the webcam itself and the Wi-Fi router (or the so-called central unit, i.e. hub or gateway). The configuration of individual camera models and their specifications vary depending on the manufacturer.

What are IP cameras and what are their functions?

This type of equipment forms the basis of home monitoring over the Internet. The abbreviation "IP" in this case stands for Internet Protocol and emphasizes the difference between this type of technology and ordinary Internet videos: it can be used without a desktop computer or laptop. The basic functions of IP cameras include, first of all, direct broadcasting. It can be viewed at any time using the mobile application on a mobile phone or other device. Most cameras have the ability to activate a night mode, schedule an observation schedule, and also set up notifications to be sent to a smartphone when motion is detected in the field of view. In addition, select models have a fisheye (fisheye) lens, providing a wider field of view of space than a traditional camera.

Internal and external security of a smart home

It is wrong to assume that IP cameras only work indoors. On the market, you can find both devices for installation inside a house or apartment, as well as equipment adapted to external conditions that can be placed on a porch, balcony, or (with a Wi-Fi connection) even in a gazebo. Several cameras can be combined into one effective system, which will greatly increase the feeling of security in the face of theft, theft and accidental incidents - for example, flooding of the premises in the absence of occupants (although special sensors can be purchased for this case) .

Smart home monitoring via the Internet - product overview

What can be found in the offer of selected brands? In the beginning, it is worth considering buying a Xiaomi webcam - this is a fast-growing company that seduces with affordable prices and minimalist design. A popular product is the Mi Home Security Camera. Its functionality includes the ability to use a memory card up to 32 GB (which allows you to store large amounts of video), as well as 360-degree rotation.

BLOW webcams also deserve attention - an interesting offer is their "tear", offering both indoor and outdoor devices. Another Polish brand, Xblitz, specializing in the production of video equipment for cars, also has a very strong position in the market. However, their offer is not limited to the automotive industry.

Multifunctional smart home monitoring

A secondary use of IP cameras can be to monitor possible breakdowns in the house - specialized equipment in this category are special sensors, for example, flooding, smoke, door opening or temperature. However, sensors will only be partially successful in the following two cases: childcare and helping the elderly. The advantages of modern technology make it possible to transfer part of the tasks in these areas to electronic devices: thanks to continuous viewing, we will constantly monitor the situation, for example, in the home of elderly parents. A wireless webcam is also a great replacement for a so-called baby monitor.

Home monitoring requires careful protection

When setting up the device you are purchasing or contemplating purchasing it, you should not forget about an important topic - security. By installing an IP camera, we provide a direct view of our home, that is, a private space, on the network. Of course, all transmissions of this type of sensitive data are secured with appropriate security protocols and encryption certificates. However, this will be useless if you do not set a strong password: both for the Wi-Fi router and for the home monitoring system itself.

Smart home technology is very convenient in everyday life, but if not properly protected, it can become a tool for hackers to use. However, by using strong passwords and not sharing them with anyone, you can definitely protect yourself from any threats. IP cameras or sensors will help you avoid unpleasant events, so you should think about buying them.

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