The first thing that comes to mind when we think of a smart home is the internet. That is not surprising considering the impact that the internet has on all our lives. So the question is, does the smart home function without the internet? We will explore that in this article.
For those who aren’t aware of what a smart home has got to do with the internet, the answer is a lot. Consider Xfinity Smart Home Security System; Xfinity offers protection for your home by installing cameras around your home and setting them up for professional monitoring 24/7. Professional monitoring means that your home is always monitored by security experts. You can check what the situation is like outside your home through the Xfinity app from the comfort of your bedroom. Also with the help of the Xfinity app, if you are away from home, you can check the situation in your home from your mobile phone. With Xfinity Smart Home Security System, you need to be subscribed to the Xfinity internet since it allows you to access the whole system and manage its settings. You can learn more about how the Xfinity Smart Home Security System works by reaching out to the brand’s customer service at https://www.localcabledeals.com/xfinity/customer-service.
Below, we have elaborated upon the reasons why you need an internet connection for your smart devices;
Remote Access to Smart Devices
You can control smart devices in your home through the internet from anywhere in the world. Did you leave the stove on? You can tap a few buttons on your mobile phone and have it turned off. Need to turn on cooling in your home? Another few taps and you can have the thermostat running while you are just a few minutes from reaching home. You can also check if you have received the delivery that you had been waiting for, while you are out of your home. All of these conveniences are only possible with the help of an internet connection.
What about the firmware updates?
Many smart devices receive prompts from their manufacturers over the internet for firmware updates. These firmware updates for your smart devices are released for a very good reason; they address security fixes and bugs that need to be dealt with to keep the smart device functioning properly. Firmware updates can also provide additional features that let you make the most out of your smart devices. However, you can’t receive these updates if you are not connected to the internet. Hence, if these smart devices are not updated, they will be stuck with the older version of firmware, making them more vulnerable to any threats or issues.
But let’s consider whether a smart home can work without the internet.
What if there is no Internet?
The smart home can function without an internet connection. However, it depends on the function that you are trying to operate. Some smart appliances may stop working together, while some will not be affected.
Smart lights such as Phillips Hue might work locally without the internet, by using a hub as the mediator when the internet is down. Other safety devices like smart thermostats, smart smoke alarms, or smart locks will also work just fine without the internet. If you set up smart alarms to wake you up at particular times, it will not fail to do its required job. All these devices will perform their functions in a conventional manner.
However, all these devices will work in a dumbed-down version with no internet, but they will still perform their jobs.
Pros of Smart Home without Internet
- If none of your smart devices are connected to the internet, there is a lesser chance for hackers to get into your home automation system. Your data will be safe from being leaked.
- The smart home system will work just fine without the internet and won’t lose its functionalities without the internet.
Cons of Smart Home without Internet
- Installing a smart home system without the internet is much more expensive than a smart home with the internet because it requires more labor and more devices to be able to carry out their jobs.
- There are some devices that still need the internet to function. For instance, if you are out of the home, you cannot access the security camera to monitor activities in your home.
Wrapping Up
Long story short, it is possible to have some smart home devices perform all their functions without the help of an internet connection. But there might be some devices that cannot work without an internet connection. Or multiple smart devices might need an internet connection to carry out their jobs.