Using Z-Wave avoids competition for bandwidth and interference on your Wi-Fi network, which is important because there may be dozens of smart devices in a fully automated smart home. If you already have a Z-Wave hub and are planning to add more devices or a full security system, you might consider going this route. Z-Wave is a low-energy radio signal, like Bluetooth but with a stronger signal and more robust encryption. You can then control these locks with an app from a smart phone or home hub. Smart locks with Z-Wave have to connect with a Z-Wave hub, which in turn connects to your Wi-Fi network. Note that locks with built in Wi-Fi will drain batteries faster than low-energy radio waves, like Bluetooth or Z-Wave. For example when you tell your smart assistant “goodnight,” you can have a smart thermostat lower the temperature, turn off all lights, and send a command to ensure your door is locked.
You can then automate them into smart home routine actions. They may also connect to or be integrated with security systems, smart home devices like Google Nest Hub and the Echo Show, or Apple’s HomeKit.
Smart locks with Wi-Fi built-in, and connected to your home network, work with an app on a smart phone for remote operation and monitoring. This $29 Gadget Makes Your Old Home Smart.Smart Home Tech To Automate Your Morning Routine.Almost all smart locks have Bluetooth, and generally this is how you can set them up with an app on a smart phone. Smart locks employ Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or Z-Wave radio signals to communicate with apps on smart phones, Wi-Fi bridges, or smart home hubs like the Google Nest Hub and the Echo Show.
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