JOIN USThe latest innovations in technology are fast closing the gaping hole of home security breach. There are many smart, modern ways to safeguard your home. Bindu Gopal Rao finds out what the newest tricks on the block are...
Imagine this scenario. Your son has come back home from school and the front door is locked. He calls you and you are able to unlock the door through your phone to let him in. Sounds bizarre? Well, not really. This is what a new age home security solution can do. An important aspect of home automation, security solutions is fasting gaining ground as the most preferred smart home solution.
Solutions galore
Single sensor alerts, standard security system alarms, wireless security cameras, Digital Video Recorders (DVR) and recording kits are a few new solutions for home security in the market. Artificial Intelligence and deep learning technology-enabled surveillance cameras, thermostats and smoke alarms are some of the new age home security solutions in the market. These help send automated alerts to home owners via email, push notifications, motion sensors, mobile app connectivity and enable the control of security systems from anywhere around the world through smartphones, tablets or laptops and cloud stored data to access at any given time.
Pankaj Tyagi, division manager, Renewable Energy Division, 3M India Limited, says, “Window films are one of the new additions to home security solutions. Hurricanes, tornadoes, severe winds, bomb blasts and earthquakes can cause glass to shatter and send shards flying, especially in high-rise buildings. During these disasters, safety and security window films keep flying glass from harming inhabitants, and in many circumstances, help keep out wind and rain.”
Tech talk
The market for home security solutions today is continuously evolving and includes monitoring options that accentuate user experience and allow for real-time tracking. Fibre to the home (FTTH) is revolutionising communication and security with the use of fibre optic cables for delivery of multiple advanced services such as telephone, broadband, Internet and television.
“Fibre optic cables ensure superior Internet speeds supporting next generation services like video on-demand and home automation that adds value to the life of residents. In terms of security, this technology enables integrated video-based visitor management system through which residents can track a visitor right from the gate of the township right up to their doorstep. The radio frequency identification (RFID) system is capable of managing the movement of the car. For instance, if a resident is out of town s/he can disable the RFID which will block the car at the entrance. This gives an extra layer of defence against any potential intruders,” says Surendra Hiranandani, chairman and managing director, House of Hiranandani.
Since the late ‘90s, instrumentation of homes has been happening with conventional burglar alarm systems, CCTV systems and electromagnetic (EM) locks. It had the basic limitation that the systems were not interconnected. “With change in technology, the concept of security has changed. Technology-based security that can be integrated and remotely accessed has become an essential part of our homes and personal life. From being discrete systems, home security systems have now converged,” opines a spokesperson from Tenon Group of Companies.
The specifics
Automation is a step forward to the term called ‘Internet of Things’, in which, everything has an assigned Internet Protocol (IP) address and can be monitored remotely. The system provides the ability to schedule events for the devices on the network. Ajay Agarwal, partner, Geopreneur Design Studio, says, “Intrusion alarm system for windows, doors, compound walls, car parks include CCTV cameras, video door phones, electrically and electronically controlled locks and latches, and digital locks which can be controlled by passwords, smart cards, thumb input-impressions etc.”
In control
One can control the entire home security by means of a combined in-built monitoring system or digital technology. It involves the integration of technology in home security. “This modern home security solution comprises switches and sensors connected to a central hub called ‘gateway’ by which the entire system is controlled with a user interface that interacts with smart phones, tablets, web interfaces and wall-mounted terminals. As a result, the user can manage everything from anywhere, using their smart devices through the Internet,” says Akhil Kumar Sureka, managing director, Sarvome Developers.
Avinash K Gautam, CEO, Silvan Innovation Labs adds, “Smart sensors detect events like door intrusion, unwanted motion, LPG gas leakage, fire and wet floors. A smart gateway to sense these sensors decide when the triggering of a sensor can be considered as a real risk, and interface with a central monitoring system for systematic logging of events and centralised monitoring. Smart cameras allow you to check out visually the situation in your house and lastly, a centralised monitoring system monitors the status of your house.”
Integrating technology
The best part of home automation solutions is that the new technology can be easily installed without much intervention as most of the products are wireless. So, one does not have to worry about extensive wiring and networking.
“For example, wireless camera systems only have to find the points of placement to cover areas like doors, garage, windows etc and mount camera on the desired location, both indoors as well as outdoors. Most of the technology products for home security are Wi-Fi enabled. We can download the concerned mobile app in our smart phone and can directly surveillance and control the entire home security system. These home security products also have a feature of cloud-stored data and are hassle-free. They have battery as well as plugged cable installation for outdoors,” says Prasoon Shrivastava, CEO & founder, Helpmebuild.
The security requirement in the real estate sector, largely for its three categories of buildings — retail, residential and commercial demand a diferent security protocol because their environments differ.