I. Core technologies of wireless smart home
1. Mainstream wireless protocols
Protocols |
Features |
Applicable scenarios |
Representative devices |
Wi-Fi |
High bandwidth, wide coverage, but high power consumption, dependent on routers |
Smart cameras, voice assistants, central control screens |
Amazon Echo, Google Nest Hub |
Bluetooth |
Low power consumption, short distance, support Mesh |
Sensors, wearable devices, close-range control |
Aqara temperature and humidity sensor, Xiaomi bracelet |
Zigbee |
Low power consumption, self-organizing network (Mesh), strong anti-interference |
Sensors, switches, lamps, security equipment |
Philips Hue, Aqara gateway |
Z-Wave |
Low power consumption, high reliability, requires a dedicated gateway |
Whole-house intelligence (mainstream in the European and American markets) |
Ring doorbell, Eve curtains |
Matter |
Emerging standards, cross-protocol compatibility (Zigbee/Z-Wave/Wi-Fi) |
Future mainstream, solving ecological fragmentation |
Apple HomeKit, SmartThings |
2. Technology comparison
Wi-Fi: Suitable for high-bandwidth devices (such as cameras), but too many devices will cause network congestion.
Zigbee: Low power consumption, self-organizing network, suitable for sensors and lamps, requires a coordinator (such as CC2531).
Z-Wave: High stability, but requires a dedicated gateway and is more expensive.
Matter: Unified protocol, cross-brand linkage in the future (such as iPhone controlling Zigbee devices)
Ⅱ. Classification of wireless smart home devices
1. Lighting control
Smart bulbs:
Philips Hue (supports Zigbee, adjustable color temperature and brightness).
Yeelight (Wi-Fi direct connection, supports Xiao Ai).
Smart switch:
Aqara smart switch (Zigbee, supports localized control).
Lutron Caséta (Zigbee + Wi-Fi, high-end dimming).
2. Environmental monitoring
Sensors:
Aqara temperature and humidity sensor (Zigbee, linked to air conditioner/humidifier).
Xiaomi human body sensor (Bluetooth/Zigbee, automatic light on).
Air quality monitoring:
Dyson Purifier Humidify+Cool (Wi-Fi, linked to fresh air system).
3. Security system
Smart door lock:
August Smart Lock (Wi-Fi, remote authorization temporary password).
Aqara smart door lock (Zigbee, supports fingerprint/password).
Security camera:
Eufy Indoor Cam (Wi-Fi, local storage, no cloud service).
Arlo Pro (Wi-Fi, 3K HD, supports night vision).
4. Home appliance control
Smart socket:
TP-Link Kasa HS103 (Wi-Fi, supports timer switch).
Sonoff Mini (Wi-Fi/Zigbee, open source compatible).
Smart curtain:
Aqara smart curtain motor (Zigbee, voice control).
Lutron Serena (Zigbee, gradient dimming).
5. Voice and entertainment
Smart speaker:
Amazon Echo (fourth generation) (Wi-Fi/Alexa, supports Zigbee relay).
HomePod mini (Wi-Fi/Siri, Apple ecosystem linkage).
Smart TV:
Sony Bravia (Wi-Fi, supports AirPlay 2).
Ⅲ. Typical application scenarios
1. Home automation
Linkage solution:
Mobile phone is close (Bluetooth/Wi-Fi) → automatically turn on the light → turn on the air conditioner → open the curtains.
Device: Aqara human body sensor + smart switch + curtain motor.
2. Security monitoring
Scenario example:
Door and window sensor triggers → camera records and pushes notification to mobile phone → sound and light alarm starts.
Device: Aqara door and window sensor + Eufy camera + Aqara alarm.
3. Energy management
Linkage solution:
Temperature and humidity sensor detects the environment → automatically adjusts the air conditioner/humidifier → energy-saving mode automatically turns off non-essential appliances.
Device: Xiaomi temperature and humidity sensor + Tuya smart socket.
4. Elderly/child care
Device combination:
Fall detection sensor (such as Aeotec Care) → push alarm to family members' mobile phones.
Smart camera + voice speaker → Check the status in real time and make voice calls.