Home Automation With IoT Devices: Security, Connectivity, And Usage Analysis

Introduction to IoT and Home Automation

Internet of things (IOT) is utilized to characterize the association of modern day devices with similarities in connectivity to the web. This causes them to associate with each other and streamline the operations they are planned for. The report analyzes the operations of different devices that can implement the basic concepts of the IOT idea. Furthermore the dangers identified with their applications are also analyzed in this report.

Automation in the home dwellings can be made by implementing certain devices which can feature the process of automations. The main requirement for automating the devices is the need for connectivity among them. The manufacturers or the developers design such devices with the sole intention of reducing the daily chores in human lives that exists in all houses (ElShafee & Hamed, 2012). This report discusses about such types of devices which can facilitate communication with each other. Security appliances, lighting or cleaning appliances as well as the cooking appliances are mainly the topic of discussion in this report.

Although the uses of such devices are trending in the market, some issues are present which the customers must have knowledge about (Kailas, Cecchi & Mukherjee, 2012). These devices can lead to many implications relating to the security and the well-being of the house. In addition, the house incurs extra utility bills to keep the devices running and connected. Moreover, cyber criminals are always on the lookout for connective networks. As the networks used in personal home is not very secure, the risk in security is a major concern.

The insides of the house are supposed to include all the devices that can be used to implement automation. Moreover, the devices will be connected to a central hub device that will be used to control all the other devices by using the user’s Smartphone.

Fig 1: Smart house

(Source: Created by the author)

This section of the report discusses about the various devices that will be used to apply the concepts of home automation.

The Wink Hub 2 is the required device which will be used to make connections to all the devices present in the dwellings of the house. This neglects the need for the user to control each individual device.

1. a) The usage issue is the presence of longevity problems in the device. The device cannot be used for a long time where various issues are seen. The user needs to purchase another such device to work.
2. b) The issue in control is the requirement of a Smartphone with high specifications. The developers need to scale down the application.
3. c) The issues in connectivity are the presence of z-wave and mesh topology. The user often needs to restart the device.
4. d) The most common issues in security are the presence of vulnerability and threats from hackers.
5. e) As the devices connected to the internet create a public profile of the user, the privacy issues related to this is concerning all users.

The device to be used as a surveillance camera is the Net gear Arlo Pro. Along with its waterproof designs, it also facilitates wireless connection. The device can also be rotated to 130° which makes surveillance a lot efficient.

1. a) The issue in usage is the presence of glitches in the live feed. Although, the glitches last only for a second or two, the developers need to reference the issues.
2. b) The issue in control is the requirement of a Smartphone with high specifications.
3. c) The issue in connectivity is the presence of startup failure of the mobile application.
4. d) The most common issues in security are the presence of vulnerability and threats from hackers.
5. e) As the devices connected to the internet create a public profile of the user, the privacy issues related to this is concerning all users.

Devices used in Home Automation

The device to be used as for use as a lock is the August Smart Lock. The manufacturers of the device have also made an application to be used by the user as a key. The device also has a live feed feature where the users can reply to guests remotely.

1. a) The issue in usage is that the user needs to be very close to the lock. The device enables Bluetooth connectivity which is the reason for its narrow range of operation.
2. b) The issue in control is the need for the user to send signal to the device which will then be activated. Then the user will be able to open the door. This is the main issue as it wastes too much of the user’s time.
3. c) The issue in connectivity is that android users cannot access the device as the device has mobile application integration in IOS only.
4. d) The most common issues in security are the presence of vulnerability and threats from hackers.
5. e) As the devices connected to the internet create a public profile of the user, the privacy issues related to this is concerning all users.

The Abode Bundles is to be used for security applications in the house. This device can lock the door when the user leaves their house and opens it when the user is close.

1. a) The main issue in usage is the need for an upgraded system. Older devices will not work properly with it.
2. b) The issue in control is the requirement for desktop connectivity to add new devices.
3. c) The issue in connectivity is the need for cellular data. As it is said to provide backup even in outages, the cellular data is used to remain connected which raises the expense.
4. d) The most common issues in security are the presence of vulnerability and threats from hackers.
5. e) As the devices connected to the internet create a public profile of the user, the privacy issues related to this is concerning all users.

Nest thermostat is the device to be used for operating the heat in the house. The appliance activates by itself when the user is close to their house. It also allows mobile application integration.

Issues:

1. a) The main problem in usage is the presence of glitches in the internal wiring of the device. Due to such problems, the heat is always expected to rise from the set levels.
2. b) The issue in control is the frequent stoppage of the device. This causes hindrance to the users.
3. c) The issue in connectivity is the fast draining of the battery due to which the device frequently goes offline.
4. d) The most common issues in security are the presence of vulnerability and threats from hackers.
5. e) As the devices connected to the internet create a public profile of the user, the privacy issues related to this is concerning all users.

The Hisense 10,000 BTU air conditioner is the device to be installed for efficiently adopting the IOT concept. The device allows connectivity through Wi-Fi. Furthermore, the manufacturers of the device have integrated a mobile application to the devices which helps in control through a Smartphone.

1. a) The issue in usage is the production of much noise in the house. As the customers are concerned with the product, the manufacturers need to address the problem.
2. b) The issue in control aspects is the requirement for a small space to work efficiently. In case the area is large, the device will not be able to work efficiently.
3. c) The issue in connectivity is the presence of startup failure of the mobile application.
4. d) The most common issues in security are the presence of vulnerability and threats from hackers.
5. e) As the devices connected to the internet create a public profile of the user, the privacy issues related to this is concerning all users.

Philips Hue bulb is the appliance to be used for lighting the whole house. The most important feature of the device is that it can change the color of the light along with the intensity. Furthermore, it facilitates connectivity through a Smartphone.

1. a) The issue in usage is that color change cannot be applied efficiently. The application is to be connected first and then change will take place.
2. b) The issue in control is the presence of a plastic remote control whose durability of the remote is questionable.
3. c) The issue in connectivity is the problems in deployment. The bulb comes with another device known as the Hue Bridge. The bridge is to be connected to the home network by using an Ethernet cable. This is the main problem which increases the hassle made by people.
4. d) The most common issues in security are the presence of vulnerability and threats from hackers.
5. e) As the devices connected to the internet create a public profile of the user, the privacy issues related to this is concerning all users.

The Char-Broil Digital Electric Smoker is the appliance that can be used for cooking related purposes. The time taken to cook the foods is very short. The device is also very spacious to facilitate more cooking capacity. Likewise, the temperature control can be done by suing the mobile application for the device.

1. a) The issue in usage is the presence of a lot of smoke when cooking. This causes people buying the device to cook in the open. The manufacturer needs to address the issues relating to it.
2. b) The issue in control is that the temperature control by the mobile application is not efficient enough. This causes the temperature to reach a, much high level than the required amount.
3. c) The issue in connectivity is the lack of any activity from the mobile application. The application cannot control the temperature very efficiently.
4. d) The most common issues in security are the presence of vulnerability and threats from hackers.
5. e) As the devices connected to the internet create a public profile of the user, the privacy issues related to this is concerning all users.

The June Intelligent Oven is also another cookware appliance which is used for home automation. Moreover, the device comes with an integrated camera to send live feed of the food. In addition, the device has artificial intelligence program and allows Wi-Fi connectivity.

1. a) In case the device cannot recognize the food, it displays an error message in the application. This is the main issue in usage.
2. b) The issue in control of the device lies in the fact that manual control is not possible. This is the reason for uncooked foods in some cases.
3. c) The issue in connectivity is the absence of android integrated applications. The device can only be connected by a Smartphone with IOS platform.
4. d) The most common issues in security are the presence of vulnerability and threats from hackers.
5. e) As the devices connected to the internet create a public profile of the user, the privacy issues related to this is concerning all users.

Eufy RoboVac 11 is the device to be used for cleaning operations. The Eufy device is another device that allows automation in house. Furthermore, the device allows remote control from the user.

1. a) The issue in usages is the need for remote control by the users. The device does not operate on its own.
2. b) The issue in control is that the device stops working after some times.
3. c) The main problem in connectivity is the absence of automation.
4. d) The most common issues in security are the presence of vulnerability and threats from hackers.
5. e) As the devices connected to the internet create a public profile of the user, the privacy issues related to this is concerning all users.

Conclusion:

Thus, the conclusion that can be drawn from the analysis is the utilization of automation in houses that can be possible by adopting the different devices discussed in the report. The analysis of hose devices also gave light to the various usage, control, connectivity, privacy and security issues. Furthermore, the solutions to these issues should be applied to deliver efficient services to the customers. 

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