Gateway

Although we call them smart devices, their true differentiating factor in general is connectivity, so that we can control and monitor them remotely from your mobile phone, tablet or smart speaker.

How are they connected? The most common connectivity standards are Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and ZigBee or Z-Wave protocols, the latter two requiring a hub or Gateway as an intermediary between the home router and the control devices.

There is no better or worse option, but each of them has its advantages and disadvantages., varying its suitability depending on the use we are going to give it. If the idea is to have few connected devices, Wi-Fi is a simple option that does not require more elements for its operation.

But if, on the other hand, we seek to automate our home by replacing light bulbs, sockets, automating blinds, connecting the television... in this case it is worth betting on a system that integrates a bridge to link everything and from there, establish the connection with the router. By reducing the number of devices connected to the router, the possibility of interference is less.

We recommend that you do not marry any brand, sometimes they close their system to their products, ceasing to be standards, forcing you to later have to buy their brand, which is why we recommend open and standardized systems. Z-wave is an example of them, you can find different brands compatible with this protocol. You only need a z-wave plus gateway and you can install hundreds of devices compatible with this system.