Smart home vs. traditional security: Which is better for protecting your property?

Traditionally, security cameras and sensors had to be hardwired. This resulted in a fixed security system without much room for add-ons or improvements, or there was some form of renovation required. Smart technology typically doesn't need wires as there are other ways for it to function, like a Bluetooth- or WiFi-connection.

From KNX’s perspective, it’s best to start from a hardwired core - namely the KNX system - on which you can always rely (even for non-security appliances). When homeowners do decide to scale their security features with for example flooding detectors or a smart doorbell, it can easily be added to the ecosystem through a network connection rather than a cable.

“I forgot to turn on the alarm”, it’s a phrase that sounds all too familiar. Before, you’d be left with a lot of uncertainty and worrying. Smart technology takes the pressure off your shoulders in several ways. Automated routines are locked schedules that will activate and turn off your security system according to your preferences. 

Let’s compare it to your alarm for work on your smartphone. You’ve installed it to go off during weekdays, but on the weekend it’s not active. Home automation works in the exact same way. Convenient, isn’t it?

Did you leave home unplanned or not according to your usual schedule, like a vacation? You can always check up on your property thanks to remote control. A smart security system allows you to check its status as well as watch live footage from cameras, ensuring peace of mind.

In the past, security appliances simply and solely did what they were made for. Alarms were triggered, cameras filmed and sensors detected movement. Today, smart security devices have become a lot, well, smarter. A security camera not only records, it sends live footage and notifications to your smartphone, distinguishes suspicious movements from regular ones (like pets) and is connected to all other smart devices in your ecosystem.

The integration with your overall smart system allows you to connect your security system to all appliances. Let’s take your lightning for example. You might wonder why that would be necessary? Well, you could for instance sync both systems in such a manner, that as soon as your smart security system is activated, your lights are switched off. Or, if you put your home on ‘vacation mode’, you could tell your lights to periodically switch on and off, as a sign of presence.