Apple picker Commercial message: In the Czech Republic, the demand for security systems has been growing steadily for the past few years, and more and more households are relying on Smart Home technology. For us Apple lovers, HomeKit is usually the first choice, but do we know where its limits are? Although it is not talked about much, despite the friendly controls and premium design, wireless security systems such as HomeKit, Alexa or Google Nest do not meet the high security requirements that have become the standard in this industry.
The latest survey by the IPSOS company showed that 59% of Czechs would like to have a security camera at home and that 1/4 of those surveyed consider smart security systems to be the most important element for protecting the home after the security door. An affordable way to jump into this trend is to purchase cameras from the HomeKit accessories menu.
But let's take a look at 6 areas where HomeKit is not enough for professional security systems. As a representative of professional systems for comparison, we chose BEDO Ajax, which is a security system that offers a combination of the highest level of protection and user-friendliness with an eye-pleasing Apple-style design.
1. Individual sensors vs. certified system
HomeKit offers the connection of different sensors from different manufacturers, which has a negative impact on the level of security, since the integration of different technologies from different manufacturers requires certain compromises. On the contrary, a comprehensive home security system does not have to make sacrifices on the altar of integration and sets a uniform level of maximum security across all elements.
The difference is also in the range of types of sensors that, in the case of professional security systems, cover the needs of even the most demanding users – motion sensors, cameras, door and window sensors, fire detectors, flood sensors, sirens and much more. With HomeKit, it is usually necessary to combine hardware from different manufacturers or to simply change some functions.
2. Range and battery life
Where professional systems are miles ahead are the technical parameters. BEDO Ajax sensors offer, for example, a range of 2 kilometers in open terrain and a battery life of up to 7 years. This is possible thanks to the inclusion of a high-tech communication protocol tailored to this particular system. For sensors from HomeKit-compatible manufacturers and systems such as Amazon Alexa or Google Nest, this data is often not public, and the range is usually within 10 meters of the control station, so it may not be enough to meaningfully secure a larger family home.
3. One-way communication
In the framework of wireless security, communication between sensors and the central unit is an important chapter. In the HomeKit system, this communication is only one-way - the sensors send data to the central office, where it is processed. This solution has significant security flaws, which is why professional solutions have switched to two-way communication. The main advantages of two-way communication include:
- after switching on, the central unit checks the status of all sensors
- the sensors don't transmit anything and don't waste energy at rest
- the sensors do not have to be equipped with blocking of further transmission after the alarm has been declared
- functions in the entire system can be tested remotely
- the automatic retuning function can be used if the system is disturbed
- the control panel can verify that it is a real alarm
4. Voice control
The voice control feature is very user-friendly and popular among customers. But it follows from practice that it is not always possible to use the voice for control and even a momentary failure is not unusual. It is then advisable to be able to control the security system in another way - by remote control, central panel or code unlocking. Most users don't realize this advantage until a false alarm occurs, when they try their best to shout over the triggered alarm.
5. Protection against sabotage
Common HomeKit or Google Nest sensors work on ZigBee, Z-Wave protocols or directly via Bluetooth and thus provide a significantly insufficient level of security against sabotage. They lack several important properties, for example they cannot tune to another frequency, so called frequency hopping. In contrast, the sensors of high-end systems based, for example, on the Jeweler protocol, such as BEDO Ajax, can detect jammer attacks and automatically switch to another frequency, or issue an alarm. It is typical for modern communication protocols that they also use a floating key to carefully encrypt data at every step to prevent any further attempts to hack the system.
6. Power failure or Wi-Fi signal failure
The last advantage of professional systems, which we will mention in this article, you will appreciate in a situation where there is a power outage. Yes, all HomeKit wireless sensors have their own batteries and their operation is not limited in any way, but the central unit will not last long without power, not to mention losing access to the Internet, which will cripple it practically immediately.
Systems like BEDO Ajax think about this, and in addition to a backup battery capable of keeping the security system running for several more hours without power, including the central unit, they can smoothly switch from Wi-Fi connection to mobile data via a SIM card. This can be a great advantage even if you have security in a cottage without internet access.
Are you serious about security?
If so, purchasing a professional security system is the only right way for you. In addition to all the advantages described above, the price for the radical leap to a higher level of protection is really small. You just have to get used to having HomeKit or a smart home under one button, and the security system under another. This is the only tax for the maximum security of closed systems, and BEDO Ajax could manage to remove it over time, as integration into third-party systems while maintaining the highest level of security is reportedly already being worked on.
A detailed presentation of the wireless security system can be found on the website BEDO Ajax or in Jiří Hubík and Filip Brož's video on Youtube iPure.cz.
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