树莓派智能家居控制中心_什么是智能家居中心，您需要一个

树莓派智能家居控制中心

Smart home automation hubs are a one-stop solution for unifying your connected gadgets and controlling them from one app instead of many. But do you really need one?

智能家居自动化集线器是一站式解决方案，用于统一您连接的小工具并通过一个或多个应用程序控制它们。 但是，您真的需要一个吗？

By John R. Delaney & Angela Moscaritolo

由 约翰·德莱尼 和 安吉拉Moscaritolo

The Internet of Things (IoT) initiative that connects smart home devices such as doorbells, lights, locks, security cameras, and thermostats has made it easy for everyone to install and use these gadgets in their homes, but you still need some sort of mechanism to control them. In some cases, just a phone will do the trick, but if you use multiple different products or services, you might need a home automation hub to control everything and have the devices interact with each other. The problem is, there is no single hub available that can control all of the different smart home devices out there. Read on to find out what kind of hubs are available and if you need one to smarten up your home.

连接智能家居设备(例如门铃，灯，锁，安全摄像头和恒温器)的物联网(IoT)计划使每个人都可以轻松在家中安装和使用这些小工具，但是您仍然需要某种机制控制他们。 在某些情况下，只需一部电话就能解决问题，但如果您使用多种不同的产品或服务，则可能需要一个家庭自动化集线器来控制一切并让设备彼此交互。 问题是，没有可用的集线器来控制所有不同的智能家居设备。 继续阅读以了解可用的集线器，以及是否需要一个集线器来改善您的房屋。

有哪些不同的家庭自动化协议？ (What Are the Different Home Automation Protocols?)

Any discussion around home automation hubs should begin with a basic primer on protocols, or the method of communication used to control your devices. There are multiple wired and wireless protocols in use today that link smart home devices to each other and to a hub. One of the oldest protocols, X10, has been around since the mid-1970s. It uses your existing home electrical wiring to send signals to each device and is mostly used to control connected lighting systems and motion detectors.

有关家庭自动化集线器的任何讨论都应从协议的基本入门或用于控制设备的通信方法开始。 当今有多种有线和无线协议正在使用，这些协议将智能家居设备相互链接到集线器。 X10是最早的协议之一，自1970年代中期以来一直存在。 它使用您现有的家用电线将信号发送到每个设备，并且主要用于控制连接的照明系统和运动检测器。

The Universal Powerline Bus (UPB) protocol is loosely based on X10 and also uses your home’s electrical lines to transmit signals between devices, but it offers faster transmission rates and is generally considered to be more reliable. Oddly, X10 and UPB devices are not compatible and require a controller (hub) that supports both protocols to make them work together.

通用电力线总线(UPB)协议宽松地基于X10，并且还使用家庭的电线在设备之间传输信号，但是它提供了更快的传输速率，并且通常被认为更可靠。 奇怪的是，X10和UPB设备不兼容，需要支持两种协议的控制器(集线器)才能使它们一起工作。

Devices based on the Insteon protocol utilize your home’s electrical wiring and RF (radio frequency) wireless technology to communicate. Insteon is known for its easy push-button pairing, speedy response times, and extended wireless range. There are more than 200 Insteon home automation devices available including cameras, dimmers, keypads, light switches, and thermostats.

基于Insteon协议的设备利用您家庭的电线和RF(射频)无线技术进行通信。 Insteon以其容易的按钮配对，快速的响应时间和扩展的无线范围而闻名。 有200多种Insteon家庭自动化设备可用，包括摄像头，调光器，小键盘，电灯开关和恒温器 。

With an impressive roster of more than 3,000 smart home devices available, the Z-Wave protocol is one of the more widely used options in today’s home automation and home security markets due to its superior range. Z-Wave is completely wireless and operates at a low radio frequency, which means it will not interfere with Wi-Fi signals, portable phones, and microwave ovens. Z-Wave creates a mesh network that allows signals to hop from one device to another, and each network can support up to 232 devices. These include smart plugs, door and window sensors, door locks, garage door openers, thermostats, and more.

Z-Wave协议拥有3,000多种智能家庭设备，令人印象深刻，由于其范围广泛，是当今家庭自动化和家庭安全市场中使用更广泛的选项之一。 Z-Wave完全是无线的，并且在低射频下运行，这意味着它不会干扰Wi-Fi信号，便携式电话和微波炉。 Z-Wave创建了一个网状网络，该网络允许信号从一个设备跳到另一设备，每个网络最多可支持232个设备。 其中包括智能插头 ，门窗传感器， 门锁 ，车库门开启器，恒温器等。

Like Z-Wave, Zigbee is a wireless protocol that creates a mesh network where devices can transmit signals to each other, but it doesn’t offer the extended range that you get with Z-Wave. It operates at a higher frequency, and as such is susceptible to interference from 2.4GHz Wi-Fi and other household devices, but it is typically faster than Z-Wave and can support thousands of devices on a single network. There are currently more than 2,500 Zigbee devices available, including lights, motion sensors, plugs, and sprinkler controllers.

像Z-Wave一样，Zigbee是一种无线协议，可以创建一个网状网络，设备可以在该网状网络之间相互传输信号，但是它不提供Z-Wave所提供的扩展范围。 它以更高的频率运行，因此很容易受到2.4GHz Wi-Fi和其他家用设备的干扰，但通常比Z-Wave更快，并且可以在单个网络上支持数千个设备。 当前，有超过2500种Zigbee设备可用，包括灯 ，运动传感器，插头和洒水控制器。

Many smart devices contain Wi-Fi radios that allow them to connect to your home network. They are controlled using a mobile app and will usually interact with other Wi-Fi devices, either through a platform like Apple’s HomeKit or via the IFTTT (If This Then That) internet-based service that links compatible devices and allows them to work with one another. Wi-Fi is ubiquitous and Wi-Fi smart devices are usually very easy to install, but they draw more power than Z-Wave and Zigbee devices and are known to drain batteries quickly. Moreover, installing too many Wi-Fi devices can impede network performance. Many security cameras and doorbells use Wi-Fi, and any hub worth its salt will contain a Wi-Fi radio so you can connect to your home network and control your smart devices from anywhere.

许多智能设备都包含Wi-Fi无线电，使它们可以连接到您的家庭网络。 它们通过移动应用程序进行控制，通常会通过苹果HomeKit之类的平台或通过IFTTT(如果兼容的话)基于Internet的服务与其他Wi-Fi设备进行交互， 该服务会链接兼容的设备并使它们与一个兼容的设备一起工作。另一个。 Wi-Fi无处不在，Wi-Fi智能设备通常很容易安装，但它们比Z-Wave和Zigbee设备消耗更多功率，并且众所周知，它会很快耗尽电池电量。 此外，安装过多的Wi-Fi设备可能会影响网络性能。 许多安全摄像头和门铃都使用Wi-Fi，并且任何值得盐分的集线器都将包含Wi-Fi无线电，因此您可以连接到家庭网络并从任何地方控制智能设备。

Bluetooth wireless technology is popular in devices that will be controlled locally using a mobile app, such as door locks and lighting systems. It’s more energy efficient than Wi-Fi, but its limited range means you can’t control these devices remotely (out of Bluetooth range) without the use of a hub. That said, Bluetooth devices are easy to install, and like Wi-Fi, the technology can be found in nearly all mobile devices.

蓝牙无线技术在将使用移动应用程序在本地控制的设备中很流行，例如门锁和照明系统。 它比Wi-Fi更加节能，但是范围有限，这意味着您不使用集线器就无法远程控制这些设备(超出蓝牙范围)。 也就是说，蓝牙设备易于安装，并且像Wi-Fi一样，几乎在所有移动设备中都可以找到该技术。

Thread, an IoT platform developed by several companies including Nest, Qualcomm, Samsung, and Silicon Labs, is a newer option. It’s a low-power technology based on the Internet Protocol (IPv6) that allows secure connectivity between hundreds of devices. There aren’t too many Thread-certified products out there yet, but the list includes a couple of Nest devices.

Thread是由Nest，高通，三星和Silicon Labs等多家公司开发的物联网平台，是一种较新的选择。 这是一种基于Internet协议(IPv6)的低功耗技术，可在数百个设备之间实现安全连接。 目前还没有太多经过Thread认证的产品 ，但是列表中包含了几个Nest设备。

什么是智能家居自动化中心？ (What Is a Smart Home Automation Hub?)

A hub serves as the nerve center of your home automation system and ties all of your devices together. Whether you need one or not depends on the type of components you’re using and how many devices you want to control. For example, if you’ve decided to use Insteon devices, you’ll need an Insteon hub to control them and have them work together. Insteon makes its own hubs: The Insteon Hub controls all Insteon devices and supports integrations with First Alert, Logitech, Nest, and Sonos products, and it supports Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant voice commands. If you want Apple HomeKit support, you’ll need the Insteon Hub (HomeKit-enabled), but you’ll have to do without the above-mentioned integrations and support for Android and Windows devices. However, you can use Siri voice commands.

集线器充当家庭自动化系统的神经中枢，并将所有设备连接在一起。 是否需要一个组件取决于所使用的组件类型以及要控制的设备数量。 例如，如果您决定使用Insteon设备，则需要一个Insteon集线器来控制它们并使它们协同工作。 Insteon拥有自己的集线器： Insteon集线器控制所有Insteon设备并支持与First Alert，Logitech，Nest和Sonos产品的集成，并且支持Amazon Alexa和Google Assistant语音命令。 如果需要Apple HomeKit支持，则需要Insteon Hub(启用HomeKit) ，但是您必须没有上述集成以及对Android和Windows设备的支持。 但是，您可以使用Siri语音命令。

Many of the latest home automation hubs support multiple protocols, which means you don’t have to settle on just one. The Wink Hub 2 is one of the more versatile hubs out there. In addition to Zigbee, Z-Wave, and dual-band Wi-Fi, it supports Bluetooth Low Energy, Lutron Clear Connect (lighting), and Kidde (smoke and CO alarm) wireless protocols. It also supports Alexa voice commands and IFTTT applets, and will control smart devices from numerous manufacturers including Chamberlain, Ecobee, GE, Honeywell, Nest, Philips Hue, Ring, and Yale. Just keep in mind that Wink recently changed its business model and now charges a $4.99 monthly fee for the same services it previously offered for free.

许多最新的家庭自动化集线器都支持多种协议，这意味着您不必只依赖一种协议。 Wink Hub 2是其中一种更通用的集线器。 除了Zigbee，Z-Wave和双频Wi-Fi，它还支持低功耗蓝牙，Lutron Clear Connect(照明)和Kidde(烟雾和CO警报)无线协议。 它还支持Alexa语音命令和IFTTT小程序，并将控制来自众多制造商的智能设备，包括张伯伦，Ecobee，GE，霍尼韦尔，Nest，飞利浦Hue，Ring和Yale。 请记住，Wink最近更改了其业务模式， 现在对以前免费提供的相同服务收取每月4.99美元的费用 。

The Samsung SmartThings Hub is another multi-protocol controller: It contains Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Z-Wave, and Zigbee radios and will control many of the most widely used smart devices from companies like Ecobee, Honeywell, Kwikset, Philips Hue, Ring, Schlage, and Yale. Of course, it also works directly with many Samsung products. It can be controlled using Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant voice commands.

三星SmartThings集线器是另一种多协议控制器：它包含蓝牙，Wi-Fi，Z-Wave和Zigbee无线电，将控制Ecobee，Honeywell，Kwikset，Philips Hue，Ring等公司使用的许多最广泛使用的智能设备。 ，施拉奇和耶鲁。 当然，它也可以直接与许多三星产品一起使用。 可以使用Amazon Alexa和Google Assistant语音命令进行控制。

If you’re looking for a system that does more than just control smart devices, consider a hybrid approach such as the TP-Link Deco M9 Plus. The M9 Plus is primarily a mesh Wi-Fi system that uses attractive nodes to eliminate Wi-Fi dead spots while providing a single network for seamless roaming throughout your home. It also contains Bluetooth and Zigbee antennas and can control numerous smart devices including door locks, door sensors, lighting systems, motion sensors, and smart plugs. Samsung’s SmartThings Wifi is another hybrid model that combines an AC1300 Wi-Fi system with a SmartThings home automation hub.

如果您正在寻找一个不仅仅可以控制智能设备的系统，请考虑使用TP-Link Deco M9 Plus之类的混合方法。 M9 Plus主要是一个网状Wi-Fi系统 ，该系统使用引人入胜的节点消除Wi-Fi死点，同时为整个家庭提供无缝漫游的单一网络。 它还包含蓝牙和Zigbee天线，可以控制众多智能设备，包括门锁，门传感器，照明系统，运动传感器和智能插头。 三星的SmartThings Wifi是另一种混合型号，将AC1300 Wi-Fi系统与SmartThings家庭自动化集线器结合在一起。

其他类型的集线器 (Other Types of Hubs)

Home automation is also finding its way into some of the latest smart security systems. The Abode Home Security Starter Kit is a DIY home security system that offers a choice of self or professional monitoring and contains numerous radios including Wi-Fi, Z-Wave, and Zigbee. It also has a cellular radio for connecting to the internet in the event that your Wi-Fi goes down, and it supports IFTTT applets and Alexa voice commands. Similarly, the Vivint Smart Home System lets you control things like door locks, lights, and thermostats, using your phone.=

家庭自动化也正在进入一些最新的智能安全系统 。 Abode家庭安全入门套件是一个DIY家庭安全系统，可提供自我监视或专业监视选择，并包含众多无线电，包括Wi-Fi，Z-Wave和Zigbee。 它还具有蜂窝无线电，可在Wi-Fi发生故障时连接到互联网，并且它支持IFTTT小程序和Alexa语音命令。 同样， Vivint Smart Home System可让您使用手机控制诸如门锁，灯光和恒温器之类的东西。

As touched on already, if you want to control your smart devices with your voice, Amazon Alexa, Apple Siri, and Google Assistant will let you do it, and in some cases can take the place of a dedicated hub. The Amazon Echo Plus has a built-in Zigbee radio that lets it serve as a Zigbee hub. All three platforms let you control numerous Wi-Fi connected devices using your voice, but in most cases, you don’t get the same level of control that you do with a dedicated app or hub.

如前所述，如果您想用声音控制智能设备，Amazon Alexa，Apple Siri和Google Assistant可以让您做到这一点，并且在某些情况下可以代替专用的集线器。 Amazon Echo Plus具有内置的Zigbee收音机，使其可以用作Zigbee集线器。 所有这三个平台都可以让您使用语音控制众多Wi-Fi连接的设备，但是在大多数情况下，您无法获得与专用应用程序或集线器相同的控制级别。

Apple doesn’t sell a dedicated hub for its HomeKit platform, but you can use certain Apple products, such as an Apple TV, HomePod, or iPad, as a hub. Devices that support HomeKit can be controlled using Scenes and Automations. Scenes let you control numerous devices all at once. For example, you can create a Good Morning scene that sets the thermostat to a certain temperature, turns on a light, and starts the coffee pot. With Automations you can trigger a scene or turn on a device based on your location, the time of day, or when a sensor is triggered.

Apple并未为其HomeKit平台出售专用集线器，但您可以将某些Apple产品(例如Apple TV ， HomePod或iPad )用作集线器。 可以使用场景和自动化来控制支持HomeKit的设备。 场景使您可以一次控制众多设备。 例如，您可以创建一个Good Morning场景，将恒温器设置为特定温度，打开灯，然后启动咖啡壶。 使用自动化，您可以根据您的位置，一天中的时间或触发传感器的时间来触发场景或打开设备。

无集线器控制 (Hub-Free Control)

Some home automation systems don’t require a hub and can simply be controlled directly using a mobile app. The Nest ecosystem includes cameras, doorbells, locks, smoke alarms, and thermostats, and works directly with your phone, as well as a number of third-party devices.

一些家庭自动化系统不需要集线器，而可以直接使用移动​​应用程序直接控制。 Nest生态系统包括摄像头，门铃，锁，烟雾报警器和恒温器，可直接与您的手机以及许多第三方设备配合使用。

You can also use IFTTT applets to have smart devices work with each other without the need for a hub. IFTTT applets are like mini-programs that you create to have IFTTT-enabled devices behave a certain way. For example, you can create an applet to have your Philips Hue lights turn red when your favorite football team wins, or you can have a smart plug turn on when a motion sensor is triggered. As long as your devices are connected to the internet via Wi-Fi and are IFTTT-enabled, you can have them respond to things like changes in the weather, new Facebook posts, Foursquare check-ins, and more.

您也可以使用IFTTT小程序来使智能设备相互配合，而无需集线器。 IFTTT小程序就像您创建的小程序，以使具有IFTTT功能的设备以某种方式运行。 例如，您可以创建一个小程序，以便在您最喜欢的足球队获胜时使Philips Hue灯变红，或者在触发运动传感器时打开智能插头。 只要您的设备通过Wi-Fi连接到互联网并且启用了IFTTT，您就可以使它们响应天气变化，新的Facebook帖子，Foursquare签入等问题。

Ultimately, the answer to whether or not you need a hub comes down to the devices you have, the ones you plan to buy, and how you want to control them. Keep in mind that the smart home space, while rapidly maturing, is still relatively new. Our guess is that dedicated hubs will ultimately fade out over time, something we’ve already seen happening over the last couple of years. For now, though, you might want to consider one in order to take full control over your smart home.

最终，是否需要集线器的答案取决于所拥有的设备，计划购买的设备以及如何控制它们。 请记住，智能家居空间虽然日趋成熟，但仍相对较新。 我们的猜测是，随着时间的流逝，专用集线器最终会逐渐消失，这在过去几年中已经发生过。 但是，目前，您可能需要考虑一种方法来完全控制智能家居。

Originally published at https://www.pcmag.com.

最初发布在 https://www.pcmag.com 。

翻译自: https://medium.com/pcmag-access/what-is-a-smart-home-hub-and-do-you-need-one-692b00a6c6bb

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