2.5+Homes+and+home+networks

=Home Automation= http://www.lifehack.org/articles/technology/home-automation-what-it-can-do-for-you.html

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With the advancement of technology, most of the home utilities are now automatized from control of light, movement of curtains, open and closure of gates to security cameras and home entertainment. To control such solutions computer based applications are devised to handle the parameterization and regulate the usage based on the user’s demand.

Light Control
Apart from the on and off switch of light, the ability to fade out or in the light intensity in a room is now controlled by remote controls, as well as switches; in advanced home system controls, the light system in a house is connected to a main server controller on which there is an application where the user can define the level of light as well as schedule the time to switch off the light partially or fully or even change the colour.

Security Control
From the surveillance cameras to security alarms, home computers establish the ability to record live feed and set up the alarms, passwords and motion detection devices when the user requires instantly or based on a pre-defined schedule. Connected to rescue squads and police stations, the system gives the capability through leased lines to pass alerts, signals or even live capture to the authorities conveying the level of risk to which the residents are experiencing. The access to houses and or specific spaces within the house is also managed by the security system including the reset of passwords and creation of access profiles with or without biometric measures.

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http://secure.frontpointsecurity.com/homesecurityguide

Entertainment Centers
Home theatres with big flat screens and sophisticated audio systems are now deployed and managed across residences. Computer based control of the distribution of sound output and the different tracks of audio and the user through wire or wireless networks manipulates video across the different chambers. Internet, full function televisions are now available to be used as live podcast display or to navigate the World Wide Web interchangeably.

All of the above plus other options that have mechanical motion of curtains, cupboards even secret compartments are also linked to software that gives the user the upper hand to manage it all. Coupled with the facility of universal remote controls, the user can be sitting in his chair and able to control all of the above without the need to move from his place. However, even though this automation can be seen as a step forward for technology, it will have many drawbacks that will come back to haunt us.

To what extent is this technology beneficial for the stakeholders?

General Advantages and disadvantages of home automation:
 * Area of Automation || Advant ages || Disadvantages ||
 * Entertainment Centers ||  ||   ||
 * Light Control ||  ||   ||
 * Security Control ||  ||   ||