Secure your home with the right smart lock

Deciding to secure your home with a smart door lock seems like a simple decision. It means no more need for keys and access is simple. But then questions pop up. Did you want to integrate your lock with a smart home protocol? Maybe you want more than just pin access? Or maybe need to know how you can give someone a one off access? With so many varieties and options out in the marketplace, here's one way to give you the guidance and help to pick the right smart lock for you.

Interoperability

The smart lock that you pick needs to communicate easily with you via your phone and/or your smart home gadgets. There are a number of great protocols that you can choose from. You can have it solely communicate via Bluetooth or add the lock to a new or existing smart home ecosystem such as Z-Wave, Zigbee or Apple HomeKit.

Bluetooth

Bluetooth is the most common protocol found in smart door locks. Getting started is easy too, install the relevant app and pair it to your Bluetooth device. Many Bluetooth devices don't consume as much battery as purely Wi-Fi enabled devices do. Bluetooth smart locks, such as Igloohome Smart Deadbolt 2S, pride on the ability to work securely without Wi-Fi connectivity. One such benefit of this is it removes the concern of Wi-Fi hacking or minor and often inconvenient disruptions to the Wi-Fi reception.

Usually, Bluetooth locks carry multiple methods for access, such as PIN or manual (backup) key. Other examples of Bluetooth locks include Kaadas 5155 and Samsung Push-Pull Handle SHP-D727.

Z-Wave

Z-Wave enabled smart door locks are a great option to create and grow your smart home gadget collection. Using this protocol requires setting up a Z-Wave gateway. To begin with, you will need to have a Z-Wave compatible hub. This Z-Wave hub is the tool required for all Z-Wave compatible gadgets to communicate with each other. Another benefit to Z-Wave is you can control and view your smart lock's activity from anywhere in the world. For maximum efficiency ensure your lock is within 9m of your hub. An example of a Z-Wave compatible lock is Yale Assure.

Zigbee

Similar to the Z-Wave protocol, Zigbee allows other Zigbee devices to work together. The difference is in how they communicate. Zigbee uses mesh networking technology, so if one relay device should fail, the Zigbee gadgets can still communicate with each other via another relay device. Examples include Schlage Connect Smart Deadbolt and Yale Assure SL Lock Touchscreen.

pple HomeKit

The Apple HomeKit is an ecosystem all of its own. If you want all of your Apple and smart home devices to communicate together, this is the one for you. To make this work, the HomeKit, specifically on the iPhone or iPad is a must. However, to truly make an entirely connected home, a hub is required. This can either be an Apple TV or HomePod. Once this is connected to your smart lock, you can use Siri commands to unlock your door. The only downside is sharing access to the lock is made a little bit more difficult. Depending on the lock itself, sharing access can be achieved once you have shared access to your HomeKit. However, just like with Z-Wave, you can personalise certain actions. An example of this action can be, unlocking the door will automatically activate the light. The Danalock V3 Apple HomeKit is one such smart lock.

Methods of access

You can enter your home any number of ways, depending upon which smart door lock you purchase. By far, the most common method is Bluetooth. Other options vary, from PIN, biometrics, fob cards and manual keys. 

PIN

Many door locks offer PIN entry. If you are a bit sceptical about leaving fingerprints on the number pads, there are locks that come with the option to use decoy numbers. Decoy PINs are simply random numbers put before, after or between the main PIN. A good way for throwing off the scent to possible sneaky beaks. PINs usually range from 6 to 8 digits, with the majority of smart locks providing a set number of active PINs.

Biometric

This is like stepping into the future. Simply place your finger on the biometric pad and BOOM, you're in. The option does wonders for those with easily forgetful memories. Thus making an excellent option for the elderly. 

Physical Key

Like with many technological software these days, it's all about keeping your backup up to date. Your physical key is this backup to your smart lock, should your lock run out of battery or stop functioning altogether. Some door locks have a covert keyhole which to the unknowing eye, can be completely missed. Whilst others, they are clear as day. 

Last points on smart locks

When purchasing a smart door lock answer the following questions. Don’t forget, there is no right or wrong way to go about purchasing a smart door lock. It is all about creating ease and flexibility of access to your front door.

• Do you want this as part of an ecosystem?
• Will there be plenty of one-time access users or will this be solely for permanent access?
• Are you wanting to keep the existing deadbolt mechanism or have this entirely replaced?
• Will this door lock make life easier for access?
• How are you wanting to activate your lock?

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Secure Your World
Category: Locksmith Profile: Secure Your World was created out of sheer frustration that we couldn’t find the best security products and services we needed to stay safe. We bring together the best security products, independent advice and qualified installers to make securing your home, business, caravan or anything else simple. Products such as Igloohome and Reolink to make your home secure with the best in smart technology. Our mission at Secure Your World is to help all Australians to banish the fear, to be protectors ...