Can Your Smart Home System Live Without the Cloud?

The smart devices that make up the smart home can either run locally or on the cloud. Though cloud gives more benefits than the locally processed devices, it is possible for a smart home to live without the cloud.

Smart homes are gaining popularity because of the convenience it offers to customers. It enables users to control home solutions such as lighting, security, and heating from their smartphones and laptops. This remote controlling allows one to manage home comfortably and effortlessly. Some of these smart appliances run locally,and others run on the cloud. While many manufacturers focus on creating cloud-based smart devices, it is possible for any smart house to operate without the cloud. Devices which run locally and on cloud have its own pros and cons which attract audiences accordingly.

Difference between cloud and locally run smart devices

Processing is the core of every smart device. Voice controlled devices operate after processing the sound. Security cameras recognize faces after processing it. Smart home hubs give accurate results after processing data from the sensors. Processing takes memory, power, and software. Manufacturers choose smart devices that process in the cloud as it is very convenient to run them.

Manufacturers do not need to program each device to analyze complex data in a cloud processed device. Also, cloud run devices can process more complex data. But the devices processed in the cloud rely heavily on the internet. So if the internet is down, the whole system goes down. On the other hand, locally processed devices can run even when the internet is down. They are also more secure as they do not have any privacy-related issues whereas cloud-based processing has a possibility of privacy breach which is hazardous to one’s security.

How can a smart home system operate without the cloud?

The previous analysis makes it clear that both locally run and cloud processed devices has its own benefits and disadvantages. It is also clear that the smart home automation system can operate without the cloud but less efficiently. Also, it is ideal for those who are concerned about the privacy-related risks. For those who want the advantages of both can opt for hybrid solutions where devices use the cloud but are not completely dependent on it. Here are some examples of smart home devices that can perform locally

Smart home hubs: WigWag, nCube Base, Mixtile, Hubitat, SmartThings Hub v2 and v3, Oomi Camera and Smart Home Hub, and Vera.

Home security cameras: CleverLoop, Netatmo Welcome, BuddyGuard Flare, Reolink Argus and Argus 2, Butterfleye, WyzeCam, Sens8, and Tend Secure Lynx Pro.

Home security solution: Nest Secure, Abode Security for Smart Home Devices, Frontpoint Home Security, and Honeywell Camera Base Station.

While some of these devices are processing only locally, others are hybrid; which can give the advantages of both local and cloud.

Smart Nest integrates technology with day to day living in every home. It is a home automation system company which creates a unique lifestyle for a smart home seeker.