What is a smart socket? "Smart" SMS-outlet

Intelligent control system of security devices and protection of housing, or the concept of "Smart House", has long prevented sleepers genius of information technology. Dreams about automation of all processes occurring inside the apartment, slowly but surely become a reality.

It's still early to talk about a full-fledged artificial intelligence-butler, but the first steps in this direction have already been made - smart outlets have been created. Unique home network power management systems were designed at the Fraugofer Institute in Germany. If household appliances are connected to these outlets, then they can be controlled without getting up from the sofa or even being on the other side of the world.

How did the sockets become "smart"?

At this stage in the development of engineering thought, it is possible to realize the concept of an "intelligent" house only by using adapters, devices with built-in remote control mechanisms. Such adapters are smart sockets. Their design includes two elements - an electromagnetic relay and a controller.

The controller receives signals and transmits them to the electromagnetic relay, which in turn is responsible for closing and opening the electrical circuit, that is, for supplying the load. The controller can receive signals via the Internet, via SMS or GSM-channels. These adapters differ in the type of the control signal, the power of the transmitted load, the design, functional and technical features.

How useful is an "intelligent" socket?

"Smart" sockets will be an indispensable acquisition for scattered people or those who constantly doubt: "Did I turn off the iron?" Such people can get rid of their own doubts by simply logging on to the application on their mobile device or by sending a short SMS message to the outlet. In addition to providing remote access to management of household appliances, "smart" sockets allow to solve a number of other tasks:

• Automate the work of office equipment (reboot routers, PC on schedule).
• Strengthen the protective functions of security systems (fixing sudden changes in temperature, the presence of smoke in the room, increasing the level of humidity).
• Protect the instrument from short-circuiting or from accidental de-energizing.

Using "smart" sockets, it is possible to increase the security of the dwelling from unauthorized penetration. Sending short messages or clicking on buttons in the application, you can include music, light, electrical appliances, thereby simulating the presence in the apartment. As a rule, thieves bypass the "noisy" houses side.

Who obeys the "smart" socket?

The first such adapters were managed exclusively through mobile communication. They had a built-in GSM-module and a connector for the sim card. They were subject to applications installed on smartphones or personal computers. SMS messages were used for communication.

Modern "smart" GSM sockets are able to connect to a router installed in the house. It monitors signals coming from the owners of the apartment, through a special Internet portal or application, and then transfers them to the hardware part of the outlet, and they, in turn, to the connected device.

Each such adapter is assigned its own IP-address, which is necessary for data encryption and protection against unauthorized access. Connection to the router is possible up to 30 meters.

Features of smart outlets

We have already noted that adapters for remote control of household appliances differ between each other with functional and technical features. The most common is the classification of devices at maximum power. The usual "smart" socket with remote SMS-control is able to control devices up to 3 kW. In more advanced specimens, this indicator is higher.

According to the embodiment, smart sockets can be divided into single and network subtypes. In the first case, there is only one connector for connecting devices. Network adapters consist of 3-5 outlets with a single or separate control system. The network of adapters can communicate with each other via radio communication.

Devices can be classified according to the presence or absence of an uninterruptible power supply. Sockets equipped with UPS, keep the operability of technology, despite the differences or lack of voltage in the network. In addition, this "smart" socket with remote SMS-management sends alerts about the power outage to the owner of the apartment.

Smart sockets Senseit GS1

The ability to implement various functions in the adapter significantly expanded the range of the information technology market. For the first time in Russia, such systems were promoted by Senseit. At present, three models of devices - GS1, GS2M and GS2S deserve attention.

Simple and fairly inexpensive are the GS1 devices. In their design they have a SIM card slot. You can manage it by sending SMS or making calls from any Russian operator. Smart socket GS1 remembers up to 5 numbers and responds only to them.

This is a good solution if you plan to install only one or two such devices, but no more, for you will have to remember the number from each adapter. In the design of the outlet there is a built-in temperature sensor, which increases the protection of the object from fire.

Senseit GS2M and GS2S outlets

Considering GS2M and GS2S sockets separately does not make sense, because they are absolutely identical, except for one detail - the first model is a so-called master outlet that has a host controller and controls other adapters, in particular GS2S.

Up to 10 GS2S instances can be connected to the GS2M at the same time. Between each other, the models communicate in the radio frequency range. Moreover, the control signals are received by the smart Senseit GS2M socket, which then passes the instructions to the other adapters connected to it.

Commands can be sent through a website, a special iOS and Android application, or via SMS messages. Each socket has a built-in temperature sensor and informs the user about changes in the house - power outage, voltage drop and other events.

How much does an "intelligent" socket?

The cost of "smart" outlets starts from 800 rubles. Everything depends on the manufacturer, design features, power and other parameters. In particular, the presence or absence of a temperature sensor exerts a significant influence on the price of the goods.

Devices with built-in temperature sensors are more cumbersome. You should buy them if you want to maintain a microclimate in your house using a split-system or electric heater.

The control system is of no small importance. So, "smart" SMS-outlet will cost an order of magnitude cheaper than a similar device with the ability to connect to the Internet. However, the choice is always just for you.