Home security & A.

How do motion sensors work?

Motion detectors are essential home security system components that alert you if someone is prowling
in or around your home. Though there are a few different types of motion detectors, most rely on
similar technologies to detect intruders: they pick up on tiny changes—in things like temperature,
vibration, or radiation—in the spaces they cover.

There are several types of motion sensor technology—active ultrasonic and passive infrared (PIR) are
two popular options, though microwave, tomographic, and dual-technology detectors also get some
market share.

An active ultrasonic motion detector emits ultrasonic sound waves that reflect off objects and bounce
back to the original emission point. When a moving object disrupts the waves, the sensor triggers and
completes the desired action, whether this is switching on a light or sounding an alarm.

Motion detection cameras, lights, and sensors used in home security systems generally rely on PIR
sensors. These detect infrared energy, which humans and animals release as heat. If the motion sensor
detects an increase in infrared energy, meaning someone has approached the sensor or walked within
its range, it notifies the home security control panel and an alarm sounds.

How does smoke alarms work?

Smoke alarms detect particles in the air. They most commonly do this using two types of detection
technologies.

First, there are ionization detectors. These use a small bit of safely shielded radioactive material that
electrically charges, or ionizes, the air molecules between two metal plates. This produces a small
electric current flowing from one plate to the other in the air. When particles enter the chamber, they
attract the ions and carry them away, reducing the current. When the number of particles entering the
chamber is enough to reduce that current below a certain amount, the device will register those
particles as smoke and the alarm will sound. (And about that radioactive material? Most of its radiation
is blocked inside the device, and even then, the radiation levels in the device are much lower than the
natural background radiation to which we are exposed every day.)

The other type of commonly used detection technology is called photoelectric. This technology works by
detecting light that is reflected off particles from a light beam inside the sensing chamber. When no
particles are present in the sensing chamber, the light from the beam does not strike the light detector,
indicating all clear. When there are particles present and the amount of light registered by the light
detector reaches a certain threshold level, the alarm sounds.

Both kinds of detectors can detect either slow-burning “smoldering” fires or fast-burning “flaming” fires,
but each technology has its particular strengths. Ionization-based alarms tend to detect small black soot
particles from flaming fires more quickly because they are produced in greater numbers and take away
more current from between the plates. Photoelectric detectors tend to be more sensitive to particles
that are larger in size and white or light-colored, and thus more reflective, like those emitted by
smoldering fires.

What is a door based on face recognition?

Face recognition is a complex technology that classifies whether the detected human face matches faces
the program has already seen. The system captures a person’s face and then stores it in a database.
Later, when that person comes to unlock the door again, facial recognition technology scans the face
and checks it against the database.

If the image matches the database, the door is unlocked. If not, an intrusion alert will be sent to the
owner. The technology is highly precise, which prevents the system from any kind of identification
errors. so, to outwit it is almost impossible.

Facial recognition is not that popular, as of today, for home security but is as effective regarding other
methods. You have to show your face to the scanner, which will match the person's information from
the database. You can download an image and minimize the interaction with the device so that it won't
take long. Moreover, if you care about making your property safer, you can combine facial recognition
with the other identification methods. In some cases, face scanners are combined with fingerprint
scanners or other biometric authentication devices.

What are the types of biometric devices?

Biometric technology progresses extremely fast as manufacturers continue to experiment and reveal
new gadgets. However, the identification methods remain unique in biometric devices, and each device
differs according to the recognition type. Fingerprint scanning, voice recognition, iris recognition, and
facial recognition require special sensors. Let's quickly run through them.

Fingerprint scanning is probably the most popular identification method. Why? Because it is easy to
implement. The person needs to glide his or her finger through the fingerprint sensor. However, if you
use such a method on your smartphone, you don't need any other devices. The system identifies their
DNA and matches it with the one already in the system. With such security measures, you don't need to
deal with passwords, complex codes, etc.

Voice recognition is not as complicated as you may think. It is one of the possible ways we unlock our
smartphones. Sometimes you don't need an application or a complex mechanism. You can use an
application for your smartphone or a voice sensor. Today, you can use it to unlock the door, turn off the
alarm or the security system, access the database, etc. Moreover, it's pretty complicated to falsify a
person's voice. It's a unique frequency, so the criminal must somehow record it, not an easy thing to
accomplish.

Wired vs wireless alarm systems

That is the biggest dilemma when it comes to choosing. For many people, this question is so hard that
they actually give up on getting a home security system at this stage. However, there’s no winner in
giving up on something you know you need. The difference is in several points that could be more or less
realized and used as the decision maker. Of course, the first criterion is your particular needs. For
example, wireless security systems with cameras require a battery to gain power. At the same time, the
wired analog needs electricity.

Another difference between these system types is how the sensors communicate with the control panel.
Wireless systems use radio frequency, while wired systems need several wires hidden under the floor or
inside the walls. By the way, it might be hard to find a fully wired system today since the world is moving
to wireless technologies slowly but steadily. The majority of them are entirely wireless except for the
plug-in control panel and plug-in security cameras.

How wireless home security system works?

To increase the efficiency of the security wireless system, you should understand how exactly it works.
The system transmits the signal from the network to a receiver, connected to a person's viewing or
recording device. A wireless system would be a perfect solution if you’re afraid to spoil your home
interior or you simply aren’t allowed to make changes in your rented home. After all, you can take this
system with you when moving to a new place. Another advantage is that wireless systems are easier to
install. If you don’t like the idea of strangers coming to your home, you can try installing it yourself. If
something goes wrong, you can always call for professional security services at any given moment. Do
not think you’re alone if you choose to do it on your own and suddenly you change your mind. We’re
always ready to come and help. It’s what we do.

Another wireless home security systems feature you may like is that their functionality doesn’t depend
on stable electricity. All you need is to check the batteries from time to time.

Best wireless home security systems

 ADT

ADT is the longest-running security company in North America. Their customers can choose between
wireless, hardwired, or hybrid alarm systems. The company provides professional monitoring. However,
you can also keep an eye on everything via the special app. ADT’s experience is a considerable
advantage, as well as their app being most intuitive and easy-to-understand. ADT is considered a
professional system, meaning you can’t install it yourself. Also, if you don’t like the idea of other people
monitoring your home, you may need to look at other systems on our list.

 Cove

Every part of Cove is designed to be easy to use and install, making it relatively cheap. You can combine
this system with Alexa and Google. However, there is no self-monitoring option available, and you must
pay a monthly fee for 24/7 professionals to watch if everything is alright.

 Vivint

A cutting-edge wireless home security system enables you to give voice commands and use artificial
intelligence. You don't need to limit yourself to basic requests because AI adapts to the customer's
specific needs. The lurker detection option helps prevent a possible break-in, and panic buttons allow
you to inform police officers, firefighters, and paramedics. Another feature of the Vinvit is that you can
sign for just a month-to-month agreement or a long-term contract.

 SimplySafe

It's a low-cost option as you don't need to sign a monitoring contract (it's optional). With its help, you
can use up to 41 sensors for monitoring. Battery backup allows you to change an accumulator in an
emergency, and the status light informs you about what’s happening with your camera.

 Abode

Another option for those who want to protect their home on a budget and without letting strangers into
their personal lives. You don't need a contract for monitoring, and you can install the whole system
yourself. An abode cam has a 152-degree range so that you can choose a better spot for it. You can
interact with the security system via an app on your smartphone in order to manage the footage.