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Types of Home Automation

There are three main types of home automation systems that can be installed in the average home: power line systems; wired systems; and wireless systems.

Power Line Systems

This is the most affordable of all the home automation products.  Power line systems rely on the existing power lines in your home to transfer things such as security camera feeds and lighting information to a common control interface.  Often, these are X10 technology based systems.

Wired Systems

Wired systems use Cat 5 cables to communicate information.  They may connect into a proprietary control system or a more open control center.  Wired systems can be implemented in both new and existing homes, however it is easier to install in new homes.  Hardwiring a home automation system is a good choice as the wiring is reliable and it is often simpler to join all of the systems together as the cables run to a common junction point.

Wireless Systems

These are great for existing homes as there is no need to run cabling behind the walls, which can be a very expensive endeavour.  Wireless systems are also starting to integrate with WiFi networks, meaning that they are easily compatible with any existing home networks, such as the ones formed by computers.  However, some wireless systems use a different radio frequency, making them incompatible with open networks.  This is something that will need to be checked before installation.

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