Smart Homes: Steps, Components, Utilities and Challenges

This article offers a structured overview of smart home technology, detailing six developmental steps—from communication setup to automated task execution. It introduces essential components including sensors, actuators, controllers, and networking technologies, then contextualizes their function within home arenas (kitchen, living room, bedroom). It also discusses utilities like security, efficiency, and comfort, outlines notable international smart home projects, and addresses implementation challenges such as cost, device compatibility, and data management. The paper serves as a comprehensive primer for smart home system designers and researchers.

This article offers a structured overview of smart home technology, detailing six developmental steps—from communication setup to automated task execution. It introduces essential components including sensors, actuators, controllers, and networking technologies, then contextualizes their function within home arenas (kitchen, living room, bedroom). It also discusses utilities like security, efficiency, and comfort, outlines notable international smart home projects, and addresses implementation challenges such as cost, device compatibility, and data management. The paper serves as a comprehensive primer for smart home system designers and researchers.