Technology is the backbone of any progressing nation. The relationship of science and technology is immense in nature. Science teaches the concepts and Technology is considered to be the practical application of those concepts.
By Engr. Nauman Zahid
If we take a glimpse, countries across the world are in progress to develop smart cities using IoT (Internet of Things) based technologies and Singapore is one of the world’s top country to develop fully smart cities and got the title of Smart Nation.
Smart homes often referred to as home automation is a technological process in which most of the electronic appliances are controlled remotely using smart home devices and mobile applications or via voice assistants.
Some people think home automation devices to be useless that perform tasks which can be done manually very easily. The concept of home automation can be compared with the invention of Television remote; a Television channel can be changed manually but remote can bring ease to the viewer.
As manufacturers realized the growing need of smart IoT based devices, this technology spans over a large number of smart devices and the invention of further smart devices are ongoing. Some of the devices currently used are:
- Smart Lights consists of a simple IoT based bulb and a bridge that connects to your home Wi-Fi router. A mobile application can be used to control the lights of your home. Multiple smart lights can be controlled using the same mobile application to fully automate your home lighting system.
- Smart Sockets and Plugs are also easily available in the market and can be installed at home to switch on and off your electrical appliances without physically pressing the switch.
- Smart Cameras also operate on the same principle, a smart camera can be installed in home and connected to a bridge, which further connects to the Wi-Fi router and the simple mobile application is used for security and monitoring of the property.
Most IoT based devices come in the market with its companion mobile apps, which can be used to operate these devices either inside home or remotely.
The process of practically installing smart devices is not much complex but most of us are not familiar with these technologies. For instance, if we have installed smart lights in our home first of all we have to download a mobile app from the relevant mobile application store. The lights come up with the bridge which is connected to the Wi-Fi router of our home. Then we have to open the mobile app and set up an account using the email and password. After setting up an account the application will search and auto detect the installed lights. Now we will be able to communicate and control the lights remotely using the mobile app.
Computer networks are inherently insecure and can be affected by malicious attacks. Smart home devices are linked with the companion apps which have a range of permissions to influence the functionality of your smart homes. If some hackers gain access to the app, they will be able to access your IoT devices and operate your smart home.
Most of the smart home devices communicate with the apps using the Wi-Fi router of home, which is connected to the internet. So, for security of smart homes a Wi-Fi router configured with a firewall should be used, as this will help to restrict malicious attacks influencing your smart home system.
Pakistan being an underdeveloped country is in its way of progress. The concepts of Smart Technologies have evolved in Pakistan and are gaining popularity by leaps and bounds. Universities are offering modules on Automation and Smart Technologies to the students but the transformation of knowledge into its practical application is the main problem of our Society.
Technology is considered to be an engine of economic growth. Presently people are investing a lot of money in making beautiful houses. Pakistani Engineers and IT specialists, rather depending upon the government to give jobs, must avail the opportunity of these emerging smart technologies and try to learn not only concepts but the practical application of IoT to earn their living and to make Pakistan technologically advanced, economically strong and a smart Nation.
Introduction
My name is Engr. Nauman Zahid. I am Registered Engineer with PEC having Registration No. Electrical 57066. I have done Electrical engineering from Comsats University Islamabad with specialization in Telecommunications and Networks. I am also having a specialization degree in Electronics and Communication from Lancaster University UK. I have work experience in many Telecom companies like World call, Turno-tech and Mobiserve. Presently I am working in Aviation Division of Pakistan and looking into the Networks and Communication side.