Why are there fewer and fewer smart locks with gateways?
Nowadays, it is not only the world of the Internet, but also the world of the Internet of Things. The so-called "Internet of Things" refers to the Internet where everything is connected, and all intelligent devices can achieve intelligent and convenient interaction through the network, bringing users a better user experience. Therefore, some people believe that the Internet of Things will be one of the busiest tracks in the next decade.
As one of the increasingly popular smart products in recent years, smart locks also rely on the Internet of Things. Only through networking can users experience functions such as "real-time monitoring of door lock", "real-time understanding of family members entering and exiting the house", "low battery warning for door locks", and "anti prying alarm".
However, in the past, most smart locks were connected to the internet through methods such as ZigBee, Z-ware, Bluetooth, etc. However, the biggest pain point of these communication methods is that they require a gateway to connect the door lock to the router before they can connect to the user's phone, thus achieving the various networking functions mentioned above. However, the biggest feature of these communication methods is that the bandwidth is not large enough to perform remote viewing and other functions.
Later on, Nb-loT networks emerged, and many companies have also launched smart locks for Nb-loT networks. NB-loT technology, based on cellular narrowband IoT, has become an important branch of the Internet of Things network, which enables IoT functionality to be achieved through the operator's cellular network, eliminating the need for gateways.
The biggest feature of the Nb-loT network is that it can connect countless terminals, and the management can manage dozens, even hundreds, or even thousands of smart locks through a single backend. This networked smart lock is mainly suitable for public rental housing, long and short rental apartments. And the Nb-loT network is affected by the coverage of the operator's network. The reason why public rental housing and other places have Nb-loT network coverage is because there are many devices that can apply for network base station coverage from the operator. Although communication methods such as ZigBee and Z-wave can also manage smart locks for public rental housing and long and short-term apartments, the Nb loT network has a latecomer advantage and has gradually become the main networking method for smart locks in public rental housing.
The Nb loT network, like communication methods such as ZigBee and Z-wave, cannot carry too much bandwidth. Nowadays, smart locks have become more visual, which means that remote visual intercom, remote monitoring and other visual functions need to be achieved, and these communication methods cannot meet the requirements. Therefore, only Wi Fi can carry the bandwidth required for visualization functions.
Therefore, in the context of the increasing popularity of visual smart locks, Wi-Fi direct connection has become the main way for smart lock products to connect to the Internet. Communication methods such as ZigBee and Z-wave will be applied less and less in the field of smart locks, and gateways will also become less and less. The prevalence of Wi-Fi direct connection is not only due to the need for product feature upgrades, but also because the power consumption of Wi-Fi is constantly decreasing. Therefore, more and more manufacturers will choose Wi-Fi as their communication method.
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