START AT THE END :

To install wiring as a means of "future proofing" your home is just not possible. On the other hand, to cable a new home as part of a renovation or even a retrofit, allows you to build an operating platform that not only meets known requirements now, but if properly designed, existing infrastructure will almost certainly be able to support emerging technologies for at least 10 years. All the wiring documentation undertaken for Digihouse clients is "generic" in form, only conforming to whatever OEM lighting bus has been specified. Everything else in the documented design allows client latitude to select virtually any type of security, entertainment and LAN configurations they want, including logic controllers.

Rather than relying on prospective wireless or even powerline carrier devices to reduce cable costs, you can reduce risk by doing basic research and making sure you put in place a management platform capable of lasting a realistic amount of time. Remember this fact, home automation is merely an extension of a networked house. In future, networks for data and other communication protocols will be an essential requirement in the modern home. On the other hand, home automation is a lifestyle choice that tends to rely on personal needs, financial capabilities, investment choices and local environment issues (other occupants, size of the house, entertainment demands, management options etc.).

Installing structured wiring at the start is an insurance policy to ensure that, at the very minimum, all known technology can be readily integrated into the finished structure without major additional costs to facilitate expansion plans over the foreseeable future. However, take heed of the paragraph caption and "begin at the end". A huge amount of time is spent by Digihouse personnel educating people on what not only constitutes structured wiring, but what differences exist between networking and automation. The answer is simple, it depends on the lifestyle you want - now and into the future. You must first decide fundamental levels of functionality ( suggestions below are purely speculative):

1. Things you can't do without (e.g. - security, CCTV, intercom, telephone, some lighting, data, entertainment etc.).
2. Preferred system capability options (maybe a Touchscreen, distributed audio, Home Theatre, intelligent lighting and infrared network).
3. Luxuries of life or simplifying current activities (sprinkler control, keyless entry, HVAC interface, pool/Spa control and other management options).

You need to decide what you want then plan for it to be integrated while the building is being designed. The usual steps are for structured wiring to be roughed-in just after the electrician has done the first stage electrical wiring and costs for this will vary between $2,500 up to $4,000, depending on agreed configuration because items like RGB, composite and audio cables are relatively expensive. The second step is generally after lock-up when the painters have finished and consists of installing wall plates, light input switches and checking node 0 (or central hub) connections prior to installing all the hardware (controllers, patch panels and whatever constitutes the agreed initial operating configuration).

WIRING IS INSURANCE:

Probably, the majority of network homes will look similar to the illustration at left in a few years, using cables as the communication pathway. To build a similar wireless operating platform today would be reasonably expensive, prone to inconsistency and in terms of replicating what can be done using wires in a conventionally networked house, fairly limited. Retrofit projects have been undertaken by Digihouse using combinations of technologies such as infrared (IR), wireless (RF), serial and powerline carrier (PLC) system devices. Even so, it has not been cheap. A recent Melbourne bayside retrofit cost the owner over $40,000 in wiring, lighting, distributed audio, data network, CCTV, Intercom, interface to existing alarm and infrared distribution plus Home Theatre set-up in a 3 storey home.

HOW MUCH?:

Even if just the very simplest cabling is put into an average home to distribute entertainment, manage communications, handle telephone points, security, Intercom, CCTV etc., the initial cost will probably end up around $2000. To do the job properly with comprehensive cabling able to manage all or at least most of the things you desire will most likely cost a further $1-1.5K. It's not a lot when you consider that to create it at a later stage will not only be extremely disruptive, but a nightmare to configure. There is also the question of restricted capabilities and narrow based technology applications at this time, although it may change in the years ahead.

The future will eventually be the past so prepare yourself and gain an advantage when the opportunity arises. If Telstra lays down Fibre to the Node (FTTN) and Australia's Internet speeds start to compare with the rest of the developed world, being able to control, direct and re-direct the amount of upstream and downstream data channels through a domestic gateway will become critical.

SEAMLESS INTER-OPERABILITY :

Although the issue of selecting the right equipment has been discussed elsewhere, it is so important that it deserves to be raised again. While buying peripheral equipment like spa's, pool electronics, automated blinds, air-conditioners, space heaters or anything else you have decided to incorporate into the control platform, you must ascertain from the supplier whether it can actually be controlled remotely and if the answer is affirmative, ask for it in writing. Unfortunately, even so, if it is subsequently found not to have inter-connectivity capability, you'll more than likely be left lamenting, but it does tend to focus the supplier on actually getting much closer to the truth than might otherwise occur. In my humble opinion, the order of skepticism you need to apply is as follows:

1. Research an architect's recommendations on any equipment to ensure it meets your specifications rather than theirs.
2. Be guided by the builder only if they can show you a past project where a corresponding item was installed and works in an automated environment.
3. Always check out equipment supplied by distributors or manufacturers agents directly with the maker to make sure they can supply an interface.

It's unfortunate, but generally true, that you need to be absolutely sure inter-operability is proven and even so, must be compatible with the equipment or management control environment you are building or having installed on your behalf. Happily, as more manufacturers begin to understand and comply with demand for remote control over their products, this issue is becoming less of a problem. however, complacency costs, so caveat emptor!

WHITHER WI-FI:

There has of course been debate that wireless will transcend wired solutions and will eventually become the ubiquitous means of inter-communication within the domestic environment. By its very nature, if that were to happen, major problems with arrays, signal clash, compatibility and other barriers would make it hugely unreliable. Wireless bandwidth is subject to Government regulations and rules relating to allocations (many public and private institutions like Police, Emergency Services and commercial radio stations have protected bands, whereas 'open' use commodity bands like 2.4Ghz are not subject to restrictions and tend to become quickly overcrowded). Every country has its own unique allocations, the FCC in America, EU countries etc. all manufacture a range of wireless operated devices, so trying to assemble a list of products that conform to a universal standard is not possible. This is coupled with the fact a large number of makers build unique items in terms of protocol and operating system configurations, so any attempt to integrate or make them inter-operable with other RF devices is difficult indeed. In essence, not only do Governments create RF integration problems but OEM's also contribute to issues that effectively render them useless with respect to wider applications using competing products where a seamless capability is required. Until global agreement is reached on choosing whether Bluetooth, HomeRF, Ultra Wide Band or another brand will become the accepted primary standard, wireless will continue to be a bit player, used in the most part for wide area networks or specific, stand alone applications.

RETROFIT OPTIONS:

Wireless handheld touchscreens like the CorAccess unit at left uses 802.11g Wi-Fi and similar interactive devices (like the Router at right) are becoming more affordable, many offering totally configurable software (a Pronto is a prime example). In Australia, companies like Netcomm manufacture or supply wireless commodity and HomeRF products to enable domestic communication networks. Although alternatives (powerline carrier and/or Spread Spectrum technologies) can be used either in parallel or instead of cabling, the extent of system capability is relatively restricted in view of available products and acceptable base standards. However, manufacturers appear to be providing universal interfaces based on a selection of known technologies for installation into white, brown and CE goods.

WHAT'S POSSIBLE:

There is a spreadsheet on the Download page that offers an insight into automated options and areas of control that need to be considered when planning your networked home. The functionality and basic attributes shown are certainly not exhaustive, but will provide a starting point to explore what is possible.

To the best of my knowledge, everything appearing on this page and throughout this website is accurate, unless configuration changes or the passage of time have determined otherwise. If my observations or research on various subjects is incorrect, if it is brought to my attention and proven right, I will make the changes immediately.

Digihouse (Aust) Pty Ltd is the copyright owner of this site, material and information. All product brand names used herein are the registered trademarks of their respective owners. Any unauthorised copying, transfer or downloading for any other purpose than to review the information as part of the research conducted by a potential user in deciding what to purchase is strictly prohibited and any person so doing may be open to legal proceedings as a result.