OREANDA-NEWS. RWE SmartHome is an established name in the market for affordable, easy-to-use home networks for tenants and home owners. Wireless, modular and mobile, the SmartHome product family of over 20 different devices offers numerous, individually configurable functions.

 

The open platform of RWE enables integration of the products of selected brands. With minimal technical effort, RWE partners are able to connect their devices or services via various interfaces to the RWE SmartHome system.

All internet-capable devices can be directly integrated into the RWE SmartHome system via a programming interface. RWE makes a software development package available to its partners for that purpose. Current examples of this partner approach include Samsung and Philips. Further partners will follow.

The other option is to install a RWE wireless module into the devices themselves, so they can be seamlessly and completely integrated within the home automation system. RWE supplies the chosen manufacturers with a development package known as a Device Development Kit. At its heart is a chip with a 32-bit microcontroller and radio transceiver functionality on the 868 MHz band, among other things. To ensure the guaranteed, on-going security of all data, all third-party software is tested before integration. Stable, iPv6-based data transmission of up to 100kbits/s occurs in compliance with all the usual high-security standards. Application areas include household appliances, multimedia equipment and health and well-being devices.

For the partners concerned, this open platform allows them to leverage the potential of the growing home networking market. Their devices continue to work of their own accord and also on the RWE platform. The customer benefits from more convenience and additional options for individual configuration of smart home appliances. For instance, their existing and new devices can be linked to the network via suitable apps, so they can all communicate with one another – within a single, trusted and convenient system.

RWE SmartHome is fast becoming a vendor-independent household assistant for all home devices. Successful partnerships are already in place with premium brands like Buderus (heating controls), Miele (household appliances), Philips hue (coloured controlled LED lighting) and Samsung (inside and outside cameras). At the IFA, RWE will be announcing the inclusion of Energy Control – a read-out unit that links analogue power meters into the home automation system – and further new products and partners will soon follow.

About the system
In the twinkling of an eye, RWE SmartHome provides more home convenience and security while automatically assuming the energy management role. All rooms can be easily and automatically heated to the right temperature when and where required. In addition, devices that would otherwise run in standby mode can be remotely switched off or on at any time. This saves power and money with no great effort on the part of the householder.

Two key priorities in the development of RWE SmartHome were high-level plug & play convenience and the reliability of data privacy. The security concept extends from encrypted communication of all participating devices and the RWE back-end system through to the secure online shop. The degree of data security has been confirmed by independent testing bodies such as VDE, AV-Test and T?V-IT.