Why are there fewer and fewer smart locks with gateways?
Release time：2023.05.31
Views：142Today, it is not only the world of the Internet, but also the world of the Internet of Things. The so-called "Internet of Things" is the Internet where everything is connected. All smart devices can realize intelligent and convenient interaction through the network, bringing users a better experience. Therefore, some people think that the Internet of Things will be one of the most lively tracks in the next decade.
As one of the smart products that have gradually "fired" in recent years, smart locks are also inseparable from the Internet of Things. Only through networking can users experience functions such as "real-time monitoring of door lock dynamics", "real-time understanding of family members entering and leaving the house", "low battery warning of door locks", and "anti-tampering alarm".
However, most of the previous smart locks are connected to the Internet through ZigBee, Z-ware, Bluetooth, etc., but the biggest pain point of these communication methods is that a gateway is needed to connect the door lock to the router before it can be connected to the user's mobile phone, so as to realize the above. A networking function, but the biggest feature of these communication methods is that the bandwidth is not large enough to perform functions such as remote visualization.
The Nb-loT network, like ZigBee, Z-wave and other communication methods, cannot carry too much bandwidth, and today's smart locks have tended to be visualized, which means that visual functions such as remote visual intercom and remote monitoring must be realized. None of these communication methods are sufficient. Therefore, only Wi-Fi can carry the bandwidth required for the visualization function.
Later, the Nb-loT network appeared, and many companies have launched many smart locks for the Nb-loT network. NB-loT technology is an important branch of the Internet of Everything based on the cellular narrowband Internet of Things, that is, the Internet of Things function can be realized through the operator's cellular network, thus eliminating the need for a gateway.
The biggest feature of the Nb-loT network is that it can connect countless terminals. The management side can manage dozens, even hundreds, and thousands of smart locks through a background. This kind of networked smart lock is mainly suitable for public rental housing, length In the field of renting apartments, civilian door locks are not available. Moreover, the Nb-loT network is affected by the network coverage of operators. The reason why public rental housing and other places have Nb-loT network coverage is that many devices can apply to operators for network base station coverage. Although communication methods such as ZigBee and Z-wave can also manage smart locks for public rental housing and long-term and short-term rental apartments, the Nb-loT network has the advantage of being a latecomer, and has gradually become the main networking method for smart locks for public rental housing.
For this reason, under the background of the increasing popularity of visual smart locks, Wi-Fi direct connection has become the main way for smart lock products to be connected to the Internet. ZigBee, Z-wave and other communication methods will be more and more applied in the field of smart locks. With fewer and fewer gateways, there will be fewer and fewer gateways. The prevalence of Wi-Fi direct connection, in addition to the need for product function upgrades, is also due to the fact that the power consumption of Wi-Fi has been decreasing. Therefore, more and more manufacturers choose Wi-Fi as a communication method.
