Smart Door Locks vs. Traditional Deadbolts
Which is More Secure?
About Jari Haiston
Imagine you're rushing to catch a flight, all packed and ready with luggage, a briefcase, and headphones to drown out overly tired toddlers on the plane. You lock the front door, head out to meet your Uber to the airport, and quickly realize you left your keys on the kitchen counter. You could
a) break a window to retrieve your keys
b) miss your Uber and flight while waiting for a locksmith, or
c) already have installed a smart door lock to remotely open the door upon your return
If you chose the third option in this scenario, you would know that smart doors are an innovative solution that allows you to unlock/lock your door using your smartphone or voice commands. Equipped with advanced security features like encryption, two-factor authentication, and real-time activity alerts, smart locks provide users with convenience and peace of mind.
What is a Smart Lock?
Smart locks are cutting-edge security devices that are designed to provide keyless access to your home, building, or office. Unlike traditional locks that rely on physical keys, smart locks utilize electronic components and connectivity features that allow users to control access remotely.
With various authentication methods such as PIN codes, biometrics, RFID cards, and smartphone apps, smart locks offer a convenient and secure alternative to traditional locking mechanisms. Moreover, as an automation application, smart locks can be integrated into a broader home automation system that provides users with the ability to create routines where doors lock/unlock automatically when you leave or arrive home, all without manual intervention.
Are Smart Locks Safer than Traditional Key Locks?
Contributing to the convenience and efficiency of smart home ecosystems, smart door locks deliver innovative flexibility without sacrificing security. In comparison to traditional key locks like deadbolts, smart locks are often equipped with alarm systems. Meaning, that if your home has an installed smart lock with an integrated alarm system and someone forces entry, the alarm will activate (hopefully deterring the intruder).
In an age where there are 2.5 million burglaries annually with approximately one break-in occurring every 15 seconds, smart lock technology provides an additional layer of protection against common vulnerabilities associated with traditional locks.
Why Are Electronic Locks Important for Security?
Electronic locks play a crucial role in enhancing overall security in our daily lives. The convenience of keyless entry eliminates the risk of lost keys, while remote access features allow users to monitor and control their locks from anywhere. In a smart home environment, electronic locks further contribute to modern home security. Their seamless integration capabilities create an interconnected network that works in tandem to safeguard your property.
How Developers Can Address Increased Demand for More Smart Security Innovation
In terms of engineering, the demand for smart lock innovations has never been more pronounced. Grand View Research clocked the global smart lock market size at $1.95 billion in 2022. It’s expected to grow at a significant CAGR of 19.6% in the next seven years. Attributed to the growing adoption rate of smart technology in residences, businesses, and industrial environments, electronic locks are a trend that developers can capitalize on.
To meet this escalating demand, developers can focus on several key areas of innovation. Current offerings have demonstrated several drawbacks, including high costs, oversized footprints, difficult installation, limited remote access, and more. Developers can address these challenges by focusing on refining the user experience by designing more user-friendly interfaces, streamlining installation processes, and creating sleeker, aesthetically pleasing designs.
Additionally, efforts to lower production costs and enhance compatibility with existing smart home ecosystems will likely contribute to wider adoption. By addressing these issues, developers can pave the way for more widespread acceptance and integration of smart lock technology in the expanding global market.
Innovative Solutions for Smart Lock Designs
A key solution for developers seeking to capitalize on smart lock integration is Silicon Labs' RS9116 Wi-Fi module, now available at Symmetry Electronics. This Wi-Fi transceiver module is the ideal product for those looking to enhance their smart lock projects. The RS9116 provides a comprehensive, multiprotocol, ultra-low-power solution, including Wi-Fi 4 and dual-mode Bluetooth 5. It offers high throughput, extended range, and power-optimized performance. When coupled with an external host MCU, it can also enable Matter, the industry’s latest open-source, next-gen application layer for smart homes.
A case study published by Silicon Labs shows how smart lock developers saw success when they utilized the Silicon Labs RS9116 in their Wi-Fi-enabled smart lock. The resulting battery life exceeded expectations, more than doubling industry standards, and allows consumers using the smart lock to recharge the lithium-polymer battery only once a year with average use. This not only meets the demand for efficiency but also contributes significantly to the overall success of smart lock integration projects.
Silicon Labs RS9116 Solutions Available at Symmetry Electronics
The surging demand for smart lock innovations presents a compelling opportunity for developers looking to shape the future of home security technology. By addressing the existing challenges and refining key aspects such as user experience, installation processes, and design aesthetics, developers can contribute to the wider acceptance and integration of smart lock solutions in the global market.
For those keen on harnessing the power of RS9116 in their smart lock designs, Symmetry Electronics provides a comprehensive range of Silicon Labs' products, including the RS9116:
About Jari Haiston
Subscribe
Stay up to date with industry and supplier news!