Analysis of IoT Devices and Applications for Home Automation Systems

This report provides a comprehensive analysis of Internet of Things (IoT) applications for home automation. It explores various devices like smart hubs, surveillance cameras, smart locks, security systems, thermostats, coolers, lighting systems, and kitchen appliances. The report details the functionality, features, and potential issues associated with each device, including connectivity, control, usage, security, and privacy concerns. It highlights specific products such as the Wink Hub 2, Netgear Arlo Pro, August Smart Lock, and Nest Thermostat, among others. Furthermore, the report discusses the network architecture of a smart home and emphasizes the importance of addressing security and privacy risks inherent in IoT systems. Mitigation measures for these risks are also mentioned. The report concludes by summarizing the key findings and recommendations for implementing IoT in home automation, providing a valuable overview of the current state and future possibilities of smart home technology.

Running head: INTERNET OF THINGS
Internet of things
Name of the student
Name of the University
Author note

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Executive summary
The following report discusses about the various internets of things based applications that can
be applied for the purpose of home automation. The various applications are used for
streamlining the operations that is present in every house. This report includes an analysis of
these applications and recommends the parameters to be considered before applying in the house.
The various risks included in these applications are also referenced in this report.

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Table of Contents
Introduction:....................................................................................................................................4
Discussion:.......................................................................................................................................4
IOT and home automation:..........................................................................................................4
Network of the home:..................................................................................................................4
Devices to be connected:.............................................................................................................5
1. Smart connection hub: (2, 2017)........................................................................................6
2. Surveillance cameras: ("Rechargeable Wireless Security Camera: Arlo Pro | Arlo by
NETGEAR", 2017)..................................................................................................................6
3. Smart locks: ("How It Works | Smart Lock & Smarter Home Access™ | August", 2017).7
4. Smart security applications: ("Bundle and Save with abode!", 2017).................................8
5. Thermostat device: ("Meet the Nest Learning Thermostat", 2017).....................................9
6. Cooler: ("Air Conditioners Portable | Portable AC | Hisense Appliances", 2017)............10
7. Lighting systems: ("Hue products - Meethue | Philips Lighting", 2017)..........................11
8. Cooking appliances: ("Digital Electric Smoker | Char-Broil®", 2017)............................12
9. Oven appliances: ("June Oven", 2017)..............................................................................12
10. Vacuum cleaner: (Cleaner & Cleaner, 2017)..................................................................13
Conclusion:....................................................................................................................................14
References:....................................................................................................................................15
Appendix:......................................................................................................................................17

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Introduction:
Internet of things is said to define the connectivity of various devices present in the
vicinity to the internet. Using such technologies, people will never have to adjust the applications
manually for their needs. This report includes the definitions and the specifications of the various
devices used for home automation. The report further includes the various risks in security and
privacy related to these applications. Furthermore, the report includes the mitigation measures to
be taken to address such risks.
Discussion:
IOT and home automation:
Automation in the home is responsible for the provisions of connectivity among the
devices that are present in the house itself. These devices range from lighting systems to the
garage doors where this is achieved by the use of programmable logic. The different aspects like
the security systems, cleaning systems, lighting system or the kitchen appliances all falls in the
idea of connectivity in the home automation.
The issues in a smart home include the security and the operational issues. As the devices
need to connect to the internet to work, they are to remain connected all time (Baraka et al.,
2013). This increases the utility bill of the house. In addition, the networks are always vulnerable
to outsider attacks.

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Network of the home:
The network of the home will include all the connected devices that will name it the
“smart house”. The main devices included are the connecting hub (1), security appliances
(surveillance cameras (2), smart locks (3), smart applications (4))), temperature devices
(thermostat devices (5), air conditioner (6)), lighting systems (7), kitchen appliances (cooker
appliance (8), intelligent oven (9)) and cleaning devices (vacuum cleaner (10)). All these devices
will be connected to each other with internet. The connecting hub will facilitate the connection
between these appliances.
Fig 1: Smart house
(Source: Created by the author)

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Devices to be connected:
This section of the report discusses about the various devices that are to be integrated in
the operations of a smart home. Most importantly, the hub will be present in the smart house,
which will form the connecting bridge between these devices.
1. Smart connection hub: (2, 2017)
The connecting devices are used to make connections to the various devices dwelling in
the house. The chosen device for this application is the Wink Hub 2. This removes the need to
access each of the systems in the house for controlling. Moreover, the device can be integrated in
the Smartphone with apple or android technologies.
Issues:
a) The main issues in usages are the slowing of the speed in operations with time. This
causes difficulty in operations and the need for re-purchasing of the device is necessary to keep
up with this system. It is recommended that the manufacture needs to address such difficulties.
b) The control issues are the requirement of a smart phone with good specifications.
Normal users may not have this specification to run the app and this is the main control issues. T
is recommended that the apps be downscaled to facilitate more use.
c) Connectivity issues are the presence of z-wave connections. The device works in mesh
topologies. This causes some problems, which can be removed by the use of better addressing to
these settings. The router can be made to restart to facilitate better connection.
d) The security issues are the most common that is present in mostly all IOT devices.
These are the vulnerability to hacking. The applications of better security proposals are needed.
e) The privacy issues are also the same as that of the other devices. The presence of a
public profile in the company can lead to many customers opting out of the systems.

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2. Surveillance cameras: ("Rechargeable Wireless Security Camera: Arlo Pro | Arlo by
NETGEAR", 2017)
The chosen device for the surveillance purposes is the Net gear Arlo Pro. The device is
supposed to be wireless and weatherproof. This facilitates the removal of the deployment related
problems and removes the problems faced during the winter or rainy seasons. The device also
records videos in high definition qualities with 130° vision angle.
Issues:
a) The usage issues involve the glitches in the video feeds that last for 1-2 seconds. These
are sometimes evident and not always. The manufacturers are recommended to address such
issues.
b) The control issues are the requirement for a high end Smartphone to watch the
application feeds. The manufacturer needs to address such issues.
c) The connectivity issues include the presence of problems in the application. The
application in the phone crashes several times which makes it quite difficult to access. In
addition, the presence the device incorporates connection to the central hub first before
authorizing access. The manufacturer needs to address such issues.
d) The security issues are the most common that is present in mostly all IOT devices.
These are the vulnerability to hacking. The applications of better security proposals are needed.
e) The privacy issues are also the same as that of the other devices. The presence of a
public profile in the company can lead to many customers opting out of the systems.
3. Smart locks: ("How It Works | Smart Lock & Smarter Home Access™ | August", 2017)
The device chosen in this section is the August Smart Lock. This device is used to
provide the security related processes of the house. The lock is used to grant access by the use of

7INTERNET OF THINGS
the Smartphone. The lock can also be used to set access during a certain time. The user can look
at the video feed and answer via their phone to the visitors.
Issues:
a) The main usage issues are the need for being close to the lock to open it. The app only
works via the Bluetooth, which causes the user to come close to the lock to open it. The presence
of wifi technology must be integrated to address such issues.
b) The control issues are the uncontrolled behavior in the app. The user needs to come to
the vicinity of the lock and connect to the app. The app will then instruct the lock about the
connection and then the user is needed to open it. This causes hindrances to the users.
c) The connectivity issues are the requirement for apple phones because a pre toolkit is
made for IOS users. This puts android users to a disadvantage.
d) The security issues are the most common that is present in mostly all IOT devices.
These are the vulnerability to hacking. In addition, in case the user goes out the garage and enters
through the door, lock automatically opens but do not locks the door until manually done. The
applications of better security proposals are needed.
e) The privacy issues are also the same as that of the other devices. The presence of a
public profile in the company can lead to many customers opting out of the systems.
4. Smart security applications: ("Bundle and Save with abode!", 2017)
This section is used to address the security features by Abode bundles. The device helps
in secure connections and facilitates the user to forget about manual locking of the door. The
door is automatically locked when the user leaves and opens when the user is near home.
Issues:

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a) The main usage is the problems with very older system. The device may not connect or
work properly leading to problems faced by the user.
b) The main control issues of the app are the adding of devices through the mobile
application. To add devices manually, the website is to be opened. The developers are
recommended to tend to this matter.
c) The connectivity issues are the requirement of cellular data. Although, it works fine
with the local internet connection, in case of power outage or no access, the cellular data is
supposed to be used. This is the main reason that is to be addressed as the manufacturers think of
this as a safety mechanism.
d) The security issues are the most common that is present in mostly all IOT devices.
These are the vulnerability to hacking. The applications of better security proposals are needed.
e) The privacy issues are also the same as that of the other devices. The presence of a
public profile in the company can lead to many customers opting out of the systems.
5. Thermostat device: ("Meet the Nest Learning Thermostat", 2017)
The chosen device is the Nest Thermostat. This device is used to automate the heating
requirements in the house. The device allows hassle free installation and activates when the user
gets close to the house. This device also comes with an application for the Smartphone that helps
the user to monitor the activities of the temperature changes in the various corners of the house.
Issues:
a) The main usage issues are the wiring problems. The heat control due to this does not
go well and causes the heat to rise to a high level. The manufacturer is recommended to
reference this issue.

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b) The main control issues are the presence of glitches in the internal devices that leads
to problems like stopping of the device after prolonged use which causes inconvenience among
people. The developer has to address such issues.
c) The main connectivity issues are that the many people reported the battery to be
draining fast or the device going offline. These are the issues that are referenced by the
developers too and gave many solutions to counter these like manual recharging or connectivity
checking.
d) The security issues are the most common that is present in mostly all IOT devices.
These are the vulnerability to hacking. The applications of better security proposals are needed.
e) The privacy issues are also the same as that of the other devices. The presence of a
public profile in the company can lead to many customers opting out of the systems.
6. Cooler: ("Air Conditioners Portable | Portable AC | Hisense Appliances", 2017)
The chosen device is the Hisense 10,000 BTU air conditioner. The device is supposed to
be portable and can be connected using Wi-Fi technology. The manufacturers of the device have
made an app which can be used to control the device.
Issues:
a) The main usage issues are the problems in operations. Customers have made several
complaints regarding the production of much noise.
b) The main control issues are the requirement for a small space to enable cooling. In
case of a large open space, the device cannot be used to address such needs.

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c) The connectivity issues are the requirement for a mobile app in operations. However, it
is commonly reported from customers that the app crashes several times. In addition, the app
needs consistent performance in the Smartphone for smooth running.
d) The security issues are the most common that is present in mostly all IOT devices.
These are the vulnerability to hacking. The applications of better security proposals are needed.
e) The privacy issues are also the same as that of the other devices. The presence of a
public profile in the company can lead to many customers opting out of the systems.
7. Lighting systems: ("Hue products - Meethue | Philips Lighting", 2017)
The device is the Philips Hue bulb. The device has totally implemented the use of smart
technologies by making bulbs that can change color along with connectivity over an app.
Issues:
a) The main usage issue is the presence of some problems in changing colors.
b) The main control issue is the presence of a plastic remote that can be breakable at
times.
c) The connectivity issues are the requirement for connection of the hue bridge to the
main network by the presence of Ethernet cable. The device cannot be directly connected to the
Wi-Fi.
d) The security issues are the most common that is present in mostly all IOT devices.
These are the vulnerability to hacking. The applications of better security proposals are needed.
e) The privacy issues are also the same as that of the other devices. The presence of a
public profile in the company can lead to many customers opting out of the systems.

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8. Cooking appliances: ("Digital Electric Smoker | Char-Broil®", 2017)
The main device to address the cooking requirement is the Char-Broil Digital Electric
Smoker. The device is used to smoke foods in a very short time. It has 2-3 compartments and the
temperature can be controlled via apps.
Issues:
a) The main usage issue is that the cookware exudes a lot amount of smoke when the
internal construction is not welded. The manufacturers need to address such issues.
b) The control issue is that the temperature rises much higher than the set amount.
c) The control issue is that the app control is not of much use as it is not of much use
during controlling the temperature.
d) The security issues are the most common that is present in mostly all IOT devices.
These are the vulnerability to hacking. The applications of better security proposals are needed.
e) The privacy issues are also the same as that of the other devices. The presence of a
public profile in the company can lead to many customers opting out of the systems.
9. Oven appliances: ("June Oven", 2017)
The device for oven related purposes is the June Intelligent Oven. The oven is a smart
home appliance that has inbuilt technologies like camera, artificial intelligence and Wi-Fi
connectivity.
Issues:
a) The main usage issue is that the device cannot recognize all foods. In case the food is
not being recognized, the app will display an error message.
b) The control issue is that the temperature cannot be set manually. The device does so
itself. This can lead to uncooked food sometimes.