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What do you guys think of the idea of smart homes? I could make a basic setup using https://home-assistant.io to control my home temperature and lighting; the tools for doing this are everywhere nowadays and implementation doesn't seem too horrific anymore.
But setting aside what I "can" do, is this something that I "should" do? How can a person implement this without connecting any devices to the internet?
As a hobby, yeah, go for it.
To save time and money, not so much. You will spend much more time in setup and debugging than you will ever recoup due to the automation. Same goes for the money.
What's your network infrastructure like? I have my network segregated across several VLANs, and IoT devices are on VLANs that are blocked from the internet (and the rest of the network) at the firewall level. I can access them, but they can't access anything.
I do similar. And keep some devices (like my kasa plugs) from hitting the internet altogether.
And others that need it go on its own DMZ with the roku TVs and like. They have no inbound access.
Biggest thing is making sure you have wifi coverage cause boy the amount of shit I have on network now has kinda gotten out of control
I like mine. It has a lot of nice convenience features, and it feels good to have stuff happen automatically based on your presence. Scripting useful automations if a time-consuming hobby though, and if you're mostly just interested in doing voice control for lights it may not be worth it.
I'd recommend staying away from anything that connects directly to the wi-fi if possible. ZigBee lets you isolate the garbage hardware from the Internet so they can't be used as zombie devices in a botnet or worse, and have home assistant be the one point of contact.
I'm not a fan. Any exploitable issue with the software, and my house can be viewed by anyone from anywhere.
I've got zero smart devices at home, to the point of even using my TV as a simple screen only.
The only smart objects I have are some light bulbs. I think, some processes are good to automate and put software in control of, and some things I want to have explicit control over (I.E. Door locks, Safe locks, AC settings, Heating). Technology can break in fantastical ways, but a lock should just freaking work.
As someone who has spent many years working on my smart home, I suggest, as do others, KEEP IT LOCAL.
An absolute nightmare for security and privacy. Just say no.
Not necessarily. If you use eg zigbee devices, they are only accessible locally.
But you're right. Most smart devices connect to the cloud.
I love the idea of having motorized blinds and windows that automatically open/close coordinated with thermometers to regulate house temperature.