So, you are a fan of smart bulbs. Considering the features enclosed within these bulbs, your obsession with smart bulbs is quite justifiable.
But you might have already thought about using a hub for smart bulbs in your home. Do you need a hub for small bulbs? That’s exactly what we’ll be discussing today.
What exactly do you need a hub for?
Getting right to the main topic, what exactly can be the reason that you are thinking about using a hub? Many reasons can influence your decision like this. First, if you have more than one LED bulb to control, it is better to have a hub.
Second, if you want to time your smart bulbs together. Just to make it all look more aesthetic; you can’t pair all the smart bulbs through the mobile app. But a hub will allow you to do that exactly.
Hub vs App Control
When we talk about smart bulb dynamics, control is a very important part of the whole project. The only reason to buy a smart bulb in the first place is the fact that you can control it through a mobile app or a hub. But which option is better?
In terms of mobile app control, the features will be restricted to a specific bulb. You can surely add more than one bulb but the control won’t be smooth. On the other hand, hub control allows you to control a bunch of smart bulbs without any hassle. Just connect the bulbs and seamlessly connect.
What if you don’t use a Hub for Small Lights?
If you decide to not use a hub for small lights, will something happen? The answer is no. You will be able to use the small smart lights perfectly. How? Through a mobile app. But will the functionality be spot-on? Yes, it will be as long as there are a few bulbs connected with the app.
The moment you decide to connect multiple bulbs through the app, you will start noticing a decrease in bulb control and functionality. Why? Well, there are some limitations to WIFI-operated controlling apps when it comes to smart bulbs.
Pros of using a Hub
Now, we know that using a hub has its pros. If you are a smart bulb enthusiast and want to control multiple smart bulbs simultaneously, then yes. Using a hub will be a way better idea than using simple mobile control.
- Multiple Stream Control
With a smart hub, you have the liberty of controlling multiple sources through a single hub. From bulbs to lamps and switches, it also controls its sensors and dimmers in a package deal.
- Additional Features Integration
As your smart hub has access to the sensors, dimmers, and switches, it brings a variety of options to the table. Not only can you time your bulbs and lights to switch on or off at specific hours, but you can also set them to dim and much more.
- Easy To Access
Regardless of the distance between you and home sweet home, you will always have a way to access your home easily through a smart hub. No matter how far or close you may be, or what the circumstances surrounding you are, all you need is a smartphone to access your home and your smart hub.
- Saves Electricity
Expect a cocktail of communication systems when using a hub, primarily wireless communication systems. You’re looking at Wifi, Bluetooth, Zigbee, and Z-wave as possible options, which are cost-efficient and enable an electricity-efficient setting as you can use them to control the lights in your home and avoid unnecessary use.
Are there any cons?
As with any other smart technology, there are certain limitations and disadvantages to using a smart hub too. With a smart hub for bulbs, there is a certain limit to the number of bulbs you can access and control with a single hub. For users aiming to control over 50 light sources, you might need to use multiple hubs depending on your usage, which you will need to alternate between on your smartphone app.
In certain homes, users have managed to connect as many as 63 bulbs through a single bridge without any issues, but the issue persists. You also need to make sure that your bulbs are compatible with your smart hubs, as smart lights and hubs of certain brands tend to clash with each other. Another issue that has been noticed in smart homes is strained communication networks due to routines that involve some devices activated at once.
Expert Opinion
If you are someone that likes technology-driven ease and want to turn your home into a smart home, then experts believe that a smart hub is probably the solution you are looking for. There are several reasons to support that claim, backed by statistics and observations on numerous smart homes. They range from easy control and access to smart gadgets in your house that include much more than just light bulbs, at just one tap on your smartphone.
Not just that, but it helps you stay ahead of your home regardless of your physical location, and helps you cut down on utility bills. Gone are the days when you would have to rush home because you forgot to lock the door, or when you missed a morning meeting because your blinds were shut. All you need now is the smart duo of a hub and a smartphone, and you’re all set to have a hold on your home instead of having it the other way around.
Final Note
Are you having trouble keeping your electricity bills down because you keep leaving the lights on when you go to work? Do you have elderly parents that you want to check up on every day and make sure things are in check? Are you tired of getting up in the middle of a romantic moment to dim the lights?
If any of the above scenarios are remotely close to what you face daily, or if you’re simply someone that wants to be ahead of their time with the right technology, then you might want to invest in a smart home and a smart hub.
While you might need multiple hubs for multiple smart devices, the investment is worth making. If your house is compatible and could do with a little technological pixie dust, then you might want to consider going for a smart hub.
