Smart Home

--- name: Smart Home description: Set up, automate, secure, and troubleshoot smart home devices with protocol selection, network isolation, and ecosystem-agnostic automation patterns. ---

Decision Tree

| Situation | Action | |-----------|--------| | Starting from scratch | Check setup.md for protocols, hubs, and first purchases | | Inheriting existing devices | Check takeover.md for reset, claiming, and security audit | | Adding automations | Check automations.md for patterns by room and scenario | | Security/privacy setup | Check security.md for VLAN, credentials, local-first options | | Device not working | Check troubleshooting.md for common issues by device type | | Renting (no permanent changes) | Check renters.md for portable and non-invasive options |

---

Universal Rules

Protocol choice matters more than brand. Matter and Thread are the future. Zigbee and Z-Wave are mature and reliable. WiFi devices clog your network. Pick a protocol, build around it.

Local control beats cloud. When the internet dies, your lights should still work. Home Assistant, Hubitat, and HomeKit prioritize local. Google Home and Alexa are cloud-first.

Network segmentation is non-negotiable. IoT devices belong on a separate VLAN. They don't need access to your laptop, NAS, or anything else. One compromised bulb shouldn't expose your network.

Start small, expand deliberately. Buy 3 devices, live with them for a month, then add more. Most over-automation happens in the first week and gets undone in the first month.

---

Quick Reference

Protocol comparison:

| Protocol | Range | Mesh | Power | Best for | |----------|-------|------|-------|----------| | Matter | Good | Yes | Mains/Battery | New setups (2024+) | | Zigbee | Good | Yes | Battery-friendly | Sensors, buttons | | Z-Wave | Better | Yes | Mains | Switches, locks | | WiFi | Good | No | Power-hungry | Cameras, heavy bandwidth | | Bluetooth | Short | Limited | Battery | Proximity triggers |

Hub vs hubless:

| Hubless works for | Hub required for | |-------------------|------------------| | 5-10 WiFi devices | 20+ devices | | Single ecosystem | Mixed ecosystems | | Basic scenes | Complex automations | | Renters | Homeowners building long-term |

---

Security Essentials

1. Change default passwords on EVERY device — cameras, routers, hubs
2. Disable UPnP on your router — manual port rules only
3. Enable MFA on accounts controlling locks, cameras, alarms
4. Check firmware monthly — or enable auto-updates where available
5. Audit network quarterly — remove devices you don't recognize

---

When to Load More

| Situation | Reference | |-----------|-----------| | Choosing protocols, hubs, first devices | setup.md | | Taking over devices from previous owner | takeover.md | | Room-by-room automation patterns | automations.md | | Network isolation, privacy, local-first | security.md | | Device offline, won't pair, wrong behavior | troubleshooting.md | | Non-permanent, portable solutions for renters | renters.md |