HomeNetwork2.0: Monitoring and controlling electrical appliances – from anywhere

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HomeNetwork2.0

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HomeNetwork2.0

Brief description

In HomeNetwork2.0, T-City has an individual solution for intelligent networking and management of electronic appliances at home. Users can use the system to switch kitchen appliances, heating systems and TV sets on and off, open and close garage doors and window shutters and change thermostat settings. And they can use such functions while they are on the go, via mobile devices such as touch panels, iPads or smartphones.

Aim of the project

The aim of the project is to test the HomeNetwork 2.0 solution in practice and to apply users' feedback to further development and improvement of the system. This includes plans to incorporate telephony, IT and Entertain services in HomeNetwork2.0. In the process, T-City will gain significant experience that it can apply to future services.

Benefits

HomeNetwork2.0 is designed to enhance users' convenience and security at home. For example, it supports remote switch-off of such devices as electric irons and stove burners. HomeNetwork2.0 also serves as a fire alarm: If any devices begin smoldering, the system notifies the user via both mobile device and home-installed devices. Residents can thus quickly notify the fire department even if they are not at home.

When users have to leave their house unattended – for example, when they are on vacation or on a business trip – the solution can deter unwanted visitors: A programmable functionality automatically switches lights and/or music on and rolls window shutters up and down. What is more, such automatic features can be linked with a weather station, to permit weather-dependent control. In sum, the new system can realistically make it seem as if someone is home.

HomeNetwork 2.0 also provides economic and ecological advantages: It enables users to monitor their appliances' energy consumption and identify "power hogs". In addition, HomeNetwork2.0 can be used to switch appliances/devices off remotely, via a cell phone or smartphone. That functionality can help users lower their electricity bills. After all, every household pays an average of up to EUR 80 each year simply for the power consumed by appliances on standby. Finally, HomeNetwork2.0 helps users eliminate unnecessary heating costs by automatically switching radiators off when windows are open.

Project status

A pilot project for HomeNetwork2.0 was launched in July 2010 in the T-City Friedrichshafen. Over 50 households, including the T-City "futurist" households, will test the new solution in their daily lives. To that end, Deutsche Telekom is gradually installing the necessary hardware, such as networked thermostats and sensors, in participants' residences. Test users' experience to date has already led to new applications for HomeNetwork2.0. For one user, for example, the system monitors an aquarium's water level and water-tightness.