Smart door security

August 31, 2023

Showhome Editor Joseph Clarke explores two of the smartest door security systems with informative insight from DoorBird’s Head of Marketing Cora Dünkel

Setting up a smart home which enables residents to remotely control their lights, thermostats, appliances, and just about everything electrical, is now easier than ever. Better yet, smart security systems now allow for monitoring of the home from anywhere around the world. Not only can homeowners control their household devices from a distance, but they can also be advised of possible intruders, activate different security measures and advise the authorities if necessary.

The smart security systems market is now thriving with smart tech solutions for homeowners to feel safe and secure whether they are home or away. There are systems that are to be monitored by the homeowner themselves, or those which require a subscription fee for 24-7 surveillance from professionals. These types of system can also be connected to local fire or police stations and will advise of burglary when an alarm is triggered.

Particularly popular are smart door locks and smart doorbell systems or intercoms, which allow residents to see who is standing at the door and grant them access via the click of a button. In the case of intruders, homeowners will be able to record anyone who is standing within camera range and also advise local authorities of what is happening.

Smart door locks

Smart locks enable homeowners to lock and unlock a door by receiving instructions from an authorised device using wireless technology or using a keypad. Convenient in as much as homeowners will no longer need to carry a key, the smart lock can be unlocked via a smartphone, key tag or a keypad. Monitoring who enters or leaves your home is also possible. Even better, virtual keys can be sent to family members or guests and visitors.

Perhaps the greatest advantage to this system is that they are keyless. Long gone are the days of having to jump in the car and go to fetch the spare key from friends or family, or worse still, wait for the locksmith to come and let you in. Instead, homeowners can lock and unlock their door with ease, through the simple click of a button in an app on their smartphone.

The lack of keys also means that the risk of burglary is lowered. Lock picking will not be possible if the home has smart door locks installed. Through a simple coding system via an app, homeowners will feel safe and in control of who may and may not enter their house.

Additionally, having codes means that you can keep an eye on who is coming in and out and when. This is particularly appealing to parents, who might want to track their child’s movements. It also means that if homeowners are worried that they forgot to lock the door, they can check very quickly via the app and lock it in an instant.

On the downside, however, with smart technology there is a reliance on networks and WiFi. Therefore, if there are any problems with connection then entering or leaving the home may be temporarily impossible. In addition, while the locks can offer fantastic physical security, there is still a chance that the locks could be hacked or tampered with through a cyber-attack. On the positive side, if anyone attempts to bypass the code that unlocks the door, the system should be able to advise the homeowners, with the homeowner then being able to stop the attempt and make contact with the emergency services.

Smart video doorbells

There are multiple reasons why housing developers might want to invest in video doorbells as an addition to the home that will add to its appeal.

Firstly, they can help homeowners save money on their home insurance. Insurance companies are constantly striving to offer rate discounts while also discovering innovative ways to enhance the safety of a home. Owning a smart doorbell provides an additional layer of home security by capturing video footage of any incidents that may occur, if necessary. According to a 2015 study published by Accenture, 40% of home insurance providers have established partnerships with manufacturers producing various security-related smart home technologies.

Moreover, they provide valuable video evidence for law enforcement. In the unfortunate event of a break-in or any other form of home invasion, the smart doorbell stores recorded videos. These videos can be easily shared with the police or relevant authorities, aiding their investigation. This not only serves as an effective deterrent to intruders but also ensures that if an unfortunate incident occurs, law enforcement can identify and hold the trespasser accountable.

Homeowners can also receive timely notifications when a package arrives. In this era of increased online shopping, we are accustomed to receiving more packages than ever before. People not only order items online frequently but also expect them to be delivered precisely as estimated on the website. However, especially during the holiday season or at any time of the year, doorstep package thefts can occur. By having a smart doorbell, you can enhance security by capturing video evidence of potential burglars attempting to steal packages. The smart doorbell also notifies the homeowner when someone is at the door, ensuring they stay informed. When a delivery person arrives, the owner will be promptly notified and can keep an eye on the situation.

Knowing who is at your door, even when you’re away, is another significant advantage. Unexpected visitors are bound to ring your doorbell, but with smart doorbells, you can instantly see who is at your doorstep. Whether you’re engrossed in your favourite TV show and reluctant to leave the couch, or you are miles away from home at work, the smart doorbell enables you to remotely check who is there and their activities. By sending a live feed of the outside of your house directly to your phone, your smart doorbell provides a sense of security.

Many video doorbells now feature advanced night vision cameras. The technology behind smart doorbells is constantly evolving. These modern cameras offer high-quality videos, facial recognition capabilities, and night vision, enabling them to capture footage even in complete darkness. Night vision capabilities provide round-the-clock security for your home, extending beyond daylight hours.

Finally, the video doorbell serves as a potent visual deterrent for burglars, dissuading them from targeting a specific home. Once potential intruders realise they are being recorded by the camera and are aware of the notification system, they are likely to choose a different target. The fear of being caught motivates them to avoid homes equipped with smart doorbells, adding an extra layer of security for homeowners and their families.

To find out more about smart door devices for homes, Showhome spoke to DoorBird’s Head of Marketing Cora Dünkel.

How are mobile devices used in door communication?

The integration of mobile devices into door communication facilitates people’s everyday lives in a variety of ways. Users are sent an app notification and informed on their mobile devices as soon as the doorbell is rung in order to speak with visitors or open the door, whether they are at home or out and about. Family and friends can be let into the home, or delivery persons can be asked to leave deliveries in a specific location or give them to a neighbour. Thanks to two freely configurable bi-stable switching relays, two doors or gates can be controlled via an app. Time windows for individual PIN codes are easy to create using the app, which makes everyday life easier. People with reduced mobility can also safely and conveniently communicate with visitors, for example, from their couch, wheelchair, or bed, and open doors and gates with the app if necessary.

What are network-based IP door stations?

An increasing number of residential and office buildings are replacing analog intercom systems with network-based IP door stations connected to mobile devices. The benefits associated with using IP door intercom systems, especially when it comes to integrating smartphones and tablets, is demonstrated by Bird Home Automation. The German company develops and produces IP video door stations in accordance with the highest quality and safety standards under the brand DoorBird. Access control systems, indoor stations, and accessories are developed and built at the company headquarters and production facilities in Berlin. High-quality IP door intercom systems made of corrosion-resistant stainless steel are its main focus. DoorBird unites timeless design with innovative IP technology in door communication.

Bird Home Automation has been a member of the ASSA ABLOY Group—a service provider of access solutions—since October 2022. The Group plays a pioneering role in the fields of efficient door opening systems and automatic doors in particular.

How secure are they?

Compared to analogue door communication systems, the integration of mobile devices offers decisive security-related added value. Residents have much more control over what happens outside their doorstep. Break-ins, for example, can be prevented: IP video door intercom systems make it possible to simulate that somebody is at home. After all, breaks-ins usually begin by simply checking if someone is present. If someone rings the doorbell, the user is sent a push notification on their smartphone and can then answer accordingly, which is usually more than enough to scare off an intruder. Even if the doorbell isn’t rung, the built-in motion detector recognises movements in the door area or on the property and automatically communicates with the connected smartphone. Residents can then see on their phone screen who’s moving around outside the door and also talk directly with this person. An IP door intercom system thus replaces an alarm system and prevents break-ins before they happen.

How can it be integrated?

Thanks to the open API interface, DoorBird door intercom systems can be integrated into third-party building and home automation systems. Users can combine smart home applications from various manufacturers as they wish and do not have to commit to one brand. More than 60 integration partners are already part of the DoorBird network, including KNX, Loxone, Fibaro, and Bang&Olufsen, for instance. DoorBird is also compatible with common smart locks such as Yale Linus, Nuki, and Kisi. And last but not least it’s possible to call SIP telephones such as AVM FRITZ!Fon from the door intercom system.

What are the technology and security requirements?

For building and home automation systems and other smart home products, IP-based video intercom systems offer a wide range of possibilities to integrate audio, video, and other functions via the SIP and API interface. The live image can, for example, be accessed using either an h264 stream via RTSP or an MJPEG stream.

The secure transmission of data is also essential for an IP door intercom system. Security risks can arise if, for instance, security concepts are incorrectly implemented, which is why all data is transmitted in encrypted form with the DoorBird systems. The Bundesverband IT-Mittelstand e.V. (the Federal Association of IT SMEs) has tested the software and the app from the Berlin-based manufacturer and certified them with the ‘Software Made in Germany’ and ‘Software Hosted in Germany’ quality seals. Among other things, it was also confirmed by a third party that the software data is hosted in a data centre in Germany which is certified in accordance with ISO 27001. All data is processed in compliance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

What additional security can be provided?

DoorBird is the first in the industry to release a user-friendly solution that can also be used to protect the network of door communication systems: the new DoorBird Internet Firewall A1051 is now available worldwide. The easy-to-install firewall increases security for all networks in which DoorBird products are used, both inside and outside. Thanks to this product, the Berlin-based company has yet again achieved another USP in the field of smart IP video communication.

What’s next?

In contrast to IP door intercom systems, the performance of analogue systems is very limited and no longer sufficient for many users. IP-based door intercom systems such as DoorBird open up completely new possibilities to communicate with visitors and remotely control home, apartment, and office doors. The seamless integration into existing building and home automation systems is a decisive advantage and gives customers a great deal of design flexibility. Various app functions make life easier and have become an indispensable part of everyday life. The app itself is continually being developed in order to meet the latest security standards—and go above and beyond the legal standards. New practical features are also being added on a regular basis, thereby ensuring IP technology remains fit for the future in the area of telecommunication.

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