While our architects were busy removing walls, our engineers were hard at work removing the wires.

The result? You can send an e-mail (or an SMS) to switch the geyser on or off. You can do the same with the lights, using a remote control. Go online at breakneck speed without connecting to a modem. Or catch up with friends using your universal phone or the net-to-phone facility. You can even get photographs of visitors when you are away from home via e-mail.

Salesmen too, will have to get past a bank of security cameras. Should they manage to do that, they will come up against a posse of guards who guard the premises like their own.

Let's just say by some stroke of luck, people do manage to get to your front door. Rest assured that's as far as they'll get. For, people can enter your home only through an electronic smart card.

All this is controlled by a Wi-Fi enabled network with a Digital Home Gateway server. No wires. No fuses. And no shut-downs ever. (No, this is not something out of an Isaac Asimov novel.)


Digital Home Gateway

DigitalHome concept is worked out for the modern homes to have access to the world in a most convenient way; leisure at home with remote access to the appliances, secured accesses. In a DigitalHome, a broadband shall be provided, owner can have a secured access, have full flexibility of using internet using WiFi enabled network, remotely operate electrical appliances, and so on. Typically, in a DigitalHome, there will be a home server box that will make a home Digital and control all DigitalHome functions. The DigitalHome shall have following features,
1. WiFi connectivity
PC, Laptop and other WiFi enabled devices shall use this network. Other WiFi enabled devices shall also be made to communicate with DigitalHome server using WiFi connectivity. User shall be able to use PC without any physical connection to modem and telephone line. User can use laptop anywhere in the house even on the bed and browse Internet without carrying any wire. Broadband connectivity of 128Kbps at the back end shall be provided to each home and shall give fast access to the Internet.

2. Universal Phone
This phone shall replace a standard PSTN phone instrument. All calls on the landline will be diverted on this phone. This phone shall work as a cordless phone and can be used anywhere in the home. In case of hotspots availability in the society campus, it can be used in the campus too. This phone shall work on the WiFi connectivity.

3. Single button emergency call
Emergency call (or send SMS) can be made using this single button device and wireless pendent. Since it may not require conversation, this is just a panic button and will make call automatically.

4. Digital Answering Machine with personal voice message boxes
The DigitalHome server shall also work as answering machine. Each family member may have separate voice message inbox. It shall store the voice mail from the caller in respective user's inbox.

5. Smart Card based access to home
A valid smart card holder shall have access inside the main door. In case of any forced entry, the owner is made alert by sending SMS, email or even phone call. Security person at the gate is also informed automatically.
On the valid entry inside the house, a welcome greeting message also be given. It shall switch on desired lights, fans, etc.

6. Main gate security and visitor tracking system
A visitor wishing to enter the premises stands in front of the window at the security gate, a camera fixed there takes his/her snap. A security person sends it to the concern flat with a single key operation. Flat owner gets a beep and is able to view this image on the LCD display of the DigitalHome server box. User may convey a desired message to let him/her in or not to the security person.
The photo images of all the visitors shall be stored in the device/computer at the security gate for records.

7. Stand-alone Video surveillance
The Server box shall also be able to function as a video surveillance. A camera is fixed at the main door of a flat takes images of a person standing at the door and it is viewed on the LCD display of the server box.

8. Keeping visitor's log when the DigitalHome is locked
When a visitor rings a bell while the main door is locked, a camera takes a snap of the visitor and stores in DigitalHome server along with time. This image shall also be sent (optional) by email to owner. One can find out who all had come to them in their absence.

9. Event tracking
A set of event shall be entered once in the server box. It will give reminder on display as well as voice. It shall provide greeting on the occasions like, birthdays, anniversaries etc.

10. VoIP phone (Internet phone) for cheapest international calls
A server box shall provide a simple and easiest way to connect to the international phone and chat with the near ones and dear ones. A universal phone of DigitalHome shall be used to make the international calls.

11. SMS receiving without owning a mobile phone
A server shall receive a SMS from anywhere and display on its LCD display. That means, one can receive SMS without even having a mobile phone at home. Incoming SMS service is free. One can send SMSes to home and pass on messages at the cheapest way.

12. Video surveillance
To know the whereabouts of the children playing in the play area/park, a set of cameras shall be fixed at various display the view on the LCD display of the server. There shall be option to select a particular camera.

13. MP3 music and movies
The server is MP3 enabled that allows playing MP3 music on the TV or Music system. A music system shall be connected to the server. Movie can be viewed on the TV. This option is more suitable in the common music/video library environment.

14. Switching on/off lights, fans
Controlling lights and fans remotely shall be made possible using the server. This means, switch off/on lights while one is in the other room, as well as while going out of house or coming in to the house. This control can also be done remotely even from the office by we/SMS.

15. Switching on/off electrical appliances
Water heater, AC, can be switched on remotely either from inside the house, or from the office. While from the office, controlling this shall be made possible using web access/SMS. While leaving the house, all appliances can be switched off automatically.

16. Fire alarm
The server shall also raise alarm and send messages to the concern people in case of the fire. The fire detection devices are connected to the server.
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