They create their own little mesh network using radio frequencies that are sent between different devices in your home.įor example, your light switch might communicate with your light bulb using a Z-Wave signal. The Zigbee and Z-Wave protocols used by many of these devices are designed to work without the internet. Some people might be wondering how these devices can operate without the internet. These too might provide similar levels of local access without requiring an internet connection.

Other popular smart home hub choices include Wink and SmartThings. To have your devices linked for full local access, all you have to do is connect the Z-Wave or Zigbee stick into the Hubitat. So, what do you need for a smart bulb to work? Smart bulbs require a smartphone, tablet, or home automation hub to function because they employ wireless communication protocols such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Z-Wave, or Zigbee to connect to an app on your phone or your home automation system. That said, there are plenty of options available that don't require any special equipment beyond your router. While many smart bulbs on the market are compatible with Amazon's Echo and Google's Home devices, others require a separate bridge or hub to connect to your home network. They're ideal for single-bulb fixtures or clusters of light fixtures that you want to brighten or make more colorful. You can smarten any existing light fixture using smart bulbs, such as a kitchen pendant light or a bedside lamp. Smart light bulbs come in a variety of forms, sizes, colors, and configurations. The bulb contains wireless technology that allows messages to be sent between your device, the hub (if any), and the bulb, resulting in the bulb turning on or off, changing colors, dimming, or brightening. The smart bulb connects to your router via a port, but some smart bulbs lack smart hubs. This design is still used today in many light bulbs.

The original design was very simple: a glass tube filled with a filament that was heated by an electric current. The construction of the smart bulb was invented by a man named GE in the early 1900s. While many people believe that wifi-enabled bulbs are the only way to go, there are actually some benefits to choosing a smart bulb that does not require wifi. When you decide to buy a smart bulb, one of the first things you need to consider is whether or not you want a wifi-enabled bulb.

Wifi vs bluetooth bulbs