There are a number of standard smart home devices that are important to consider in the design of any home. Most of these are used within the home security sectors. Mechanical devices such as window or door openers require actuators to undertake the task. A dedicated set of wiring specifically installed for the purpose of transmitting data to and from electronic devices within a building. The agreed 'language' that electronic systems use to pass information to each other.
All systems rely on their own protocol.
Some systems such as LonWorks have protocols which are manufacturer specific. Consequently this means that configuring these products is more difficult. As well as setting out the actual electronic 'words' the systems will use, the protocol will also define how 'loud' and at what 'pitch' the messages will be sent as well as what responses are required to confirm that the information has been received. A generic term for the devices used by a computer that fall outside of the basic requirements of processor, monitor, keyboard and mouse. These will include printers, scanners, external storage devices, etc.