A central processor will likely control all of these services, and accessible through wall mounted keypads and remote controls. This means that IP and mobile has a close synergy with home automation applications. Remote events can be monitored closely on an event triggered basis- when something happens that is of interest to the house dweller, they can be proactively informed of this to their mobile terminal if they are attached to the mobile network. One enabling trend for home control systems is the pre-wiring of new accommodation by building firms with technology that facilitates remote control. The cables required to distribute the digital signals relating to audio, security, heating and so on are installed as the house is being built.
Occupiers simply hook their digital devices up to the cable.
This is similar to the central information bus running around modern automobiles and connecting to various car subsystems such as engine management. Only a small percentage of all the houses being built are currently prewired, although this is increasing, since it costs much less and is much less disruptive than a retrofit. For example, Siemens has demonstrated their Home Automation solution, offering visitors an insight into the future way in which they will be able to control devices within their home remotely via the telephone. Everything from turning an iron on and off, to adjusting temperature controls and opening and closing curtains was on offer. This was an impressive demonstration that anticipated addressing the requirements of the mass market consumer.