Over the years, as the smart lock market has developed, products have become increasingly diverse. More and more people are considering replacing their traditional door locks with smart locks to enjoy a better door-opening experience and to enhance home security. However, many people are unfamiliar with smart locks. Below, I will provide a comprehensive explanation of smart locks through 10 key points to help everyone understand them better.
What is a Smart Lock?
A smart lock is an improved version of a traditional mechanical lock, combining security, convenience, and advanced technology. It primarily utilizes technologies such as password recognition, fingerprint recognition, facial recognition, IC cards, Bluetooth modules, and more. Smart locks also support IoT (Internet of Things) functions, connecting to local area networks (LAN) or the internet.
Smart locks are commonly used in banks, government departments (which prioritize security), hotels, dormitories, residential communities, villas, and guesthouses (which prioritize easy management).
What are the Unlocking Methods for Smart Locks?
Currently, smart locks on the market typically offer the following unlocking methods:
- Biometric recognition: Fingerprint, facial recognition, finger vein, palm vein, iris
- Bluetooth: Mobile phone Bluetooth unlocking, Bluetooth key fob unlocking
- Traditional methods: Backup mechanical key unlocking
- Other methods: Password unlocking, NFC card unlocking, WeChat unlocking, remote unlocking, temporary password unlocking
Do Smart Locks Need to Retain Top and Bottom Hooks?
It is recommended to remove them. The top and bottom hooks in household doors use a "井" (well) structure to secure the door against forced entry, but they don't provide any technological improvement.
While they may improve resistance to violent forced entry, their security isn't related to the smart lock itself. As long as the main lock is unlocked, the hooks will also unlock.
Additionally, having these hooks adds complexity, making installation inconvenient and increasing the failure rate of the lock. It also adds significant wear on the lock mechanism, which may need replacement after only a few years, leading to unnecessary costs and inconvenience.
Why Do Some Smart Locks Still Have a Backup Keyhole?
There are three common emergency unlocking methods: mechanical key unlocking, dual-circuit driving, and password rotary unlocking. Most smart locks use a backup key for emergency situations.
Typically, the mechanical keyhole is discreetly designed and is not the primary unlocking method. It’s meant to be used only in emergencies, such as during a circuit failure or a fire.
What is Optical Fingerprint Recognition and Semiconductor Fingerprint Recognition?
- Optical Fingerprint Recognition: When a finger is placed on an optical sensor, the finger is illuminated by an internal light source, and the image of the fingerprint is projected onto a CCD (Charge-Coupled Device). The ridges (black) and valleys (white) of the fingerprint create a digital image that can be processed by algorithms.
- Advantages: Widely used, can tolerate temperature variations, relatively low cost.
- Disadvantages: Larger sensor size, recognition accuracy decreases with overly dry or oily fingers.
- Semiconductor Fingerprint Recognition: This includes capacitive and inductive types. The basic principle is that the finger interacts with a plate of semiconductor devices to create a unique electrical charge or inductance.
- Advantages: High sensitivity, high recognition accuracy, low power consumption, compact sensor size.
- Disadvantages: Higher cost, harder to maintain.
What is Vein Recognition?
Vein recognition uses the pattern of blood vessels within the finger for identification. It works by using near-infrared light to capture images of the veins, which are then processed and stored as digital patterns.
Because of its compact recognition module, vein recognition is more commonly used for home security systems, while palm vein recognition is typically used for large-area applications due to its slower processing speed.
What are Mechanical and Electronic Lock Bodies?
Smart locks can have either a mechanical lock body or an electronic lock body.
- Mechanical Lock Body: Contains no electronic parts and is similar to a traditional mechanical lock.
- Electronic Lock Body: Contains electronic components that are controlled by the smart system to engage or disengage the lock. These systems are usually combined with mechanical components and include features like data wires and external panels. The lock only opens when authorized.
What Communication Methods Do Smart Locks Use?
Common communication protocols for smart locks include Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, ZigBee, and Z-Wave.
- Wi-Fi: High power consumption, suitable for large data transmission.
- Bluetooth: Low power consumption, but limited range.
- ZigBee: Complex technology with high research and development costs.
- Z-Wave: Less widely adopted but still a viable option.
- NB-IoT: A new protocol offering extended standby time, no need for a gateway, and better network stability, possibly becoming a major direction in smart lock and smart home technology.
How to Determine if a Lock Can Be Installed on Your Door?
Smart locks are designed to accommodate most standard lock body specifications. Typically, smart locks can be installed on wood, iron, copper, composite, and even some glass doors. If necessary, modifications can be made to fit.
If you wish to install a smart lock, you can communicate with the seller or an installer who can assist with the process.
What is the Best Way to Maintain a Smart Lock?
Proper maintenance is essential for the longevity of smart locks. Some maintenance tips include:
- Avoid disassembling the lock without professional help
- Don’t slam the door
- Use a dry soft cloth to clean the sensor window, avoiding scratches
- Keep the lock away from water and corrosive substances
- Don’t hang heavy items on the door handle
- Don’t apply lubricant to the backup keyhole unless needed
- Regularly check the lock and replace the batteries when necessary.
This is a complete introduction to smart locks. I hope it helps you better understand this technology.
