From enabling hybrid working to providing best-in-class entertainment experiences, all while prioritising energy efficiency and keeping people connected with their homes, the remit of networks and the potential of automation is broader and more significant than ever.

Fortunately, networking technology and solutions are also evolving to keep pace with changing demands. The key considerations for home automation and networking are outlined below, along with examples from ISE 2025 exhibitors as to how they can be addressed.

Improving interoperability

The normalisation of hybrid working has reinforced the need for robust and reliable networking infrastructure. While Gigabit-plus ISP speeds are now commonplace, greater compatibility between devices, applications, and services is required to support seamless smart home system integration.

Networks must be multi-purpose – equally effective in facilitating video conferencing during work hours, and high definition streaming entertainment in the evenings. Distributed by Snap AV, Araknis Networks offers a full suite of access points, routers and switches that allows installation partners to accommodate these wide-ranging demands with ease.

Scalability for future-ready design

Economic pressures, coupled with the rapid pace of tech evolution and change, have led to a high demand for entry-level systems that are affordable yet scalable – networks that enable incremental upgrades as budgets allow. In conjunction, there is a focus on modern systems that are designed to adapt as users’ needs evolve, with intuitive tools for managing new devices and updates included.

As smart home control expert Crestron explains, adaptability is crucial for integrators and control designers. Systems and platforms should offer comprehensive control through remotes, touchscreens, or apps, with customisable settings for different needs. While voice control is popular, many users still prefer physical interfaces, due to the higher levels of reliability and functionality that they can offer.

Personalisation and third-party product support

Homeowners living busy and complex lives increasingly value systems tailored to their individual routines and preferences. Connecting home technology into one simple system helps to reduce daily stresses – a truly smart home should make inhabitants’ home lives more convenient, safer, more comfortable, and easier to enjoy.

Advanced platforms like Control4 X4 are designed with personalisation in mind, offering users greater autonomy to adjust settings and create custom scenarios. They also integrate deeply with ecosystems such as Apple HomeKit, enabling seamless control across devices, systems and brands.

Better energy efficiency

Automation systems help to reduce smart home energy consumption through optimising device usage – by shutting off when rooms are vacant, for example. Centralised control and flexible networks support both homeowners in achieving cost savings, and society at large in reaching sustainability goals.

Automation expert KNX can improve control and monitoring of smart devices without the need for additional wiring, by ensuring that all components communicate via one common language. In doing so, it helps homeowners to achieve energy savings of up to 60%, as evidenced by its extensive range of real-life examples showcased here.

A combined shift toward hybrid lifestyles and higher expectations for seamless, personalised control has driven rapid innovation in home automation. Networking infrastructure and automation improvements have become essential to meet these changing demands.

Stay informed!

ISE is the world-renowned annual tech show for the AV and systems integration industry, taking place in Barcelona, 4-7 February 2025. It will spotlight the latest smart home solutions from leading manufacturers, including home automation, home cinema, security and home offices.

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