What is a smart lock?
A smart lock is an electronic lock that is opened and locked with the help of an electronic key, a smart phone or remotely with the help of a sent command.
Main functions of smart locks:
- to open and lock a lock from a smart phone or with the help of an electronic key (for example, RFID or NFC marks);
- to open a lock automatically when the owner approaches;
- to give virtual keys from a smart phone to other users and cancel them;
- to be controlled remotely from a smart phone via Wi-Fi.
Most smart locks have additional functions:
- notification about lock opening;
- storage of data: when the lock was opened and by whom;
- notification about burglary attempt.
Almost in all cases a smart lock can be built in the home automation system, allowing it to interact with other intellectual devices. For example, it can be controlled with a voice via Siri.
Types of Smart Locks
Electromagnetic
It locks the door with the help of an electromagnet. The magnet is installed in the door jamb, a metal plate is attached to the door. Power is supplied to the magnet that goes to a relay. To open the lock a user is to hold an electronic key to the reader. When it is done, the lock opens the relay. Locks can additionally be opened from a smart phone with a help of a command. Such locks are suitable for offices, emergency exit doors.
Electromechanic
This type of lock can be opened with both a mechanical and an electronic key (opening with a command, sent from a smart phone is also supported). The construction looks like a regular lock but with a device to open the latch. A motor or as an actuator is used as such a device. This type of lock is characterized as highly reliable, because even if there is no power the lock stays closed. And it can be opened with a mechanical key in case of emergency.
Code
This lock is opened when a correct code is entered. It can be locked by either an electromechanic latch or an electromagnet. The additional advantage of this lock is a capability to do different actions when a wrong code is entered. For example, a camera can be turned on or a signal to security service can be sent if a wrong code is entered 3 times in a row.
Invisible
This type of locks does not have any visible readers of key-holes. The lock is opened when an electronic key appears in the working zone of a hidden reader. The advantage of the lock is the autonomous power system that allows to lock to work several days without power supply.
Biometric
This type of lock is installed in places where increased security is required. It is opened with a finger print registered in database beforehand. The disadvantage of such a solution is that guest access can’t be given fast.
Locks of this kind can be independent or connected to access control system.
Regular lock + smart module
Special attention has to be paid to devices that allow to turn a regular mechanical lock into an electromechanical one. For example, compact autonomous electronic locks by Qmodule. They are installed as additional locks to already installed mechanical locks thus adding wireless access control. Remote control of Qmodule locks is realized via a two-way radio channel at the frequency of 433 MHz with 128-bit encrypting of radio packages. QCONTROL radio network is realized as mesh net with an access points that transmit radio-packages from locks of other radio devices in the net to the server and back.
Comparison of Popular Models *
| Opening/Locking | Remote control | Integration | Price ($) | Special features | |
| Z-wave Dana Lock | Smart phone | WiFi | Fibaro | 200-250 | Integrations with Smart home in a box solutions |
| Kevo | Smart phone, Electronic key, Mechanical key |
Bluetooth | Nest
Amazon Alexa Ring Video DoorBell |
200 | Integration with IoT |
| August Smart lock | Smart phone
Mechanical key Password (with brand keyboard) |
Bluetooth | IFTTT
Apple HomeKit Google Assistant yonomi z-wave |
200 | |
| Goji Smart Lock |
Smart phone
Electronic key |
Bluetooth
WiFi |
– | 300-350 | Built-in camera;
Display for information for visitors (e.g.: “Welcome!”) |
| Lockitron Bolt | Smart phone
Mechanical key Password |
Bluetooth
WiFi |
IFTTT
Open API |
99-179 | |
| Shclage Sense Smart Deadbolt | Smart phone Password Smart phone |
WiFi | Apple HomeKit
SmartThings |
200 | Variety of handles, key holes and the lock appearance |
| Yale Assure | Smart phone
Password |
Bluetooth | Apple HomeKit
Z-wave systems |
200-250 | Options can be selected:
– with a keyboard or without it; – with a mechanical lock or without it; |
| Samsung SHS-H705 | Finger print
Password Emergency mechanical key |
– | – | 300 | Anti-vandal;
Increased security; |
| QCONTROL | Smart phone
Mechanical key |
Wi-Fi | Open API
A line of sensors PMS cloud systems – Logus (Libra hospitality) and Frontdesk24 |
Depends on the model | Modification or a regular lock into a smart one;
Work with RFID cards (Em-marine or Mifare); Server on the basis of RPi. |
*all locks are electromechanic and work with batteries.