Multi-family properties, sometimes called MDUs or multi-dwelling units are residential structures with multiple separate units. Examples include apartment complexes, condominium projects, and mixed-use properties.
We at Telkonet are engaged in conversations with an increasing number of representatives from these properties, from military housing to high-rises. What you can’t see from the outside of these buildings is the web of wireless technologies working alongside each other performing a multitude of essential functions.
- Wi-Fi,
- Bluetooth, and
- Zigbee.
These protocols are powerful, invisible, and essential. They are separate from one another and distinct.
Let’s say there is a 500-unit apartment complex in New York City.
WiFi
The property managers at this apartment complex can harness the power of Wi-Fi to configure in-room controllers for each unit. And by continuing the use of Wi-Fi in this manner, they have ultimate control of each unit.
Like all of us, the building’s residents are using their mobile devices practically every waking hour. A resident could use an app on their mobile device to set up “home” and “away” thermostat schedules, and even control the thermostat remotely, from wherever they are.
Bluetooth
Residents use Bluetooth technology on their mobile devices to complete the process of pairing their phones to the thermostat.
Zigbee
And finally, there’s the Zigbee element. Zigbee is the communication protocol that’s driving an explosion of IoT devices that we as a society use every single day. Zigbee is a low-powered radio wave technology that can ultimately communicate across long distances by hopping across shorter distances. It avoids channel interference with Wi-Fi because of its low power. Zigbee devices can “talk” to one another forming a ‘mesh’ network.
Combination
There is a powerful opportunity in all of this. It’s the combination of all three in a single smart device: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Zigbee; one device that utilizes all three. Telkonet has engineered such a device.
We call it the Touch Combo. With the Touch Combo, there’s something for everyone:
What’s in it or building managers? They retain ultimate control of thermostats in every unit. They can prevent wild temperature swings in individual units. And when a unit is vacant, building managers can maintain appropriate temperature and humidity levels.
They can add an energy management platform to monitor and control energy expenditure. In-room controllers “talk” to other IoT devices. Think of the in-room controller communicating with a building management system (BMS/BAS) via BACnet. And thanks to Zigbee, other devices can join the “conversation”. Devices such as door locks, lighting, shades, and even power outlets. Benefits include energy savings and more efficient building control…remotely!
Plus, they can save energy (which is the priority of a building proprietor, not necessarily of the residents).
For residents, it’s the slick mobile app with which they can control climate settings from wherever in the world they happen to be: at home in New York City, on a business trip in Shanghai, even on holiday on an African safari, as long as there’s Internet access.
If you’re intrigued by Telkonet’s cutting-edge technology, get in touch with our sales reps today. We’re excited to talk to you about this one-of-its-kind technological advancement. [email protected]
U.S. Sales: (888) 703 9398
Domestic and International Sales: (414) 302-2282