Linkstyle App Guide: Understanding Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Zigbee, and Bluet

Introduction Welcome to Linkstyle! If you're setting up your first smart home devices, you might be curious about how your devices stay connected to our app. Linkstyle devices use various communication protocols—Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Zigbee, and Bluetooth with Nexohub. Each protocol offers unique advantages, depending on your devices and needs. This guide explains how each works and details how signals travel from your Linkstyle app to each device type.

1. Wi-Fi Protocol: Reliable Connectivity for Data-Rich Devices

Overview: Wi-Fi is a powerful protocol that connects devices to your home internet network. It’s excellent for data-heavy devices like cameras, allowing real-time updates through the Linkstyle app, even when you’re away from home.

Signal Pathway (Wi-Fi):

User Action: You control the device via the Linkstyle app.
Cloud Communication: The app sends the command to the Linkstyle app server through your internet.
Device Activation: The server relays the command to your device over Wi-Fi.
Feedback: Device status is updated back to the cloud over the internet via the Wi-Fi router/modem and displayed in the app.

Advantages & Disadvantages:

Advantages: Long-range control, ideal for video streaming and frequent updates.
Disadvantages: Higher energy use requires most devices to be plugged in or carry a large battery.

Linkstyle Device Examples: Mira Camera, Quistro Camera, Chlora Smart Planter

2. Bluetooth Protocol: Efficient, Close-Range Control

Bluetooth directly connects your phone to devices, making it ideal for close-range control over simple devices like lights and locks. Linkstyle Bluetooth devices work up to 30 feet under ideal conditions, providing fast and efficient control through the app without Wi-Fi (see this article for guidelines on Bluetooth range).

Signal Pathway (Bluetooth):

User Action: You press a button in the Linkstyle app to control the device.
Direct Connection: The app connects to the device via Bluetooth, requiring no cloud access.
Device Response: The device executes the command, the feedback is sent directly to the phone and displayed in the app.

Advantages & Disadvantages:

Advantages: Low power use
Disadvantages: Limited range; must be within Bluetooth range for control.

Linkstyle Device Examples: Matrix series of lock boxes, Tocabot

Bluetooth with Nexohub: Extending Bluetooth Control through Wi-Fi

Overview: Bluetooth’s functionality can extend beyond its range with the Nexohub, which allows Bluetooth devices to connect to your Wi-Fi network. This provides remote access that enables you to control devices like Matrix Lock Boxes or check on your AFRA Indoor Soil Sensor from anywhere.

Signal Pathway (Bluetooth with Nexohub):

User Action: You send a command from the Linkstyle app.
Nexohub Communication: The app routes this command to the Nexohub through your Wi-Fi network.
Device Activation: Nexohub translates the command to Bluetooth and sends it to the device.
Feedback Return: Device status is sent back through Nexohub to the Wi-Fi router/modem, then to the Linkstyle app through the internet, allowing remote monitoring and control.

Advantages & Disadvantages:

Advantages: Remote access for Bluetooth devices, energy-efficient.
Disadvantages: Limited to Bluetooth’s basic capabilities.

Linkstyle Device Examples: Matrix series of lock boxes, AFRA Indoor Soil Sensor, Tocabot

3. Zigbee Protocol: Low-Power Networking for Many Devices

Overview: Zigbee uses a mesh network, letting devices connect to each other to extend the signal throughout your home. This is ideal for Linkstyle sensors that need low-power, continuous connections without draining batteries. Zigbee devices require a Zigbee hub and access to Wi-Fi.

Signal Pathway (Zigbee):

User Action: You activate a Zigbee device via the Linkstyle app.
Hub Communication: The command travels over the internet to your home Wi-Fi network, then to the Zigbee hub.
Mesh Network Activation: The hub relays the command across the Zigbee network if there are multiple nodes, then reaches the device.
Feedback Loop: Device status updates through the hub to the Wi-Fi router/modem, then over the internet to the Linkstyle app

Advantages & Disadvantages:

Advantages: Extended range through mesh, low power use.
Disadvantages: Requires a Zigbee hub; limited bandwidth.

Linkstyle Device Examples: AFRA and AFRA II Outdoor Soil Sensors, Linkstyle Smart Security series of devices

Zigbee Hubs: Nexohub, Linkstyle Multi-Purpose Security Hub

Understanding how each protocol functions can help you make the most of your Linkstyle smart devices. Whether you’re managing Wi-Fi cameras, Bluetooth locks, or a network of Zigbee sensors, Linkstyle’s app keeps you in control, providing a secure and streamlined smart home experience.