Today in 2019, access control technology is more advanced than ever, offering homeowners, business owners, and property managers a massive amount of control, security, and flexibility when it comes to access control capabilities. Some of the most common smart lock based access control systems today utilize either WiFi or Bluetooth based technology in order to provide for the possibility of remote control and monitoring of one’s access control system. In this blog post, the access control installation experts here at Nonstop Locksmith and Security Solutions will provide detail as to the contrasting differences between Bluetooth and WiFi based smart lock systems.
Bluetooth Smart Lock Benefits
- Bluetooth smart locks over hands free capabilities, with the potential to unlock doors automatically when your smartphone or Bluetooth key fob is detected a certain distance from the door. This eliminates ever having to search for your keys when all you want to do is enter your home or business.
- Bluetooth smart locks can be battery powered, eliminating the potential of a defunct lock during power outages.
- Bluetooth smart locks provide additional security in that they only allow access when the “key” is present on your person, when you are present; however some Bluetooth smart locks also allow for you to send other people digital keys with your phone from a distance, for maximum entrance convenience.
Bluetooth Smart Lock Drawbacks
- There’s not much capability for remote control access to unlock your doors from a distance. The Bluetooth lock will only work when in proximity to a programmed device – meaning that you will have to send someone else a digital key to access your property – they will need a smartphone.
- Bluetooth, when run on a phone 24/7, will make your battery drain faster. When phones run out of battery, it will be difficult for you to find a way to enter your home until you charge it.
Wifi Smart Lock Benefits
- You can unlock your door from any place in the world as long as you have an active WiFi connection on your phone.
- WiFi smart locks offer real time alerts for whenever your lock activates or unlocks. This is a great way to know when activity is happening at your property- when your kids get home from school for example.
- WiFi smart locks allow you to send people digital keys that you can set exact parameters for time based access on. This means that you can program keys to work only at certain times, which is incredibly convenient for allowing workers, deliveries, guests, or housekeepers in only at specific times.
WiFi Smart Locks Drawbacks
- Unless you make sure to get a WiFi smart lock that is battery powered, or have a physical key as a backup (we recommend this,) the lock won’t work if your WiFi disconnects or if there is a power outage.
- There are some security risks associated with sharing digital keys with strangers, as well as the potential security risks of losing your smartphone. Luckily, you can log in to applications from a distance using a password protected account on another smart device, allowing you to ensure that your home is still secure.
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