Smart home control over the internet

Projects General Guidance
1

Hello guys, I am beginner on Arduino and want to control my home appliance using my phone thru WIFI.

What is the best approach of doing it?

Thinking of using a Arduino Ethernet and with a bluetooth shield(Dont know which to get) as the main controller to control this http://redbearlab.com/blendmicro/ from redbearlab.

I wonder if this is workable? Thanks guys!

2

Do you have any kind of home automation setup already? If so, you'll want something that's compatible with your existing protocol.

If you don't already have something set up, X-10 has been around forever and there are a couple of other fairly common protocols. [u]SmartHome.com[/u] offers a selection of controllers and "bridges" between Wi-Fi/Ehternet and Insteon or various other home automation protocols.

3

I built one for me own home last year and it works fine with own software on PC (Lan) and own Android-App (via Bluetooth)
Best approach is:

  • make a plan of what do you want to control, read-out etc
  • buy all components
  • build them and create you sketch and software etc.