Smart home devices can add a lot of convenience to your life. In particular, Smart gate locks are one of the best entry points for home automation. You can relatively increase the protection of your home and valuables in your home by using it. So how much do you know about smart gate locks? Do you know the difference between it and electronic locks? How do you do when the smart gate lock runs out of power? About it, you may have many questions. You can find the answers you want from this article.

What is a Smart Gate Lock?

A smart gate lock is one of the key features of a smart home. It allows you to easily enter your home without needing a physical key. There is a wide selection of smart gate locks on the market. Depending on the features, some smart outdoor gate locks come with codes. Some have fingerprint scanners or keypads with smartphone apps.

They don’t have the disadvantages of traditional mechanical locks. They also offer additional security.

It comes in a wide variety and a wide price range. Most users can buy a WiFi-enabled smart gate lock with accessories for anywhere from $250 to $400. Some simple models of smart gate locks may require lower prices. Of course, it’s more expensive if you want a high-end smart outdoor gate lock with biometrics.

What are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Smart Gate Locks?

Smart gate locks are prone to malfunction in the absence of network and power
Smart gate locks are prone to malfunction in the absence of network and power

The biggest advantage of installing a smart outdoor gate lock is convenience. Depending on the lock purchased, there are slight differences in functionality. They can all protect your home and make access easier. It allows you to enter your home, even if you carry groceries easily. You don’t need to carry a physical key, and you don’t need to worry about losing it. It also keeps track of everyone who uses the smart outdoor gate lock. It also supports integration with other smart home automation features.

It also has obvious drawbacks. In the event of a temporary power outage or WiFi outage, the chances of the lock malfunctioning are high. Some biometric locks may also experience conditions due to inclement weather, such as ice or humidity. It also has a battery inside it, and when it runs out, you risk not being able to get in the door. You don’t need to worry about this unless you have an extra physical key. There is another important factor. Some smart locks may require the purchase of additional components or a complete home hub to work properly. The cost of these additional devices, plus the cost of the lock, can be relatively expensive overall.

WiFi-enabled access control systems are vulnerable to hacking. So in using one, you need to make sure your network is as secure as possible. Of course, this is not a very serious problem. Because there are means by which we can manage or mitigate them.

Any lock is a risk, and we can avoid the risk of intrusion by taking good protection measures. Users who use codes to access their homes can cover their keypads as they type and change codes regularly. This behavior mitigates the risk of someone seeing your code and trying to access your home. Try not to use your phone to unlock it, as it is likely to allow hackers to take advantage of it. Using passwords and security features is beneficial to protect your home better. When using fingerprint recognition, be careful to leave a backup option. The backup option will be extremely important if there is a failure to recognize your fingerprint.

What is the Difference Between Smart Gate Locks and Electronic Locks?

Smart and electronic door locks are more convenient and secure than traditional mechanical locks. Using a smart or electronic lock instead of a traditional one means you don’t need to carry a physical key when leaving your home. You don’t have to worry about losing your keys. However, they both bring you great convenience. However, there is an extremely clear difference between the two in terms of how they work.

Smart Gate Lock

People can unlock smart gate locks with their smartphones
People can unlock smart gate locks with their smartphones

A smart gate lock is essentially an electromechanical lock. It performs unlocking or locking operations by receiving radio waves from an authorized key. It also actively sounds an alarm when unauthorized access is received. It is part of what makes up smart home living.

People can upgrade ordinary locks to smart gate locks by modification. People usually install a smart door lock directly on top of a mechanical lock.

It works with the same components that make up a traditional lock. They both need a key and a lock to work properly. But the smart electronic lock uses a key that is not physical. Its key can be a smartphone or other special smart key configured for this purpose. It does not need to be inserted into the keyhole to unlock, and radio waves mainly perform the unlocking operation.

Smart gate locks also allow users to authorize designated third-party access with a virtual key. The key to unlocking the door is sent to the smartphone of the designated recipient via standard messaging protocols. These standard messaging protocols can be email or SMS. When the receiver receives the key, he can unlock the smart electronic lock as long as he operates within the specified time.

It also allows the user to control the lock via a mobile application remotely. Users can remotely grant or deny third-party access. Some smart gate locks also contain a WiFi connection inside the body. People can use this WiFi connection for monitoring access notifications or monitoring purposes. Assuming it is connected to a camera, it is possible to see who requests access. People can also use it in combination with a smart doorbell. The user can know when someone is at the door or can see who is ringing the doorbell.

The smart gate lock allows communication with low-power Bluetooth and SSL. It will encrypt the communication content using 128/256 bit AES.

Electronic Locks

Electronic lock example diagram
Electronic lock example diagram

The electronic lock uses a locking device that can be operated by electric current. It can be installed directly on the door lock and used alone. People also can use it in conjunction with an access control system. It has fine-grained key access control. You can add or remove keys in the backend of the door lock without having to configure keys separately. You can also view the time and location of third-party access. The electronic lock also can remotely control and monitor locked or unlocked doors.

It works using magnets, solenoids, or motors. Use these tools to power or disconnect the door lock to perform locking and unlocking functions. People can unlock it as simple as using a switch. It can also be as complex as biometric access control.

Smart gate locks work differently than electronic locks. Smart locks perform unlocking or locking of the door by radio waves. On the other hand, Electronic locks use electrical currents. A smart door lock has more features than an electronic lock. It can also meet most home systems and certain user-specific needs. It also supports WiFi capabilities, offering additional advantages.

Can Smart Door Locks Work Without WiFi?

Usually, you can choose between two different types of smart gate locks. They are WiFi-enabled and WiFi-unsupported smart gate locks. WiFi-enabled smart outdoor gate locks can be managed and controlled through a WiFi connection. While connected to WiFi, its functionality is further enhanced. Smart outdoor gate locks that do not support WiFi allow Bluetooth connectivity. You can connect the lock to your smartphone and use it. The two devices are allowed to communicate with each other. It is not affected by Internet connection in all aspects. However, there is still a clear difference between the two of them.

A smart gate lock that does not support WiFi (NWE) is more secure. People can use it without an Internet connection. Thus it is not susceptible to hacking. A WiFi-enabled lock is more susceptible to some other technology. It is susceptible to some tech-savvy burglars. Especially if your smart door lock is connected to the network that has been compromised, an attacker can remotely disable your door.

Smart gate locks that do not support WiFi (NWE) are more reliable. Because the lock that supports WiFi is prone to access failure once it loses the network. It can cause you to be locked in your home. For some remote areas where you live without an internet connection, non-WiFi smart door locks can work better instead.

In terms of cost, non-WiFi smart gate locks are lower. Most WiFi-enabled smart door locks require an external hub. It means there is an additional cost to use it. Although generally only $100 more. But when comparing the two, non-WiFi locks require no other additional costs. It is more cost-effective.

WiFi-enabled smart gate locks have more remote capabilities. You can unlock the door remotely and let the guests from far away rest first. Non-WiFi smart door locks require additional steps to perform a similar function. For example, this smart door lock supports Bluetooth and PIN. It would be best if you used them to grant guests access remotely. On the other hand, you need to be within Bluetooth range to access the logs. The smart door lock will notify You immediately if someone else uses Bluetooth to unlock your door.

WiFi-enabled locks have device integration capabilities. It allows integration with other smart devices. It is because it supports connection with smart hubs. The smart hub can control multiple smart devices on the platform or app. In most cases, you can connect a smart speaker and achieve control of the smart door lock through a voice assistant. It allows you to lock or unlock the door remotely. You can also use voice commands to view access logs. It allows you to have a more convenient experience. The non-WiFi smart door lock can also be integrated with other devices but requires an external hub again. Assuming it does not work with an external hub, it cannot perform remote unlocking of the door.

What Should I do When the Smart Gate Lock Loses Power?

Three emergency unlocking methods when the smart gate lock is out of power
Three emergency unlocking methods when the smart gate lock is out of power

Usually, smart gate locks are designed with three emergency unlocking methods. It can assist you in achieving the purpose of unlocking the door.

  • Low power consumption warning

The smart door locks we buy generally have a low-power alert function. Whenever the lock is low on power, it will emit a sound or light to remind the user to replace the battery. At this time, even though the power is already low, it can still unlock the door at least 50 times or so. You can choose to buy a new battery and replace it at this time.

  • Enable emergency power

You can enable emergency power to unlock the door when the smart door lock runs out of power. The smart door lock allows an external mobile power source to charge it through its USB port to unlock the door.

  • Use of mechanical keys

Most smart door locks today support the automatic code disc mode. When the electronic part of the smart door lock fails to open the door, you can choose to use a mechanical key to open the door. Usually, the lock opening is located at the bottom of the lock. You can use the mechanical key to twist open the door, just like opening a traditional locking door.

While smart gate locks are not perfect, they are always better than standard physical locks. There are all kinds of smart door locks on the market. No matter which smart door lock is available, it can bring convenience to the user. It also helps a lot in improving your quality of life.


About Smart Gate Lock Problem

  1. What are the advantages of using a Smart Gate Lock over a traditional lock and key?

    The advantages of using a Smart Gate Lock include greater convenience, improved security, and increased control over access to the gate. Smart Gate Locks can also be remotely controlled, monitored, and managed, which can help businesses and homeowners save time and money.

  2. How can businesses and homeowners use Smart Gate Locks to improve security and access control?

    Smart Gate Locks can be used to improve security and access control by providing real-time monitoring and alerts, remote access control, and the ability to provide temporary access codes or keys.

  3. How can Smart Gate Locks be integrated with other smart home or security systems, such as CCTV or alarms?

    Smart Gate Locks can be integrated with other systems through application programming interfaces (APIs) or pre-built integrations with compatible systems.

  4. How can Smart Gate Locks be installed and configured, and what technical expertise is required?

    Smart Gate Locks can be installed and configured following the manufacturer’s instructions. Some technical expertise may be required, depending on the complexity of the installation and configuration.

  5. How do Smart Gate Locks compare to traditional access control systems, such as keypads or card readers, regarding convenience and security?

    Smart Gate Locks offer greater convenience and flexibility than traditional access control systems. This is because they can be remotely controlled and managed through a smartphone or other wireless device. They also offer higher security through advanced encryption and authentication technologies.

  6. How can Smart Gate Locks be used in rental properties like vacation homes or apartments to facilitate self-check-in and improve guest experience?

    Smart Gate Locks can be used in rental properties to facilitate self-check-in and improve the guest experience by providing guests with temporary access codes or keys that expire after their stay. This eliminates the need for physical keys and allows guests to check in and out conveniently.

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