SOLUTIONS - Using Home Automation and TZO Dynamic DNS

	SOLUTIONS - Using your Home Automation software and hardware and an Internet connection to enhance security, turn on and off lights, turn up the heat and more....

•	What is Home Automation and can it help make my life easier?

	Home Automation is simply controlling lights, music, heating and cooling, security and more all into a single interface that can be controlled from inside the home - and over the Internet. The goal of home automation is to make the homeowners life easier and more secure. For example: With a simple X10 lighting system from SmartHome.com, the average homeowner can add several X10 compatible light "switches" or controllers, and with the click of one button - shut all lights off in the house just before bedtime. Taking this one more step, the home owner can add software and control the lights from any web browser in the house. Adding a cablemodem and network connection, the homeowner can then control the lighting from the Internet! Adding in an X10 compatible thermostat, network cameras and X10 compatible motion detectors, allow heating and cooling automation and remote security! The possibilities are endless! Home automation can be very inexpensive and can be installed by the homeowner that is somewhat technically savvy. The majority of costs are in the configuration and installation of the system - not in the hardware.

•	Where do I purchase Home Automation devices and software?

	The first step is to purchase the home automation hardware and software from a local security installer, or purchase a package from Smarthome.com , HAI or any other home automation dealer. Once you install and configure the home automation software and devices, you are ready to hook the system up to a network and enable Internet access.


•	Why do I need the TZO Dynamic DNS with my Home Automation system and how do I set it all up?

	Accessing your home automation system can be done with any type of IP address, but most manufacturers and installers will suggest a STATIC IP address - which means the IP address never changes. Due to the fact that many of these Home Automation systems are installed on Internet connections using Cable or DSL - it's very difficult and expensive to obtain a static IP address - sometimes impossible. TZO.COM DDNS (Dynamic DNS) is the simple solution to this common problem. The TZO DDNS provides you with a domain name to use with your Dynamic IP address - we also work on static IP's. TZO software tracks your IP address changes and updates the domain name immediately, allowing you and your users to connect to the home automation system using this domain name instead of an IP address Here are some quick steps on how to best use TZO with your Home Automation setup: 1) Get your Home Automation system installed and running internally (inside your network) and make sure the system is working according to the install guide and you can accomplish everything you wish to do remotely from the inside of the network using an internal web browser. 2) You should now get your home automation system connected to your network and make sure the network is connected to your cablemodem or DSL modem. 3) Configure your router or firewall to open the proper ports (if you use one) in order to connect to your home automation web server using the current IP address of the router. Most home automation software systems have a built in web server that listens on port 80 - so you should forward port 80 to the LAN IP address of your home automation system. 4) Once you can connect to your home automation main webpage from the Internet using the routers IP address, you should go to the TZO Website to download and install the TZO softwareon the home automation server itself, or on any PC or server that resides on the same network. If you do not have a PC or Server that can run the TZO software on the network, you can use a router or firewall that includes the TZO DDNS software such as some Linksys, NetGear, SMC, D-Link or other certified routers or devices on our list. 5) Once you get TZO DDNS setup with your TZO domain name you selected, you can then use this domain name to connect to your home automation website from the Internet. It's very important that if you are running the TZO software, that you keep the software running at all times. If you use a TZO compatible router, the router will update the domain name when the IP changes on the router. That's it! Its as simple as using the TZO DOMAIN NAME (Example: YourHome.tzo.com) to connect to the Home Automation interface remotely instead of using an IP address that's always changing. The TZO domain name NEVER changes, and you will always continue to use the same domain name whenever you or your family members want to connect to the home automation system. * TIP: Check out our extensive list of tutorials on popular Routers, Servers, Appliances, Cams and more. These tutorials will assist you in getting your Home Automation system installed and running