Science ,Technology & Research Zone

Faisal Amin

Usually found only in business environments requiring a higher level of security, Schlage is introducing a wireless door lock that is internet enabled, thereby allowing it to be locked, unlocked as well as monitored by means of any web enabled device such as a PC, Cell Phone or your favorite choice of browser.

The new Z-Wave enabled locks by Schlage will contain Z-Wave RF technology that is two way in nature. This will allow the locks to connect with a Z-Wave gateway, which in turn, when connected to a home router, allows access to the locks via the internet.

By means of the internet, there are a number of things that can be done to the locks including locking them, unlocking them, see who came and went through the door as well as changing pass codes or disabling access for a person.

The Z-Wave gateway does have a large capacity and can handle up to 256 devices, although, in a home environment, it would be pretty tough for an individual to reach this upper limit.

One slight inconvenience with the new door locks is they do not come with a FOB (an electronic key) with which to open the doors. Schlage has made the business decision at this time to have these doors open with devices that consumers currently have in hand such as a cell phone.

Although practical in nature, it certainly doesn’t match the convenience of having a FOB which you can just wave in front of the electronic door lock. A spokesperson for Schlage has said that although there are no FOBs at this time, the company has not ruled out the introduction of a FOB system down the road.

Exact pricing has not been revealed, but expect it to be in the $150 range or more.
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