A Multi-Protocol IoT-Enabled Touch Control Switch for Energy-Efficient Smart Home Automation

Smart home automation is an exquisite technology that is rapidly gaining popularity in recent years. This research introduces two interconnected smart home solutions, the IoT-enabled touch control switch and the EtherNode Smart Hub, to enhance appliance control, user convenience, and system integration. These solutions address the limitations of traditional smart switches and centralized control systems and offer greater efficiency and flexibility for modern smart homes. The IoT-enabled touch control switch is a versatile, multi-protocol device that supports Wi-Fi, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), Radio Frequency Module (RFM), and Local Area Network (LAN) communication. It incorporates a capacitive touch sensor, an ESP32 module for Wi-Fi and BLE, an STM32 microcontroller for processing, an RFM69 module for long-range RF communication, and a W5500 Ethernet chip for LAN connectivity. Advanced power optimization techniques and EEPROM state retention enhance energy efficiency and system resilience. The EtherNode Smart Hub uses CAT6 Ethernet for secure, high-speed data transmission, connecting multiple node devices to a central relay system managed by an MQTT broker. It enables real-time control via a mobile app or platforms like Home Assistant, with DHCP and DNS support for simplified network management. The inclusion of an RFM module for long-range, low-power communication provides redundancy, ensuring consistent, reliable operation in various environments.