Efficient remote control system using SMS and WiFi technology for outdoor security lighting applications

The aim of this work is to design and develop a control system using SMS and WiFi technology to remotely control the outdoor security lights in large organisations. The device comprises four main units, namely: the mobile phone or a computer system, the GSM modem, the switching unit and the WiFi module. One feature that makes the developed system better than other related existing works is its ability to use two means of control. It makes use of WiFi when the operator is within the coverage area of the network of about 100 metres to the device, at no cost, otherwise it uses SMS containing certain codes to control the lamps. A SIM card is placed in the GSM modem and SMS from the transmitter are sent to that mobile number. The module is also constantly being monitored by the microcontroller unit, which in turn processes the information, extracts the message and command from the GSM modem and WiFi module respectively and then acts accordingly. Owing to its simplicity, C programming is used to programme the microcontroller. The developed device when tested with three lighting points operating on 230V power supply, gives an impressive performance with both SMS and WiFi technology. The benefit of this work is in its low-cost real-life practical application.