Definition: home control network

A system for controlling lights and other devices in a home or office. The network uses existing electric lines or it may operate wireless. Also called a "smart plug" system because lamps and other devices plug into receivers that are plugged into AC wall outlets. x10 was one of the earliest home control networks (see x10).

The network may be manually operated, run on a timer or be controlled from an app. See smart home, Insteon, ZigBee, Z-Wave, Matter, Thread, UPB, Home Plug & Play, CEBus and domotics.

Alexa Smart Plugs

Many home control networks use single-outlet receivers that plug into wall outlets. This set of smart plugs from Amazon Basics uses Alexa to turn lamps on and off or whatever is plugged into them. (Image courtesy of Amazon Basics.)