Transforming a traditional log cabin into a modern smart home is possible today – even in rural areas that may not have the strongest internet networks. You can unplug from the hectic pace of modern life, while still having the ability to raise and lower your blinds, start your washing machine, control the temperature of your home, and more through your phone. And who doesn’t want to enjoy a blend of rustic charm with cutting-edge convenience?

There are many good reasons to explore the newest home technology for your log cabin. For instance, many log homeowners are often away from their home, because it is a vacation home, or they allow others to enjoy it through Airbnb or VRBO. In these situations, the ability to control appliances, home temperatures, and security from another location is imperative. For example, a smart home app can help you remotely sense water failures or freezing pipes and turn off the water, so the home doesn’t flood.

Even if you live in your log home full-time, it’s great to be able to control speaker volume, appliances, and your alarm system from any room simply by tapping into a convenient app.  So, whether you dream of a sprawling luxury log cabin where internet is strong in every room, or you have a more modest home that you want to take the best care of, consider our three tech ideas below.

TECH IDEA #1

The Latest Internet Resources

In order to have a smart home, you need strong internet. And for rural and out-of-the-way areas throughout the country, new internet sources are popping up, even where strong networks are not close by. Here are a few options:

• Space-X’s Starlink satellite system offers good coverage in rural regions and mountainous areas, even in remote locations with obstructed line-of-sight. It uses thousands of small low-earth-orbit satellites (i.e., closer to the earth), ensuring faster speeds, rather than larger satellites that are further away. Starlink is suitable for everyday internet use like gaming and Zoom calls.
• Nomad Internet fits in a backpack, works in remote areas, and allows you to connect up to 30 wireless devices to it. It advertises itself as internet that you can carry around with you anywhere you want to go, but it also works well as a stationary device in a rural home.
• Verizon’s Internet Gateway device looks like a small box that you simply plug into the wall and pair up with your computers. Verizon started out offering this device only to customers with business accounts, but now is offered to consumers.
• Unlimitedville claims to transform rural and mobile connectivity. It is a small device that looks like a router with small antennae, and like the Nomad and Verizon Gateway devices, it connects to the closest cell tower, making streaming and gaming easy.

TECH IDEA #2

Home Security

Even if your log cabin is in a remote area, home security is important. While it is true that crime rates tend to be somewhat lower in less densely populated areas, you can still have security concerns. For instance, rural homes may have to wait longer times for assistance when crimes occur, so a good security system ensures that your log home remains a safe haven, no matter where you are.

A good security system comes with many practical benefits. Imagine not having to worry about locking doors, switching off lights, and arming your security system before leaving the house. Instead, you can automate these tasks at set times that are convenient for you. You can also tell Alexa or your Google Assistant to do all of these chores while you’re closing the front door. A few options for smart security systems are ADT, Vivint, SimpliSafe, Ring, and Cove. These products offer motion detectors, remote monitoring, and alerts.

TECH IDEA #3

Smart Home Apps That Automate Everything

Now that you’ve explored the latest ways to get strong internet in your home, you can add smart home apps that create an ecosystem of control for almost anything you can imagine. You can control the furnace, raise and lower your blinds, and manage the volume of speakers – all from one convenient app on your phone. And think about how nice it will be to program your garage door to open, turn the lights and fireplace on, and have your favorite music playing once you arrive home.

Even if you have already invested in individual apps that control one of these things or another, such as Lutron for controlling your lights, you can integrate all of your subsystems together with an app such as Home Assistant. This app works with more than 1,000 devices and services, so it can essentially manage just about anything in the smart home arena.

Other popular products to check out are Samsung Smart Things and Hubitat. Both offer easy-to-use dashboards that intuitively help you select whatever you want to control.