Schlage LiNK—Wireless Home Security

Schlage LiNK is one of the first products of its kind. The ability to monitor and regulate access to a home's main doors should appeal especially to those in busy households with children. Families interested in LiNK should budget appropriately for both the up-front equipment purchase and the monthly subscription fees. Home automation products related to Z-Wave are still maturing. As with any new product, one can expect the technology and level of support behind LiNK to continue improving and evolving over time.

What We Like
What We Don't Like
  • Some customers may be disappointed to find doors cannot be locked or unlocked remotely.

  • Terms of warranty could be more generous for a first-generation product.

  • Significant monthly subscription fees increase the total cost of ownership.

Description

  • Schlage LiNK requires the customer to have high-speed internet service.
  • The required monthly subscription fee for Schlage LiNK is USD $12.99.
  • LiNK components include Schlage door latches, light modules, cameras, a Trane thermostat, and a Z-Wave bridge.
  • Internet remote access to the Schlage system is supported by PCs and from many (not all) models of mobile phones.
  • Door levers and deadbolts are available in a choice of brass, bronze or nickel styles.
  • The system utilizes AES-128 encryption for protected communication with the wireless bridge cabled to a home broadband router.
  • Batteries inside the latch powering the door lock must be replaced every three years or sooner depending on use.

Guide Review: Schlage LiNK

Schlage LiNK is a wireless network-controlled door entry system designed for families to use in their residences. Homeowners can do the following with it:

  • Check whether a door is locked or unlocked while away from home.
  • Receive email or other alerts each time a door is unlocked.
  • Network a door lock with other home automation devices like lights and cameras.

Note that LiNK currently doesn't allow doors to be unlocked remotely; the system simply grants permission for someone physically present at the door to do so.

Z-Wave Wireless Technology

Schlage LiNK utilizes the Z-Wave wireless standard for home automation systems. Customers can network the base door management product with other LiNK devices and some Z-Wave devices from other makers. For example, home lights and surveillance cameras can be automatically switched on whenever the LiNK system detects a door is unlocked. LiNK isn't compatible with other types of home automation networks, such as Zigbee.

Product Offerings

Consumers looking to buy Schlage LiNK can purchase a starter kit that includes:

  • Deadbolt or lever door knob with keypad lock.
  • Z-Wave module for controlling a home light.
  • Bridge device that connects the Z-Wave wireless network to a home router and the internet.

Schlage also sells separately these add-on products compatible with the LiNK system:

  • Additional door locks.
  • Additional light modules.
  • Network cameras.
  • A Z-Wave enabled thermostat made by Trane.

In addition to the initial purchase price for Schlage LiNK equipment, customers must also pay a monthly subscription fee to maintain the service.

Other Considerations

LiNK door locks feature a limited lifetime warranty from Schlage, but all other LiNK components include only a 1-year limited warranty. This warranty doesn't cover the cost to return any defective product to Schlage or labor costs for repair.

About This Review

No hands-on testing of this product was done as part of this review. The author met with a Schlage representative and conducted independent research (including observing the product at a local retail store).

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