The Bottom Line
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.
Pros
- Reputable maker of quality door locks
- Remote access features include appropriate security safeguards
- Z-Wave technology is designed to avoid wireless interference with Wi-Fi home networks
Cons
- 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 from 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. These are high-quality latches
- 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 Schlage LiNK:
- 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
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 is not 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
- additional door locks
- additional light modules
- network cameras
- a Z-Wave enabled thermostat made by Trane
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).