Hello everyone, I hope this post finds you well! I’ve been diving into the world of smart home integration lately, and I wanted to share my experiences and thoughts with you all. BACKGROUND We’ve been using a SmartThings 2015 hub for quite some time now, managing a variety of Z-Wave devices such as switches, dimmers, outlets, motion sensors, and even a thermostat. It’s been a solid setup, but we recently decided to enhance our security setup with a Ring Pro video doorbell. Alongside that, we’ve installed several hidden Lorex IP cameras and an NVR for comprehensive surveillance. CHALLENGES FACED One issue we encountered early on was the insufficient infrared (IR) lighting on the Lorex cameras for color night vision (CNV). To address this, we initially tried using IR illuminators, but their placement became a hassle given the hidden nature of the cameras. This led us to explore alternative solutions, such as adding ambient lighting in the areas where the cameras are installed. OPPORTUNITIES AND PLANS Enter Ring’s new smart lighting solution, which is set to release in March 2019. From what we understand, these lights utilize the WiFi protocol for communication, which requires the Ring Bridge to function properly. This is an exciting development as it promises seamless integration with our existing setup. QUESTIONS AND CONCERNS However, there are a few questions that have come up during our research. Since each Ring smart light comes equipped with a motion sensor, we’re curious about the possibility of integrating these with our SmartThings hub. Given that SmartThings primarily supports Z-Wave and not WiFi devices beyond acting as a router, we’re uncertain about the compatibility. Additionally, we’re eager to learn more about the capabilities of the Ring Bridge itself. Specifically, does it support Z-Wave or ZigBee protocols, which would allow it to communicate with a broader range of hubs and devices on the market? Any insights or experiences you’ve had with similar setups would be invaluable to us. EXPERIENCES AND LESSONS LEARNED In the meantime, we’ve been experimenting with different configurations and have found that a combination of ambient lighting and strategic placement of existing security devices has significantly improved our surveillance setup. It’s been a learning curve, but each challenge has brought us closer to our goal of a fully integrated and efficient smart home system. LOOKING FORWARD We’re excited about the potential that Ring’s new smart lighting and the Ring Bridge offer. The idea of having motion-activated lights that seamlessly integrate with our existing security setup is incredibly appealing. We’re hopeful that the Ring Bridge will bridge the gap (pun intended!) between our SmartThings hub and the new Ring devices, allowing for a more cohesive and effective smart home ecosystem. CALL TO ACTION If anyone out there has experience with Ring Bridge integration, especially with SmartThings, we’d love to hear your thoughts, tips, or any potential pitfalls you’ve encountered. Your insights could help us (and others) navigate this integration process more smoothly. Thanks in advance for your time and input! Looking forward to hearing from you all.