| Name | Technology | Strengths | Weaknesses |
|---|---|---|---|
| X10 ActiveHome/ IBM Home Director |
Connects to serial port of computer, plugs in wall, sends X10 signals through wall wiring. Has one switched outlet. | Allows two-way communication, talks to any house code and unit code. Can be programmed with up to 128 events to be executed and then disconnected from the computer. | Needs dedicated serial port on computer for programming and interactive control. |
| FireCracker | Connects to serial port of computer as a pass-though connector like a dongle, sends RF signal to RF tranceiver module. | Can cross circuits (service legs, UPS's, surge supressors), requires only shared access to serial port, many software options. | Limited range |
| IR Command Center (IR543) | Receives IR commands or from on-board buttons, sends X10 signals through wall wiring. | Can be used with handheld remotes or RedRat IR controller. | Can only control one house code and eight unit codes at a time. |
| Keychain remotes | Sends RF signal to RF tranceiver module. | Small (there is one barely thicker than a credit card) and portable | Controls only two or four devices (depending on model) that are sequential unit codes on the same house code, limited range. |
| Motion sensors | Sends "on" RF signal for a configurable house code and unit code to RF tranceiver module, sends "off" signal to same code after configurable delay. | Ssmall enough to be easily concealed, can be set to only go on when dark, some rated for outdoor use. | Cannot adjust sensitivity or range, takes up two consecutive unit codes. |
| Handheld remotes | Sends RF signal to RF tranceiver module. | Some are universal remotes that can IR control A/V equipment too, long range. | Can only control one house code at a time. |
| Wall switches | Some send RF signal to RF tranceiver module, some send X10 signals through wall wiring. | Works as a regular wall switch and a module, some can dim lights, some can control multipe devices. | Sometimes will not work across legs, requires both hot and neutral to be in electrical box they are mounted in. |
Others include: timers, water sensors, light sensors, PIR sensors, glass breaking sensors, thermostats, and dry contact.