The IDRATEK system has been designed to be simple to install and highly
	functional, yet very cost effective. An automation application is created by
	connecting modules together via a cable (typically CAT5). A wired solution is
	fundamentally more secure than a wireless one - more reliable with less chance
	of interference, but perhaps most importantly, can deliver power to devices.
	Our modules communicate using the powerful IDRANet protocol. Having its
	basis in University research, this protocol has many unique features which
	were specifically designed to suit home and building automation requirements.
	Some modules are designed to connect appliances such as lights, electrical
	sockets, A/V equipment, HVAC equipment, etc., to the network such that these
	can be controlled or monitored by any other relevant networked devices. Other
	modules on the other hand may simply provide sensory data to the network.
	It is this integrated structure which is crucial to providing useful automation
	services. For example consider a motion detector used in a standard security
	alarm system. Without integration the sole use of such a sensor would be to

		detect intrusion and raise an alarm. However when integrated, the motion data from this same sensor could also
		be used to reduce heating in an unoccupied room, to turn on a light or even deliver a message when a person is
		detected. Conversely an integrated light could be operated automatically on the basis of motion and light sensor
		data, as well as manually by a wall mounted switch and by a remote controller. The same light could also be
		flashed as a door bell indication or could be used as part of the security function. Clearly integration not only
		enables efficient use of existing devices but it also opens up a gateway to many new and exciting services
		which can be achieved for little extra cost.
		So, IDRANet provides the integration infrastructure. Cortex on the other hand provides the intelligence with which
		to coordinate all the sensory information and any controllable appliances in such a way as to satisfy some
		overall objectives. For example to create a security function, an efficient climate control function, an Internet user
		interface, and so on.
		Furthermore, the integration structure is not limited to a local IDRANet, since gateways to other networks such
		as X10, xPL, the Internet and phone systems, extend its reach far beyond the physical boundaries of a building.
		A downloadable overview document can be found .