The Industrial Internet just might save us all.  For many businesses out there, the rise of the machines has introduced a massive opportunity to expand their markets.  For consumers, more sensors and wearable tech delivers a heightened level of convenience at home and work.  Many of the technologically-driven advances at the enterprise level are being commoditized for the average consumer, literally connecting brands and individuals like never before.

For Oplink Security, the Industrial Internet means millions of new customers for its broadening product line.  Home automation is one of the fastest growing niches within today’s Industrial tech revolution, and Op Link is turning its proprietary enterprise-grade network security knowledge to the consumer space.  Both promising and lucrative, the consumer market was among the first things Oplink’s CEO Joe Liu named as a bright spot amidst the company’s falling stock prices, outlining his goals to launch several new products for home automation, namely home security.

READ MORE : Top 5 Best Home Automation + Security Systems

New opportunities in consumer space

Shares of Oplink Communications (NASDAQ: OPLK) plunged 13 percent last month after the company reported mixed fiscal first quarter 2014 results, and less than stellar forward guidance.  Despite quarterly revenue rising 22 percent year over year to $54.8 million, analysts expected a higher net income.

“Liu stressed he sees growth over the long term in the company’s core telecom and datacom markets, as well as from Oplink’s new cloud-based home security service business,” reports the Motley Fool. “When questioned during the earnings conference call about the apparent discrepancy between next quarter’s expectations and his long-term optimism, Liu pointed to ‘multiple new design wins’ that the company has ‘high hopes’ will materialize sometime between January and March of next year.

The next quarter is only a few weeks away, and Oplink’s anxious to expand on its relatively new “Home Security-as-a-Service” business.  In speaking with Oplink’s VP of Marketing Jim Campbell, we can expect to see niche services for monitoring children and the elderly, as well as outdoor monitoring capabilities tacked onto its current indoor-only home security solution.  I’m also hoping to see some integration with other home systems like temperature control and smoke detectors. Certainly, Oplink’s established its core consumer business around home security, looking to extend specific solutions from there.

While several new products related to this Service are expected next year, Oplink’s still focused on improving what it already has available on the market.  An update went out last week for its TripleShield solution, which offers home security in-a-box.  I had an opportunity to test it out in my own home for the better part of October.

My review below:

What’s in the Box?

TripleShield comes with the Oplink gateway (its hub, connected directly via ethernet), two wireless IP cameras, a motion sensor, two door sensors, one siren alarm, one 16 gigabyte memory stick to record disturbances while system is armed, and two remote control keychains to arm or disarm the system.  These keyfobs act as alternatives to pulling out your smartphone every time you walk in the house and need to disarm the system.

If you purchase TripleShield in stores, the home security in-a-box solution will cost you $299, though online shoppers will pay a $50 premium for the system.  Monthly service costs $19.99, and the system comes with a 60-day free trial (no credit card required).

For $149 you can get the basic AlarmShield system-in-a-box, which comes with everything listed above except the cameras.  You can add your own WiFi-enabled cameras to this starter service, and benefit from a lower monthly subscription fee of just $9.99.

Perks

• Multi-location

TripleShield supports up to eight cameras in multiple locations, all managed through your smartphone app.  So you can put two cameras in your own home, one at your mom’s house, and another at your rental property or vacation home.

• Affordable

From a hardware and service standpoint, Oplink delivers a comparably affordable solution that doesn’t lock you into two-year or three-year terms, as AT&T, ADT and other market rivals do.

• Security background

Oplink’s experience and patents in network security carry over to its consumer products, with a proprietary cloud infrastructure that encrypts and secures data.  This was my primary concern in testing TripleShield, making it a safer option than what you’ll find from several startups or makeshift solutions emerging in the market.

• Easy setup

Extremely easy setup, considering this is a DIY solution.  Even though I had my husband help with setup, TripleShield is a true plug ’n’ play solution, with clear directions and a navigable iPhone app.

• Multi-user

TripleShield is a multi-tier management system, so you can designate users to access smartphone controls and monitoring.

• Record

You can record directly from your smartphone, should you see something worth saving.  Disturbances are automatically recorded on the hub’s memory stick while the system is armed.

• Portable

Portability means you can take TripleShield with you, so this type of solution is ideal for renters that may not have home security options offered directly through their landlord.

• Auto-camera

I also liked that the cameras automatically switch to infrared when the lights are off.

Downsides

• Slow alerts

The most disappointing part of my trial was the time it took an alarm breach notification to reach my iPhone through push-notifications.  If I check the app, I could see the notifications right away, and my email notifications also came immediately.  But SMS and push notifications were trickier, and this is something Oplink will need to address on the backend and simplify for consumers, as it’s often a matter of smartphone settings.

• DIY first

This is a DIY solution, so don’t expect the same type of service you’d get from a hardwired service like ADT.  As I mentioned earlier, this system is ideal for renters, especially those in apartments.  The siren that comes with TripleShield won’t deter an intruder, but it will let you know something’s afoot.  On the flipside, costly call centers from ADT increase prices, and Oplink does have an option to alert UL-listed authorities through its verified emergency system, which leaves you in control.

• Aesthetics

While the TripleShield system isn’t unattractive, my personal taste would call for something more integrated with the design of my home.  If I were to purchase TripleShield on my own, I’d likely ask my husband to craft an aesthetically compatible case or cover for the cameras and sensors.  I brought this up to Campbell and his team, who informed me that Oplink is already working on new designs for next year’s lineup, a message reiterated by Liu during last month’s earnings call.

Is it worth buying?

I’d recommend TripleShield primarily for renters, and those homeowners seeking a more affordable solution than ADT.  It’s very important to keep in mind that this is a self-monitoring system, so you’re in control of where the cameras and sensors are placed, what you do with the information TripleShield provides, and how the authorities are alerted.

I’d personally use TripleShield more for monitoring my pets or kids (I don’t currently have children) in my home, and we’re considering TripleShield for another family property that’s frequently used but not always inhabited.