Overview

This proposal outlines the concept of a fully functional local smart thermostat ecosystem built entirely using existing Tapo devices.
The system is designed to operate both offline (locally through a Tapo Hub) and online (via the Tapo Cloud and mobile app), allowing users to maintain full functionality even during internet outages.

The idea is to combine a Tapo H100 hub, Tapo T315 e-ink display sensors, Tapo smart plugs, Tapo dimmers, and optionally door/window sensors into an integrated, flexible, and user-friendly heating control solution.

The goal is to introduce a thermostat mode inside the Tapo app, allowing users to manage home heating seamlessly while providing a potential new retail kit product line for TP-Link.

1. System Components

The proposed ecosystem relies on existing Tapo devices, used in a new combined configuration:

• Tapo H100 (Wi-Fi Hub): Acts as the central control node, communicating locally with all Tapo devices via sub-GHz protocol. It maintains device coordination even when the internet connection is lost.

• Tapo T315 (E-ink Temperature and Humidity Display): Displays live temperature readings, heating status, and user messages. Its e-ink screen ensures minimal power consumption and excellent visibility.

• Tapo Smart Plug: Controls the heating source, such as a boiler or electrical heater.

• Tapo Dimmer: Used for adjusting the target temperature and toggling between modes (normal, heating disabled, frost protection).

• Tapo Door/Window Sensors: Detect open windows or doors and temporarily suspend heating to avoid energy waste.

All devices communicate wirelessly through the H100 Hub, making the setup completely wireless, easy to install, and compatible with any existing heating system controlled by a standard power outlet.

2. Core Features and Behavior

a. Normal Mode (Heating Active)

When the system is active, the T315 e-ink screen continuously displays:

• The current room temperature, and

• The label “Room” beneath it, indicating ambient temperature.

If the user rotates the dimmer:

• The setpoint temperature replaces the ambient temperature on the display.

• The word “Set” appears, and the e-ink screen blinks for 10 seconds to show the adjustment process.

Once the new temperature is confirmed, the display returns to showing the ambient temperature and “Room”.

b. Heating Control Logic

• When the measured room temperature falls 0.3°C below the target setpoint, the smart plug turns ON, activating the heating system.

• When the temperature exceeds the target by 0.3°C, the plug turns OFF, stopping heating.

• During heating, the display shows:

   22.3°C

 Heating On ​​​​​​​

 

• When heating is off / the temperature is higher than the target

   22.8°C

 Heating Off

 

c. Heating Disabled Mode

Pressing the dimmer button once activates Heating Disabled Mode.
In this mode:

• The thermostat logic is completely suspended.

• The plug remains off regardless of room temperature.

• The T315 display either turns off or shows:

  Heating Disabled

  21.7°C

 

This mode is ideal for ventilation or when the user is away from home.

 

press twice to resume normal function of the sistem

 

d. Multi-room Synchronization

When multiple T315 sensors and dimmers are installed across rooms:

• The set temperature is shared across all devices.

• The heating system will activate if any room falls 0.3°C below the target and will deactivate when all rooms exceed the target by 0.3°C.

• When one thermostat changes the target (e.g., 22.5°C), this value blinks for 10 seconds on all T315 displays to synchronize feedback.

3. Integration with the Tapo App

The Tapo mobile app would include a dedicated thermostat mode with:

• A 1:1 digital widget that mirrors the T315 display layout directly on the phone screen.

• Live updates of temperature, setpoint, and heating status.

• The ability to send custom messages to the e-ink display, such as “Heating Off” or “Window Open”.

Interactive Notifications

If a window or door sensor detects an open state while the system is about to start heating, the app can display:

“Window [Kitchen] is open. Do you still want to start heating?”

The user can choose Yes / No directly from the notification or widget.

Customization

The thermostat interface in the app can be customized by users:

• They can choose what information appears (room temperature, humidity, heating state, etc.).

• They can select display languages, text size, or simplified views (for minimalists).

• Several default interface templates will be available for quick setup.

This customization approach ensures accessibility for both advanced users and those with limited technical knowledge.

4. Integration of Door/Window Sensors

When integrated, Tapo door/window sensors enhance energy efficiency:

If any window is open, the T315 screen lists all open sensors in a vertical bullet layout, for example:

• Kitchen window open

• Bathroom window open

• the user can choose to allow heat to start with windows open or only to show notifications on the e-ink display/mobile app(tapo)

• Once a window is closed, the display refreshes automatically to show only the remaining open ones.

• These messages are suppressed when Heating Disabled Mode is active (to avoid irrelevant notifications).

This feature not only saves energy but also increases awareness of open windows before heating starts.

5. Hardware and Retail Design Concept

a. Retail Kit Composition

The proposed Tapo Thermostat Kit would include:

• 1 × Tapo Smart Plug

• 1 × Tapo T315 Temperature Sensor

• 1 × Tapo Dimmer

• Optional: Tapo Door/Window Sensor

This provides a complete out-of-the-box smart heating solution for most users.

b. Faceplate Design

For retail presentation and easy installation:

• A unified faceplate would hold the dimmer and T315 side by side.

• The back mounting plate could be metal, attached with either adhesive tape or screws.

• The faceplate would attach magnetically for clean, tool-free installation.

This elegant and modular design allows both enthusiasts and standard users to easily mount or remove the kit.

c. Standalone Flexibility

Even without purchasing the full retail kit, users can assemble the system individually by combining compatible Tapo devices already available on the market.

6. Local Operation and Reliability

A key differentiator of this proposal is full local functionality:

• The Tapo H100 hub ensures the system continues to operate without internet access.

• Even if the router or WAN connection fails, temperature readings, dimmer control, heating logic, and display updates will continue to function through the local hub link.

• When internet access returns, the app and widgets will automatically resynchronize.

This ensures both energy reliability and user trust, addressing one of the most common limitations in current IoT heating solutions that rely heavily on cloud control.

7. Cost Efficiency and Market Opportunity

The Tapo H100 hub was chosen specifically for this design due to its lower production and retail cost, while maintaining the same functionality as higher-end hubs (like the H200).

Benefits:

• Lower production and retail costs = broader consumer adoption.

• High perceived value with minimal hardware redesign.

• Encourages expansion into new Tapo-branded smart home kits (e.g., “Tapo Smart Heating Control Kit”).

This concept provides a new revenue stream for TP-Link through both hardware sales and ecosystem engagement.

8. API / SDK Requirements

For full implementation of this system, access to the Tapo Developer API or SDK is required, ideally with local control capabilities.
The necessary functions include:

1. Read/write access to T315 e-ink display

   • Display current and target temperatures, custom text, and status icons.

2. Dimmer control integration

   • Read rotation and press actions; send setpoint updates to all devices.

3. Smart plug control

   • Local on/off control with status feedback (without requiring cloud).

4. Sensor event subscription

   • Receive updates from window sensors in real time.

5. Multi-device synchronization

   • Share setpoint and state information between multiple T315 sensors.

6. Cloud sync & mobile widget integration

   • Enable full visualization and remote control from the Tapo app.

This access would allow developers and integrators to implement the full logic described, while keeping the system open for future smart home extensions.

9. User Experience and Commercial Impact

Ease of Use

• Simple for beginners: plug, connect, and control.

• Advanced users can customize every aspect of the system.

Offline Reliability

• Works without the internet, ensuring consistent heating control in all conditions.

Scalability

• Supports multi-room installations.

• Syncs all thermostats automatically, reducing setup complexity.

Retail Readiness

• The faceplate and magnetic design make it visually appealing for store display.

• Perfect for DIY smart home adopters.

Brand Impact

• Adds a practical, high-demand feature (local thermostat) to the Tapo ecosystem.

• Reinforces TP-Link’s position as a provider of affordable, reliable, and flexible smart home solutions.

10. Conclusion

The proposed Tapo Local Smart Thermostat Ecosystem demonstrates how TP-Link can expand the Tapo line into a new, high-demand area with minimal hardware development.
By leveraging existing products — H100, T315, smart plugs, and dimmers — TP-Link can offer users:

• Full local operation (no cloud dependency),

• Multi-room smart heating management,

• Customizable and multilingual e-ink display interfaces, and

• Seamless integration within the Tapo app.

This system is:

• Technically feasible using current hardware,

• Commercially viable as a bundled retail kit, and

• Strategically aligned with the growing trend toward local, energy-efficient smart homes.

By granting limited developer access (API/SDK), TP-Link can pioneer a truly local, reliable, and extensible smart heating system, enhancing both the brand’s innovation value and customer satisfaction.

End of Proposal