Z-Wave: Tech to Power Smart Home

by Liza smith Passionate Writer

Home automation tech needed a tech that would make the devices talk to each other and also to the Zigbee or Z-wave hub. If you buy any home automation device, most likely you would come across devices that come with the Z-wave logo printed on it.

So, what is Z-Wave?

It is the communication protocol that is designed for home automation and similar applications. Z-wave is a wireless protocol which runs on the low energy radio waves and enables the smart devices or the appliances to communicate successfully with each other. A wireless mesh network of Z-wave can support up to 232 devices which are the practical limit. However, after 40-50 devices, you can start to feel some congestion.

Benefits To Home Automation

In the Z-wave alliance, there are some 2400 devices that are manufactured by more than 600 makers. The alliance is responsible for certification and makes sure that various devices follow the standards. Another technical requirement is that the Z-wave device works with the controller. It’s where the key benefit of Z-wave lies.

· It allows the mixing and matching of the devices from several manufacturers. Z-wave devices are compatible with others. So, the thousands of products available in the market can talk using the technology.

· There are hardly any disconnections or interferences. When it comes to Z-wave devices, the better it is. Each one amplifies the network signal that lets you create robust connectivity. Z-wave networks also operate on a dedicated frequency. It means there is hardly any interference as compared to Bluetooth and Wi-Fi networks.

· Enhanced Security. While no technology is entirely secure, it was a big concern for the developers. It uses the same encryption which measures online transactions.

Working of Z-wave

The technology creates a wireless network, is a collection of devices that link-up and talk to each other without any wires. Using the technology, the devices mesh with each other by sending low-energy radio waves on the dedicated frequency. It works on different frequencies in a different country. Every Z-wave device has a built-in repeater that sends and receives the network information.

How Is It Better than Bluetooth?

The most significant benefit the Z-wave makes over the Bluetooth is in terms of signal strength. Bluetooth signal is prone to issues of interference and interruption. The reasons are that the Bluetooth devices send and receive information on the same frequency band. They compete with one another for bandwidth.

However, with Z-wave, every Z-wave device repeats the signal, which in turn makes the network more robust. Thus, each device strengthens the signal. The more is the number of devices you have, the easier it is to create a strong network that can bypass obstacles, pass through the walls, ceilings, and the floors.

How Is It Better Than Wi-Fi?

The technology beats the Wi-Fi in terms of network interference. Like Bluetooth, the Wi-Fi devices compete with one another. It means when the number of connected devices increases, it leads to congestion. However, Z-wave overcomes this issue.

In Essence,

For the smart home, you would need Z-wave or Zigbee devices and Zigbee Z-wave hub. These will interconnect with each other to give you a seamless experience.