The Z-wave Protocol: A Z-wave Solutions Guide

By Author: Leola Huffman
Total Articles: 35
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Explore how to carve out costs from home automation without sacrificing performance or support.

Z-Wave is a low-power wireless communication protocol for home automation. It varies from traditional radio frequency remote controls in the sense that its signals are routed by enabled appliances. This signifies that Z-Wave does not need a clear line of sight for command signals.

History
Z-Wave technology was invented by a United States company named Zensys that currently still owns the protocol and licenses it product manufacturers. By 2005, due to its touted functionality, a number of these partners formed an organization called the Z-Wave Alliance. This trade body acts as the foreseer of licenses and negotiations regarding the development of Z-Wave technology. Currently, the Z-Wave Alliance has well over 150 members.

Function
Z-Wave is not the same with infrared remote controls since its control signals are not light frequencies, but radio waves. It’s not like Wi-Fi since it uses a much lower frequency. The standard Z-Wave protocol permits ad-hoc mesh networks in the home ...
... where a couple of Z-Wave receivers are installed. This signifies that a control message can reach further than the typical standard range of the initial emitter and are not hampered by obstructing objects.

Features
Z-Wave operates within the 900 megahertz range. This signal range do not need to travel far, as the purpose of Z-Wave is automating your home. Since the frequency is low, it requires little power in the transmitters and so control units, such as a Z-Wave Plug-in Switch Controller, can be battery operated.

Uses
Z-Wave can be incorporated into Light switches, garage door motors, televisions, stereos and thermostats. These typical applications can either be done through a receiving sensor integrated into an appliance by the manufacturer or bought separately and added on.

How to Incorporate Z-Wave Technology into Your Home
1
Purchase Z-Wave enabled appliance modules for every electrical device you want to automate.

2
Purchase Z-Wave remote controllers for each room where you are planning to have electrical devices hooked to the Z-Wave system. For convenience, you can purchase multiple remotes, though only one remote is needed. For your lights, consider getting a Z-Wave Plug-in Switch Controller and a Z-Wave Plug-in Dimmer Controller.

3
Unplug the power cord from your electronic device. Plug a Z-Wave appliance module into the electric socket.

4
Plug your electrical device directly into the appliance module.

5
Now you’re ready to sit back, relax and control your electronic devices using the ‘on, off’ feature, ‘group or scene’ feature, ‘bright, dim control’ feature or ‘Basic Thermostat Control’ features.

Home automation can create a world of wonderful possibilities for your home in regards to function and convenience. Since there are dozens of companies manufacturing close to a hundred different lighting controls, be sure to choose the right control for your type of lights, especially when using florescent bulbs. Since most light automation controllers use dimming, note that fluorescent lights have to use controls specially made for them if the dimming is to work properly. You may try the Z-Wave Plug-in Switch Controller to begin with.