Articles and whitepapers

Z-Wave - The Standard for Home Control Products from A to Z (5/9/2005)

By Mike Einstein, Z-Wave Alliance

Z-Wave is a wireless RF-based communications technology that allows users to create a two-way meshed network within a home, apartment/flat or multi-level residence. Z-Wave technology was developed by Zensys and is based on the Z-Wave open standard for the home control market.

More than 125 independent manufacturers are already developing products based on Z-Wave technology for the home control market. The Z-Wave Alliance is the consortium of companies that joined forces to promote and develop Z-Wave as the open standard for home control. Industry giants, including Motorola, Honeywell and Leviton, have all agreed to develop Z-Wave-enabled products - moving home automation from a futuristic concept to reality.

The Z-Wave technology is designed for residential and light commercial control, as well as status reading applications such as meter reading, lighting, appliance control, HVAC, access control and intruder detection. Products now being developed are focused on home solutions for the residential market.

Home owners can use the Z-Wave network to turn lights on/off, change the thermostat, open/close the garage door, open/lock a door, turn on/off the stereo or TV, turn on/off a pool or spa, open/close a skylight and open/close blinds. Z-Wave networks can be customised for the needs of a home owner, whether it is elaborate system set up for a five-bedroom home or just a one-bedroom apartment.

Configuring the Z-Wave network

There are endless numbers of configurations or 'scenes' you can set up on a Z-Wave network, depending what you want to control. A 'scene' is a set of actions you want to take place at a certain time or at the press of a button on a Z-Wave master controller. For example, if you set up a scene called 'begin your day', with the press of one button you can turn on your coffeemaker, turn on the lights in the kitchen and bathroom, open the blinds, increase the temperature on the thermostat and turn on your bedroom TV. With capacity up to 232 devices, Z-Wave solutions are suitable for even the largest homes.

Intermatic Z-Wave controllers

The additional benefit of a Z-Wave-networked home is that once a home is set up, you can access and change any of the pre-set controls via the Internet. So if you are on vacation and the local weather in your home town drastically changes, you can turn up or turn down the thermostat from your Internet connection on your mobile phone, never leaving your lounge chair by the pool.

The basis of Z-Wave technology transforms any stand-alone device into an intelligent networked product that can be controlled and monitored. Z-Wave products either have an internal chip like a thermostat, or are plug-in modules. The modules are products you plug into an electrical socket and then plug in your lamp, stereo, TV or whatever you want to control.

Z-Wave appliance module

Reliability

Most current home control systems require wire connections to ensure coverage because the range and reliability of many wireless systems is limited. Z-Wave however, is based on a dynamic routing principle that is integrated into each chip and secures a virtually unlimited signal range as each Z-Wave product repeats the signal from one device to the next.

Each Z-Wave product/module acts as a sender and receiver in the network. When you press a pre-set button or scene on the controller, a low frequency radio signal is activated and will route to the nearest node and continue the path until it reaches the device it will control. The signal then automatically routes back to the controller with an acknowledgement. One key feature of Z-Wave technology is the automatic routing from one node to the next and around obstacles/dead spots. The benefit is improved coverage and reliability with large residences, covering even more than 10,000 square feet.

For example, if you are upstairs in bed and forgot to turn off the kitchen lights and you press the remote controller, the signal will travel throughout your networked home. If the path to the kitchen lights is blocked by your new stainless steel refrigerator however, with a Z-Wave network, the signal will automatically try to find an alternate path around the obstacle and give an acknowledgement once the lights are turned off. In other words, Z-Wave wireless networks do not solely depend on line-of-sight communications for added reliability.

The advantages of Z-Wave

Z-Wave technology translates into numerous benefits for today's consumers, including affordability, versatility, convenience and security. Network solutions in the past have been difficult to install and modify, not to mention costly - prohibiting them from mass-market acceptance. Z-Wave has changed all of that. Z-Wave products cost only 10-20% higher than a standard device like an in-wall dimmer or thermostat.

Unlike hard-wired home control applications, Z-Wave wireless networks can be installed after a home is built. Builders and contractors do not have to install a Z-Wave network in a home before the drywall is complete. This makes Z-Wave a good option for contractors to include on new and existing homes. Since Z-Wave is a wireless technology, you can change your network by simply moving modules to different parts of your home, or just changing the devices that are programmed in the pre-set buttons of the controller.

Another advantage Z-Wave technology offers is true interoperability. Each and every Z-Wave product works together, whether you purchase it today or in two years' time. That means this network was designed to be an add-on solution. You can begin with a starter kit and then add appliance and lighting modules as you expand your Z-Wave network.

Conclusion

Z-Wave networks offer security and peace of mind. Entering a dark home could be a vision of the past with a Z-Wave network. One press of the button on your in-car remote can illuminate the front walkway, turn on the kitchen and hall lights, unlock the front door and open your garage door.

The Z-Wave Alliance was formed only eight months ago. Yet more than 80 products have been developed so far with more than 200 products expected by the end of 2005. Consumers can currently purchase Z-Wave products online from a number of outlets including outpost.com, smarthome.com and homeseer.com. Product rollout will gain momentum in 2006 and Z-Wave plans to offer products in major retail stores.

Mike Einstein is the Vice President of Corporate Innovation for Intermatic, Inc., and Marketing Spokesperson for the Z-Wave Alliance.

www.z-wavealliance.com