What is Zwave Technology?
What is Zwave Technology? Well, in short, it is a wireless communication protocol. Zwave uses low-energy radio waves to communicate through the home. The power of Zwave is in the mesh network. We will get into more of that soon.
Zwave is perfect for home automation. IoT (the internet of things) is a booming market. You can put pretty much anything on the network. Coffee makers, door locks, light switches, and a ton of other cool features.
The Power of Zwave
This powerful protocol is like wifi or Bluetooth. Instead of broadcasting a signal, only one device does that, the hub. The other devices act as repeaters and help to strengthen the signal. For instance, let’s say you have a 2000 sqft home. Your hub is in a hidden but open and accessible area, let’s say by the front door. Depending on the devices throughout the home, we need to get a signal to the back of the home. We can use repeaters themselves by plugging them in throughout the home. Or we can use the dimmer switch that is in the kitchen, to bounce the signal off of, to the dimmer in the den. From the den, we bounce the signal to the bedrooms.
This is called a mesh network, but only one device actually connects to the internet. That device is the hub, which can connect through or 4G, Wifi. At least the brand we use, which is Brivo/Parakeet. Zwave recommends having a device every 30 feet.
List of Devices That Can Connect to Zwave
There are a ton of devices that Zwave can control. On just one smart home network, you can control up to 232 devices. Let’s take a look at some of the categories.
- Lighting
- Locks
- Thermostats
- Plugs/Outlets
Now categories like the “Smart Locks” come with hundreds of options. Literally, you can have a deadbolt, keypad, in black. Same option in gray. Or just a keypad, with no physical key needed. The options are endless. We use top-of-the-line Yale locks. Depending on your system you will want to make sure that the device you are using is compatible with the hub you are installing. That way you get all of the functionality of the device.
Let’s say we use Brivo/Parakeet. We have an approved list of items that have been tested to guarantee the device will function 100%. Using a device that is not approved, some functions might not work. Like a dimming switch might not go allow the way dim, or all the way bright.
Controlling Devices From Anywhere
That’s right, with a smart home system like the Brivo/Parakeet, you can control all of your devices from anywhere you get service. If the kids or pets are at home and a hot summer day hits. You can set the thermostat to a cool 78 degrees from work or a friend’s house. Or let’s say you are at the neighbor’s pool, it’s a hot day. You want the AC on full blast when you get home. No problem, use the mobile app and set your preference. The house will be cool and ready to enjoy when you get there.
Conclusion:
Smart Home tech is sweeping the nation. Builders are now including smart home tech in the design for new homes. New devices are being created daily. It is looking like people want simple, and easy. They want everything done more efficiently. People want to control their home with their fingertips.
If you are in the Sacramento/Bay Area and would like a free quote for purchasing and installing your smart home devices, let us know at james@connected-com.com or give us a call at 916-606-3550. We are always happy to help!
For more resources check out Zwaves site at https://www.z-wave.com/
For Brivo info check out https://www.brivo.com/vacation-rental/