Z-Wave History and Evolution:
– Z-Wave protocol developed by Zensys in 1999.
– Release of Z-Wave 500 series chip in 2013 and Z-Wave 700 series chip in 2019.
– Introduction of Z-Wave Plus v2 certification in 2019 and Z-Wave Long Range (LR) specification in 2020.
– Z-Wave technology made publicly available in 2016.
– Growth in popularity in North America around 2005.
– Acquisition of Zensys by Sigma Designs in 2008 and subsequent sale to Silicon Labs for $240 million in 2018.
– Z-Wave brand and technology currently owned by Silicon Labs.
Z-Wave Alliance, Standards, and Security:
– Establishment of Z-Wave Alliance in 2005.
– Introduction of Z-Wave Plus certification program in 2013 and Z-Wave Certified Installer Training program in 2016.
– Z-Wave Alliance manages Z-Wave specification development.
– Adoption of stronger security standards by the Z-Wave Alliance in 2016, leading to the introduction of Security 2 (S2) for enhanced security.
– Silicon Labs’ acquisition of the Z-Wave business unit in 2018 and release of the Z-Wave specification as an open wireless standard.
– Mandatory security standards implementation for Z-Wave IoT devices.
Z-Wave Technical Characteristics and Hardware:
– Reliable, low-latency transmission of small data packets at data rates up to 100kbit/s.
– Suitable for control and sensor applications.
– Z-Wave chip for nodes: ZW0500 with Intel MCS-51 microcontroller.
– Features like AES-128 encryption, 100kbit/s wireless channel, and USB VCP support.
– Z-Wave 700 platform introduced in 2018 with enhanced S2 security.
– Communication distance between nodes up to 200 meters line of sight outdoors and 50 meters line of sight indoors.
Z-Wave Network Setup, Topology, and Routing:
– Z-Wave devices create mesh networks for extended range and compatibility.
– Z-Wave LR devices operate on a star network topology.
– A Z-Wave network can span farther than the radio range of a single unit.
– Up to 232 devices can be connected in a Z-Wave network.
– Inclusion of each device in the network is required before control.
– Supports message hopping up to four times between nodes.
Z-Wave Applications and Reach:
– Used in residential and commercial automation for wireless control of smart home devices.
– Over 4,000 Z-Wave certified products available in 2022.
– Z-Wave LR range extends up to 1.6 km.
– Control via various devices like smartphones and tablets.
– Common applications include lighting control, security systems, and HVAC management.
– Compatibility with different frequencies globally for widespread adoption.
Z-Wave is a wireless communications protocol used primarily for residential and commercial building automation. It is a mesh network using low-energy radio waves to communicate from device to device, allowing for wireless control of smart home devices, such as smart lights, security systems, thermostats, sensors, smart door locks, and garage door openers. The Z-Wave brand and technology are owned by Silicon Labs. Over 300 companies involved in this technology are gathered within the Z-Wave Alliance.
 | |
| International standard | 800-900 MHz radio frequency range |
|---|---|
| Developed by | Zensys |
| Introduced | 1999 |
| Industry | Home automation |
| Physical range | 100-800 meters; Z-Wave LR range: 1.6 km+ |
| Website | https://www.z-wave.com |
Like other protocols and systems aimed at the residential, commercial, MDU and building markets, a Z-Wave system can be controlled from a smart phone, tablet, or computer, and locally through a smart speaker, wireless keyfob, or wall-mounted panel with a Z-Wave gateway or central control device serving as both the hub or controller. Z-Wave provides the application layer interoperability between home control systems of different manufacturers that are a part of its alliance. There is a growing number of interoperable Z-Wave products; over 1,700 in 2017, over 2,600 by 2019, and over 4,000 by 2022.
