What is Z-Wave?
Similar to Wi-Fi, Z-Wave ( Zwave ) is a wireless communication technology facilitating seamless interaction among all Aeotec’s devices and extending connectivity to other approved devices, regardless of the manufacturer. This communication is not only reliable but also interference-free, energy-efficient, and, above all, secure.
At Aeotec, our focus is on empowering you to shape the home of tomorrow, today, using cutting-edge technology tailored for home automation. We prioritize reliable, proven, and standardized solutions. one such technology we specialize in is Z-Wave.
Explore more about Aeotec’s diverse home automation products and discover the different ranges we offer. Shape your smart home with technology that redefines reliability and standardization.
Z-Wave features
Low Power
Mesh Networking
Interference free
Security
Wireless
Expandable
Easy to use
Cross compatible
Smart Start (Z-Wave)
SmartStart, present in chosen Z-Wave devices of the 500 series and all those utilizing 700 and 800 series technology, streamlines the setup process. Users can effortlessly connect their devices to the Zwave gateway by scanning a QR code with a SmartStart-enabled app. This feature caters to professional system integrators, enabling device connection before powering on, as well as DIY installations, where users can easily set up these devices by scanning a QR code. SmartStart substantially diminishes the time and effort needed for a comprehensive automation system installation.
S2 Security (Z-Wave)
For the security part, S2 technology forms the cornerstone of a connected home, embodying the latest Zwave version, minimized power consumption, extended wireless range, top-tier security, and enhanced response time. Aeotec’s S2 devices, featuring advanced encryption, anti-hacking measures, and optimized performance, deliver a seamless and secure connected home experience. This includes improvements such as enhanced battery life and faster automation.
Z-Wave LR: The Next Generation of Z-Wave
As the smart home market grows and evolves, so does the need for more advanced and versatile solutions. That’s why the Z-Wave Alliance, the consortium of companies that support and promote Z-Wave, has announced a new standard called Z-Wave Long Range (Z-Wave LR).
Z-Wave LR is an extension of the existing Z-Wave protocol that aims to address some of the limitations and challenges of the current technology. Z-Wave LR can offer several benefits and advantages over the standard Z-Wave, such as:
Longer Range
Z-Wave LR can support up to four times the range of standard Z-Wave, reaching up to one kilometer in line of sight. This means that Z-Wave LR devices can cover larger areas and distances, such as outdoor spaces, multi-story buildings, or rural properties.
Larger Network Size
Z-Wave LR can support up to 4,000 nodes per network, compared to the 232 nodes limit of standard Z-Wave. This means that Z-Wave LR can accommodate more devices and sensors, enabling more complex and diverse smart home scenarios.
Backward Compatibility
Z-Wave LR can work with existing Z-Wave hubs and devices, as long as they are updated to the latest firmware and software. This means that Z-Wave LR can leverage the existing Z-Wave ecosystem and infrastructure without requiring users to replace or discard their current devices.
Z-Wave LR is not meant to replace the standard Z-Wave but rather to complement it and expand its capabilities. Z-Wave LR can be used for devices that require longer range or larger network size while standard Z-Wave can still be used for devices that require mesh networking. Since Z-Wave and Z-Wave LR are in the 800-900 MHz band, they can also coexist with other 2.4 GHz protocols, such as Matter and Wi-Fi, without causing interference.
Z-Wave vs. Other Standards
Z-Wave, Matter, Zigbee, Thread, and Wi-Fi each serve different purposes in smart home ecosystems. Z-Wave operates on a sub-GHz frequency, offering long-range, low-power, and highly secure communication, particularly suited for devices like security sensors and locks. Matter, an IP-based protocol, aims to unify various ecosystems, allowing devices from different brands such as Aeotec to work seamlessly together. Zigbee also uses a mesh network like Z-Wave but operates on the 2.4 GHz band, which can be prone to interference but supports a wide range of devices. Thread, another IP-based protocol, focuses on low-power, fast, and reliable device-to-device communication. Wi-Fi, while providing high bandwidth for data-heavy applications like video streaming, consumes more power and is less ideal for battery-operated devices. Each standard has its strengths, with Z-Wave excelling in secure, long-range applications, while Matter, Zigbee, Thread, and Wi-Fi cater to broader interoperability, fast communication, and high data throughput needs.
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|---|---|---|---|
| Z-Wave version | 500 Series | 700 Series | 800 Series |
| Wireless range | Up to 600 meters | Up to 1600 meters | Up to 2400 meters |
| Battery life | Up to 2 years | Up to 10 years | Up to 10 years |
| Security | S2 | S2 + Secure Vault | S2 + Secure Vault |
| Efficiency | 100% | 170% | 200% |
| Memory | Flash (module): 128 kB RAM (module): 16 kB |
Flash (module): 256 kB RAM (module): 32 kB |
Flash (module): 512 kB RAM (module): 64 kB |
| Footprint | Module (mm): 8x8 | Module (mm): 9x9 | Module (mm): 6.5x6.5 |
| Compatibility | Backward compatible | Backward compatible | Backward compatible |
