Z-Wave Pros and Cons

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Z-Wave Pros

According to home automation gurus, Z-Wave ranks among the best because it caters to many high-priority issues, notably reliability and security.

- Reliability

Z-Wave is extremely reliable and well supported due to its wireless mesh networking system. Upon sending a command to a receiver, devices acknowledge reception of the message, and if the transmitter does not receive the confirmation, the message is sent again.

In case of a second failure (say, because of interference), the intelligent system looks for other transmission alternatives by routing the command to the intended receiver using other nodes. The message is then relayed to another Z-Wave device found within a 40-meter radius of the transmitter.

Not only does the mesh network work to perfection, but it also ensures full coverage of large spaces, without requiring bridging devices.

- Two-way communication

Two-way communication allows controllers and software to sense whether lights are on, off, or dimmed within the network. This gives you the ultimate control over your home; after all, nothing is more convenient than having everything automated from one central control panel.

- Limited interference

While powerline signal strength decreases as you add more devices to the network, wireless mesh networks work in the opposite way – and, in fact, the more devices installed in the network, the stronger the signal strength becomes.

The system also avoids command collisions and interference, as the nodes make sure that there is no ongoing messaging traffic within the network before they start transmitting data.

- Wide range

Z-Wave uses the 900 MHz range for better performance, as it contains less traffic in comparison to the 2.4 GHz band. The 900 MHz range allows signals to be stronger and transmit through longer distances with more power.

The maximum operational range between two devices is approximately 45 meters (150 feet) indoors, and over 150 meters (500 feet) outdoors. All devices, except those that are battery-operated, act as repeaters, transmitting messages from node to node until it reaches its final destination. Therefore, if switches are too far apart to communicate directly, you can fill in the gaps with compatible electrical receptacles or plug-in modules.

- Complex commands

While UPB and X10 are mainly limited to lighting products – and are produced by few manufacturers – Z-Wave products are wide-ranging and diverse.

They’re manufactured by numerous major companies, thus covering applications related to lighting, window coverings, touch screens, alarms, motion detectors, universal remote controls and numerous other home control management platforms and software.

Cons of Z-Wave

All of the above sounds brilliant, but it’s important to bear in mind that there still is room for development. As with many other sophisticated products, the of Z-Wave technology remains comparatively high, and there are a few other nagging issues.

- Cost

Z-Wave works smoothly and is easily installed, but one can’t deny that it sits on the pricier side of the spectrum. Z-Wave products are more expensive; depending on features and wattage, switches can typically cost between $40 and $90 or more.

Generally, a typical homeowner could outfit a house with a basic Z-Wave system for around $600-650, which is around triple the cost of an X10 (link: 14_X10 pros and cons) system. Many consumers, however, feel that Z-Wave’s speed, reliability, flexibility and range of applications are worth the extra expense.

- Network controller

You’ll need at least one controller to govern your Z-system, which can make installation slightly tedious, as you have to “introduce” each new device by entering a key sequence on the controller, and syncing the network by pressing a button.

On removing a device from the system, it is also important that you do so following a specific removal process, instead of simply unplugging or removing it.

- Proprietary

PC controllers that interface to Z-Wave networks use a standardized serial protocol proprietary to Zensys. In order to program your own custom software, you need to sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) and buy a developers’ kit (roughly worth $10,000).

Another option is to buy ComtrolThink’s Z-Wave PC SDK (for $70), which does not require an NDA. This will likely make it difficult for open-source software to proliferate as it has for other protocols.

Why should you get it?

Z-Wave is a reliable and intelligent system, and although it comes with its ups and downs, most users consider it to be the best home automation system on the market.

If you’re working with a limited budget, X10 (link: 12_Intro to X10.doc) is a sufficient system to implement a safe and moderately secure home automation system. However, if you’re thinking big and want to get a good grip and control of your home – and your budget allows – then Z-Wave is definitely the superior system of choice.