Z-Wave Wireless Communication Protocol
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 between appliances.
Protocol Features
- Frequency: Unlike Zigbee or WiFi (2.4GHz), Z-Wave operates in the sub-GHz band (e.g., 908.42 MHz in the US, 868.42 MHz in Europe). This provides better range and less interference from other devices.
- Mesh Networking: Devices act as repeaters, allowing the signal to "hop" between nodes (up to 4 hops).
- Interoperability: Strict certification ensures that all Z-Wave devices work together regardless of the manufacturer.
- Low Power: Optimized for battery-operated devices (sensors, locks).
Open Source Implementations
- Z-Wave JS: A modern, high-performance Z-Wave driver written in Node.js. It has largely succeeded OpenZWave in the Home Assistant ecosystem.
- OpenZWave: A legacy C++ library used to interface with Z-Wave controllers.
Use Cases
- Lighting Control: Smart switches and dimmers.
- Security: Door locks, motion sensors, and sirens.
- Climate: Thermostats and TRVs.
- Energy: Smart plugs with power monitoring.