Introduction to Protocols:
The trend of transforming every regular home into a smart home is rising. People love how automation adds convenience to their lives. Installing sensor lights, remote-controlled appliances, security systems, etc., is prevalent.
However, all these systems require a standard networking solution to operate. Establishing wireless communication between devices and controllers is crucial. Therefore, it's time to bring your attention to protocols.
Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and cellular are some general terms you might have heard of. These are the most popular Protocols. But there are some better options, too. Zigbee and Z-Wave are incredible options to consider.
Zigbee:
Zigbee is one of the highly recognized open standard wireless protocols used globally. This protocol is managed by Zigbee Alliance, making it ideal for smart homes and offices. It allows you to automate and synchronize smart home devices and systems within a space. It can efficiently serve residences, commercials, medical, and various other industries.
Z-Wave:
Sigma Design introduced another practical solution called Z-Wave. It is an incredibly close standard wireless protocol. It allows you to build wireless communication between smart devices. This protocol supports residential, commercial, and similar setting requirements related to automation and upgrades.
Advantages of These Protocols:
Zigbee is considered one of the best solutions for its hop signal transmission. It reduces the need to connect each device to the central zigbee hub for control and management. This protocol's ability to perform excellently without consuming high power is a major factor.
Z-Wave deserves all the appreciation and recognition for its high security and interoperability. The close network communication ensures fewer security breach threats and events. One can control and manage a maximum of 232 devices with this protocol. Therefore, it is an ideal solution for home and office automation.
Differences Between the Two:
Device Community and Connectivity:
Zigbee and Z-Wave establish incredible communication between devices installed in a space. However, their connectivity differentiates them massively. This connectivity factor helps individuals and authorities to choose a suitable solution.
Zigbee can support more than 65,000 devices with its mesh networking systems. The large connectivity of this protocol makes it ideal for hospitals, workplaces, organizations, etc.
On the other hand, Z-Wave only supports 232 (maximum) devices. This low connectivity isn't a limitation of this protocol. Instead, it suits homes and small/medium-sized businesses operating in confined spaces.
Reliability:
The reliability factor directs your attention to interference and congestion. It focuses on how well signals are transmitted through devices without getting interrupted.
Zigbee operates at a higher frequency, 2.4GHz frequency in the United Kingdom and 915MHz frequency in the USA. As a result, the signal interference can be higher due to high-frequency devices operating nearby, like microwaves, Wi-Fi, etc.
Z-Wave's frequency range is 900MHz. It may also encounter signal transmission congestion due to landlines and similar devices. But these could be negligible.
Device and Protocol Interoperability:
Interoperability is the key element that differentiates the two protocols. It brings your attention to signal transmission between devices and protocols.
Zigbee may face interoperability issues due to many reasons. The protocol works well only with certain Zigbee-certified devices. However, several non-compliant devices also have a certification. This blunder in the process causes interoperability issues later.
Z-Wave Alliance attentively conducts the certification process. There are no non-compliant devices available in the market. As a result, the device and protocol interoperability remains consistent and over the top every time.
Hops in Signal Transmission:
The interconnectivity of devices is a crucial part of the mesh network. The hops in the network keep every device connected without the need to connect every device to the hub.
Zigbee is designed to support a higher number of device connectivity. Therefore, it permits unlimited hops. As a result, it successfully connects a large number of devices without any obstacles.
The Z-Wave protocol is only for a designated number of devices. It even restricts the number of hops in single signal transmission. It only allows four hops, breaking the link after the fourth hop.
Signal Range:
How long can a hop jump between two devices? A protocol can only work when the distance between devices is under a certain range.
Zigbee supports signal transmission if the device gap is less than 40 feet. However, innumerable issues may arise due to factors like indoor appliances and equipment.
Z-Wave is an excellent option with an incredible signal range. It supports distinct ranges indoors and outdoors. For instance, you can keep indoor devices 100 feet apart, while outdoor devices can be 330 feet apart at most.
Security Aspect:
Installation of smart devices and protocols may escalate security concerns. Both protocols use the AES128 encryption standard, making it a mandatory requirement. Zigbee only works on this standard.
Z-Wave takes a step further, though. Security 2 (S2) layer is an added layer for devices. Appliances should comply with this additional mandatory security requirement to gain Z-Wave certification. Therefore, it is a safer option.
Power Consumption:
Individuals and authorities often consider this factor. They need a solution that fits their requirements and does not harm the resources. Power consumption is a strong point of consideration.
Zigbee has conquered an impossible feat with its low power consumption abilities. In almost every test and comparison, Zigbee has outperformed other competitors.
Z-Wave initially consumed high power. But with time, the providers are working on its efficiency. The latest solutions require less power than the former ones. But they still can't compete with Zigbee's extraordinary performance.
Price:
It highly depends on the product's price to decide whether it's worth buying. Zigbee and Z-Wave have been remarkable in these matters. Both have successfully introduced affordable solutions.
Smart homes and space automatization are bigger matters than expected. Their cost remains questionable even after all these years. Despite all these concerns, these protocols and providers bring exceptional solutions at unexpectedly low prices. Therefore, they are worth getting.
Conclusion:
Protocols help maintain uniformity in the system. Connected devices work in sync and add convenience to every process. The secret to uninterrupted device connectivity and procedures is protocol selection.
Zigbee is an ideal protocol for medical care centers and hospitals. The most advantageous part is that doctors can check their patients remotely. Companies with hundreds of employees and systems can also rely on this protocol.
Z-Wave is perfect for home and small organizational automation. It can perfectly sync home appliances, systems, and devices. It can add a dreamy convenience to your daily life and work.
The decision depends on space, utility, requirements, and applications only you can determine. So, align your needs and go with the perfect protocol available at Make it Cognitive.
