Home automation systems can be used to control everything from heating and cooling to lighting and music. Z-Wave technology uses a two-way wireless system to reliably transmit signals from a controller to the device.
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There’s nothing like technology to make life a little easier. Modern homes have more systems and electronic devices than ever before and we have found dozen of tools to monitor and control them off locally and remotely. Many of these products relay on a wireless technology called Z-Wave that enables different devices and systems to talk to each other, sharing the information and control.
Z-Wave is not just one product line, but a technology that’s used by over a 125 manufactures to build home control products. All Z-Wave products are interoperable, so you can pick and choose products from all of the manufactures. The second ingredient is that home control can only happen in the market when it is robust and reliable, and Z-Wave is based on a two-way wireless networking technology.
The sender always knows whether a signal has been actually received, and every Z-Wave device is actually a repeater. So if the signal cannot get directly to the receiver it will travel around as being routed in forwarded so Z-Wave messages are very robust and reliable. And home control must also be affordable, because otherwise it’s not being adopted by the masses.
One thing about wireless technology is it allows you to retrofit an existing home with a lighting system at a very reasonable cost. As a matter of fact this particular system can be installed in an existing home for less than $3,000.00.
October 31st, 2009 at 10:57 am
Good summary of the use of home automation – I liked the discussion with the Z-Wave rep, but would have liked to hear from different vendors as well. Thanks Danny.