What is Z-Wave?

Affordable, robust, and easy to install home control solutions
Z-Wave is a technology that allows users to create a wireless, two-way mesh network within a single family home, condo or apartment. This network allows complete control of a large number of compatible devices - from lighting, appliance and HVAC control to intruder and fire detection throughout the home from a single remote control, wall panel, or Internet interface.

Its ability to operate as a mesh network (i.e. with no central controller) is one of Z-Wave's greatest advantages. Rather than depending solely on line-of-sight communications like other technologies, Z-Wave is able to get around obstacles by routing commands through other devices in the network when required.

Extended Range
Not only does this mesh network help you get around obstacles, it also helps you extend the range of your Z-Wave system by relaying the signal along multiple devices. Homes that don't work with other types of home controls due to size or construction can finally be controlled easily via Z-Wave. Current tests show a Z-Wave network can cover even mansions with over 10.000 of square feet.

Add As You Go
This interoperability provides another advantage as well. It allows you to start with one area or one system (lighting, thermostat, etc.) and add additional capabilities as you choose - or as they become available.

Less Expensive
The core Z-Wave technology is far less expensive to implement than other home control systems. Z-Wave can deliver this high quality networking at a fraction of the cost of other similar technologies by focusing on narrow bandwidth applications and substituting costly hardware with innovative software solutions. This design helps keep the prices of individual modules lower. As a result, Z-Wave solutions can be installed for well under $100.
 

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The Z-Wave Alliance

The Z-Wave Alliance is an open consortium of manufacturers who build products based on Z-Wave. Alliance members lead the home controls market, providing systems that deliver increased comfort, convenience, safety and security. Z-Wave based systems are easy to install and use, and allow products from all members to interoperate seamlessly between multiple applications and multiple vendors.

Setting the standard in home automation
The Alliance encourages other leading home control manufacturers to develop their products utilizing the Z-Wave standard, join the Z-Wave Alliance, and benefit from the open collaboration in the industry. Currently, more than 125 companies are developing products that incorporate the Z-Wave technology. These products fall into every conceiv able area, from traditional lighting, temperature, and entry control to home theaters, windows, window treatments, pool and spa controls, garage door openers, automated meter reading and more.

Each product has to pass a stringent conformance test to assure it meets the Z-Wave standard for complete interoperability with all other devices and controls. That is the way to carry the Z-Wave identity mark.

Bringing affordable home automation to your home
The Z-Wave Alliance was established in early 2005 by a group of leading home control product manufacturers to move the industry from an uncertain, unspecified future to a present reality.

Having this standard means every product that bears the Z-Wave mark will work with all other Z-Wave products, with no special programming, regardless of who originally manufacturers the item. As a result, total home control has been made simple, accessible and affordable to consumers everywhere. Not in three years, not next year, but today.

For more information
More about the Z-Wave Alliance
Partner Companies
Frequently Asked Questions about the Z-Wave Alliance