Z-Wave technology has become a popular topic in home automation. This technology has made possible to people with low budget to start their smart home network journey. So what is Z-Wave technology and what are its pros and cons?
To put it simple, Z-Wave is a technology similar to Wi-Fi or Bluetooth which allows multiple devices to connect and communicate. It uses radio frquency to operate and allows to build a mesh network of various Z-Wave compatible devices in order to build a home automation system commandable from central controller also called a hub.
Pros and Cons of Z-Wave Technology
Let's start with the good things so that you won't turn away from this amazing technology too soon !
Wireless
Z-Wave being wireless makes it easy to add more components to it and build a home automation system without to much pain. This advantage is more valued when you imagine all the running wires to every device that you have to set up and which you can't customize later once you have set everything into place. With this wireless technology you can easily add, remove and replace different devices without having worry about connecting cables to the central hub (check TheTechyHome for more info).
Price and Variaty
These two points are absolutely bound together. The Z-Wave alliance, an organisation that regulates and certify Z-Wave devices, announced that there are more than 500 manufacturers which produces devices compatible with Z-Wave. Here is where the relationship between price and variety comes into play. This growing number of companies contributes to the decrease of prices of these devices because of competition. This variety is also great as it gives you a large choice of equipment to choose from. You can choose from few different thermostats, three or more door locks, 14 to 20 switches etc... This variety appeals to different tastes and different budgets.
Now let's talk a little bit about cons of Z-Wave
Size
The ideal home size in which Z-Wave would work is around 3000 sq feet. If the size of your home is above this surface, you may experience some issues related to signal transmission like a node located far away from the hub not receiving the command. There is also the limit of hubs. Z-Wave is limited to 4 hubs. In a scenario where you have more than 4 switches connected to each other, the switch located at the end of the house will very likely not work. So if your house doesn't exceed 3000 sq feet, Z-Wave is for you.
I hope this post helped enlighten you about the pros and cons of Z-Wave technology. Remember, any technology has its pros and cons and this one is among the best out there.
Robert Alleson