Home automation has become and essential part of home ambiance these days. And while you’re going out to shop for an automation system it is essential to know what technologies are out and what suits you the best. This week we will discuss Z-Wave technology and its scope in home automation solutions. Z wave refers to one of the wireless communication technology designed for home automation, specifically to remote control applications in residential and light commercial environments.

A good thing about Z wave is that it is a low-power wireless technology that operates on lower frequencies therefore it is largely impervious to interference from common household wireless electronics, such as Wi-Fi routers, cordless telephones and Bluetooth devices that work on greater frequency range. Additionally, it an open source technology with low power consumption and low cost of manufacture and therefore can be easily embedded in consumer electronics products, including battery operated devices such as remote controls, smoke alarms and security sensors.

Z wave for Remote Control and supervision

When it comes to remote home control and management, Z wave is easy, cost-effective and far reaching. Firstly, with Z wave there are no installations and wiring and therefore this can function well in old houses lacking neutral wiring. Secondly, adding and managing Z wave modules is as simple as pushing plug into the socket and then you are all set to control electronics such as lighting, climate and security systems remote control, based on manual or automated decisions. The control can be applied to a single device or group of devices, in a single room or zone or throughout the entire home. Thirdly Z wave technology provides extra access as they can be integrated with the broadband internet technology through the help of gateway technology.

Z wave and energy saving

Z wave due its daylight sensors and grouped scene controls is able to give the best of energy management around the home as well as office premises. In addition to this because of its daylight sensors it falls fit for energy management in the green home. The above features also make Z wave better and smarter for thermostat control and minimizing unnecessary energy consumption by various all-off states for systems throughout the home, such as lighting, appliances and home entertainment systems.

Z wave and home security

Home automation is of no use if the technology fails to provide practical application. Z wave technology adds big time to those traditional security systems by addressing the real life conditions. As an example, the opening of a Z-Wave enabled door lock can de-activate a security system and turn on lights when children arrive home from school, and send a notification to a parent’s PC or cell phone via the Internet. Opening a Z-Wave enabled garage door can trigger exterior and interior home lights, while a Z-Wave motion detector can trigger an outdoor security light and a webcam, which would allow the end user to monitor the home while away.

Z wave and Home Entertainment

Through Z-Wave it’s possible to put devices under groups and give single as well as conditional commands. This is what makes it popular for managing home entertainment systems. For example, a simple “Play DVD” command on the remote control could turn on the needed components, set them to the correct inputs and even lower motorized shades and dim the room lights.

This entry was posted on Tuesday, July 14th, 2009 at 8:24 am and is filed under Home Automation. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.