Z-Wave powers Z~Series. And to do so it takes the principals of modern, wireless technology and applies it to home automation and control. To do so it uses all the principals that are important to modern home automation: reliability, affordability, and the ability to install without laying down cables or knocking holes in walls.

Wireless

No cables. No fuss.

Z-Wave uses reliable wireless technology to communicate between devices. Devices can also function as repeater stations (see Mesh Technology, right).

» See: style ='font-size: 13px;' style ='font-size: 13px;' href="z-wave-automation.php">Wireless home automation

Expandable

So you don't have to invest a lot of money into building a complete home automation system here and now, Z-Wave is 100% expandable. In fact you can expand your system to an unlimited amount of Z-Wave devices.

» See: Z-Wave products

Mesh Technology

Reliability is at the heart of Z-Wave; that's why Z-Wave devices talk to each other, passing on commands and communication when it's not intended for them. With Z-Wave built as a wireless mesh network it's responsiveness is not only fast, it's reliable.

Intelligent

Z-Wave devices don't only talk to each other, they play together. Create unlimited scenarios based events and occurrences, feed in data such as the water, and create a home automation system that makes intelligent decisions.

» Read more: automation

Versatile

Z-Wave is one of the technologies that powers Z~Series. As a communications chip you'll start to see all manner of Z-Wave devices included amongst Z~Series. Just like Z~Series is expandable in your home, our range will be rapidly expanding.

Interference Free

Interference is the bane of wireless technologies, but not Z-Wave. Operating on a low radio frequency (921.42MHz in Australia in New Zealand), means no interference from other wireless devices in your home. Device encryption also means no interference from your neighbours Z-Wave.

Low power

Z-Wave has been designed to not only help you conserve power, but to use very little of it. Most of SmartHome.com.au's fully wireless Z-Wave modules use long lasting, rechargeable batteries. And those that don't have been especially crafted to use as little electricity as possible.

» Read more: energy saving

Easy To Use

As a DIY and retrofit home automation system, Z-Wave has been designed to be easy to use. With Z-Wave devices predominantly plug and play, to add a Z-Wave device to your system is generally no more difficult than simply need to point a controller at them.

Secure

With several layers of security, including unique device codes and signal encryption, Australian Z-Wave has been designed to operate free on malicious and accidental security breaches.

How does Z-Wave work?

As a mesh network, Z-Wave needs no central server. In fact to get Z-Wave, all you need is a device and a controller. That might be an appliance controller and a remote control, or it could be a USB controller instead.

Each device and controller you have has to be 'included' within your Z~Series system; this is a security measure and also guarantees that the system will operate free of interference from anyone else's Z-Wave devices. Including a Z-Wave device in your Z~Series system is an easy process, and usually takes no more than holding the buttons down on a controller and a device for a few moments.

Once done, your devices and controllers are ready to talk to each other. From there you can go about tailoring Z~Series to be the perfect addition to your home or office. That might mean using an inexpensive server or PC software to automate, or it might mean simply using the remote control that comes in the starter kits.

What is the difference between Z-Wave and Z~Series?

Z~Series it to Z-Wave what your surround sound is to your TV.

It extends it. Makes it better. Gives it more purpose.

Z~Series achieves what Z-Wave cannot.

Z-Wave is the best wireless communication platform for the home.

It is the best technology to build a smart home with.

It is the best technology for home automation.

But there are things it can't do.

It's size and affordability means that there'll never be a Z-Wave security camera.

But there's a Z-Series security camera.

It's low power consumption means that it can't control your home theatre.

But there's a Z~Series home theatre solution for that.

Out of the box, Z-Wave can't connect to the Internet.

But with Z~Series it can.

Z~Series makes real the potential of Z-Wave.

How does Z-Wave compare to other home automation technologies?

As a retrofit, wireless, whole-house automation system, Z-Wave is leagues ahead of other home automation technologies. Click to find out more: