Z-Wave devices allow complete and seamless interaction among your home electronics, low powered radio waves that travel without hindrance through objects and space. According to Z-Wave Alliance, the technology is "a next-generation wireless ecosystem that lets all your home electronics talk to each other, and to you, via remote control. [It] unifies all your home electronics into an integrated wireless network, with no complicated programming and no new cables to run."
The benefits of this technology as detailed by Rob Callahan, are numerous and multi-faceted. Z-Wave devices include:
- Wireless Technology: According to Z-Wave.com, the wireless technology of "Z-Wave...makes regular household products, like lights, door locks and thermostats 'smart.'" The products, when connected with Z-Wave, can communicate wirelessly, all being controlled by a phone, tablet or pc. Currently there are nearly 1000 different Z-Wave products that all work together so you can choose the products that are right for your home." If you're home, out running errands, or on vacation, Z-Wave technology gives you the same amount of control over the devices in your home.
- Compatibility and Availability: As discussed by Callahan, the "relatively low power consumption of Z-Wave technology" can let it be incorporated into devices which could not have supported wireless communication previously. At present, there are almost 1000 different Z-Wave products which work together to be used to their best advantage in your home. These include the "iBridge Connected Home Suite [which] centers around one cost-effective Z-Remote Module and choice of consumer interface, the iBridge App; optional iBridge Wi-Fi Touchscreen/Tablet; or online PC." The technology allows services to be provided by smaller dealers, including "security, energy management and/or home automation."
- Energy Conservation: Z-Wave technology can help you to conserve energy in multiple ways, including thermostat control corresponding to daylight sensors, and lights and appliances turned off and on at a set schedule.
Z-Wave technology allows home technology to become automated and accessible remotely, conserve energy, and expand connection over time. The benefits of Z-Wave are readily apparent and will only continue to develop as the technology becomes more widely used and incorporated into daily life.
SOURCES:
http://www.z-wavealliance.org/with-its-ibridge-line-of-interactive-remote-services--napco-joins-the-z-wave-alliance
http://www.esxweb.com/page.cfm/action=library/libID=10/libEntryID=219/listID=1
http://www.z-wave.com/what_is_z-wave
http://www.ehow.com/about_6638798_benefits-z_wave-technology.html
