Zwave networking - Assignment

ZigBee / Zwave networking
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Introduction
Communication over the network has been growing substantially for the last two
decades. Internet users have been using different networking protocols such as Wi-Fi and wired
network to support their needs. With continued technological advancements, there has been
raising demands for more stable and reliable network (Aju 2015, p. 68). This has resulted to
several network alternatives such as ZigBee and Z wave. These are wireless network
communication protocols which provides an opportunity to connected devices to share data and
communicate effectively without relying on either Bluetooth or Wi-Fi supported network. These
two complementary network protocols make use of low energy radio waves to facilitate steady
and continuous device connection. Introduction of both ZigBee and Z wave in the networking
industry resulted to growth of smart things with all devices being connected to each other. Smart
things facilitates interconnection and communication of all devices at homes and offices. With
such stable and reliable network, it has been possible to automate home appliances such as
lightings and other electronic devices. In this regard, it would be important to appreciate the need
and opportunities which have come up with ZigBee and Z wave network protocols (Lobaccaro,
Carlucci & Lofstrom 2016, 348). They have capability to connect more devices than other
available wireless network.
ZigBee and Z wave operations
These are wireless communication protocols which make use of radio frequency to
distribute network signals to several devices. According to Obaid et al. (2014, p. 115), through
use of radio frequency, it is possible to control and monitor all connected devices status.

Basically, ZigBee and Z wave are regarded to be different but are used by devices to
communicate to each other over the network. Almost every device is currently being designed in
such a way that, they are able to connect to Z waves. Smart home technology has been advancing
through use of Z waves to include doors, motion sensors, and remote controls and touch switches
among other devices. With ZigBee products, customers are able to integrate available technology
in order to meet specific user needs. All these technologies are mesh networks which is a clear
indication that, network signal can hop from one device to the other. In such a working scenario,
all home gadget does not need to be connected to the Wi-Fi. Z waves in its working capability
can allow a maximum of four hops between the any connected device and the controller. ZigBee
has a capability of operating on 915MHz and 2.4GHz frequency. On the same note, Z-wave has
been observed to operate on a very low frequency of 918-960MHz a clear indication there is
minimal interference on Z-wave as compared to ZigBee (Lobaccaro, Carlucci & Lofstrom 2016,
p. 348). Similarly, ZigBee can support more than 65000 devices while Z-waves can support up to
232 devices making it suitable for many homes. In order for other devices to work with Z-waves
and ZigBee, they should be enabled with any of the enabled chips. The embedded chip makes it
possible for the device to communicate with other devices effectively.