ZigBee, Z-Wave, Thread and WeMo: What's the Difference?

[exfileme]

Smart-home devices use a bewildering array of wireless network protocols. Which ones should you use?

ZigBee, Z-Wave, Thread and WeMo: What's the Difference? : Read more

 

[rvctinker]

There is some mis-information in this article on Z-Wave. Z-Wave's range in open-air is 100 meters, not feet - huge difference! This means that in a home, you can typically get a signal from one end to the other because unlike 2.4GHz and higher frequency protocols, Z-Wave can penetrate walls and materials better. Also, Z-Wave has had a 6LowPan implementation since 2014, but nobody wants to use it because the IP based protocols are greatly inefficient compared to native Z-Wave. While I agree with the section on security pointing to the need to keep your hub/app password safe, how about the security of the network? Here too Z-Wave has several security layers that should be mentioned. People should not trust a door lock or garage door opener to technologies that do not secure the device.