Z-Wave is a communication protocol for early smart home systems, first conceived in 1999 and changing ownership several times. The current owner is Silicon Labs, which acquired the Z-Wave business and technology in 2018.
The concept of Z-Wave involves radio frequency waves in the 800-900 MHz range communicating between devices such as light bulbs, interconnected in a mesh network to reach a central hub in the home without the need for internet connection (as it was designed in a time of local mesh networks and not initially an IP system). The Z-Wave protocol gained popularity in older closed-circuit camera systems.
However, the mesh network connection concept and the need for a Z-Wave hub have become constraints in a time when devices connect directly to the internet, along with the introduction of new protocols like Matter, co-supported by tech giants.
Z-Wave attempted to address these issues by establishing the Z-Wave Alliance and opening the source code of Z-Wave in 2019. They also released a new specification, Z-Wave Long Range (ZWLR), in 2020, increasing signal strength and range to 1.5 miles (2.4 kilometers) from the original 4 times.
Despite these efforts, Z-Wave has not made much impact as smart home devices from major companies like Apple, Google, Samsung, primarily support Matter and largely ignore Z-Wave. Currently, it is estimated that there are only around 100 million devices supporting Z-Wave in use, which is considered relatively few.
When unable to compete, joining the latest trend is the strategy, with Z-Wave aligning with Matter through a bridge connecting both wireless networks. The Z-Wave Alliance is currently developing a Z-Wave bridge standard to connect with Matter. Once this standard is complete, hardware manufacturers supporting Z-Wave frequencies will be able to adjust software to connect to both Z-Wave and Matter in a single device, or at least connect a Z-Wave hub to Apple Home or Google Home platforms.
A representative of the Connectivity Standards Alliance (CSA), overseeing the Matter protocol, expressed to The Verge their approval of Z-Wave Alliance joining forces with Matter to enhance consumer convenience.
TLDR: Z-Wave, an early smart home communication protocol, faces challenges with its mesh network concept and Z-Wave hub requirement as devices move towards direct internet connections and support for newer protocols like Matter. Efforts to adapt include joining Matter through a bridge, with the Z-Wave Alliance working on a Z-Wave bridge standard to connect with Matter for increased consumer convenience.
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