Because Z-Wave uses 800–900 MHz radio frequencies, it suffers from less interference than a competing smart home protocol, Zigbee. And it uses a lot less energy than Wi-Fi. Think of Z-Wave like Bluetooth, but with a longer range. Without a protocol like Z-Wave, each of your smart things would live in its own world. Your smart outlets, smart locks, smart lights, smart garage door openers—whatever it is—would work all by itself without communicating to anything else. But with Z-Wave (or another smart home protocol, like Zigbee or Thread), your smart devices can “talk” to each other, so to speak. You can make it so that all your lights turn off when you lock your doors, or so that your smart outlet that controls your curling iron turns off when you arm your security system. Many home security systems support Z-Wave through their control panels or base stations, including Vivint, ADT, Link Interactive, Scout, and Abode. Security systems with Z-Wave support other compatible home automation devices, so you can build a total smart home. If you opt for a standalone hub and add in devices on your own, then you’ll basically just have the cost of equipment. Z-Wave does not charge a standard membership fee. Types of Z-Wave devices:
Locks Lights Thermostats Garage door controllers Security sensors Fan controllers Window blinds/coverings Plugs and outlets Sirens and alarms
