Zigbee vs. Z-wave: Key Differences (2024)

Among the technologies that help connect IoT devices and smart appliances, Zigbee and Z-Wave are the most popular. They both have pros and cons and should be leveraged after the user understands the key differences between Zigbee and Z-Wave communication protocols. This article explains how Zigbee differs from Z-Wave and their applications in IoT.

What Is the Zigbee Communication Protocol?
What Is the Z-Wave Communication Protocol?
The Top 10 Differences Between Zigbee and Z-Wave
Applications of Zigbee and Z-Wave in IoT

What Is the Zigbee Communication Protocol?

Zigbee communication protocol is an open standard protocol used on mesh networks for wireless communication between smart devices at home, offices, hospitals, etc. This means that with the Zigbee protocol, signals can hop from one Zigbee device to another in an open structure without connecting each device to a central hub (Wifi).

The Zigbee protocol is built on IEEE 802.15.4 protocol standard and managed by the Zigbee Alliance. Zigbee uses this standard to create modifications that solve this niche’s high costs and power consumption. This makes the protocol functional in many use cases like home automation, building automation, medical care, gaming, etc.

The features of the Zigbee protocol differ from other protocols to suit the needs of specific industries. The Zigbee protocol supports communication between 65,000+ devices using a 2.4GHz frequency. In addition to its low cost and low power usage, these features make the Zigbee protocol a better option for wireless communication in many industries.

What Is the Z-Wave Communication Protocol?

Z-Wave is a close standard protocol used on mesh networks for wireless communication between intelligent devices at home, offices, and other places. Z-Wave is owned by Sigma design. However, it is maintained by the Z-Wave Alliance, a coalition of 400 companies.

This protocol supports communication between devices in a closed network. This means that one cannot access the governing code of Z-Wave publicly. It prevents the code from being altered by anyone. It also implies that every Z-Wave device has a unique ID that gives it access to any Z-Wave remote. This closed structure is the core of the Z-Wave protocol as it assures effective interoperability and security.

The Z-Wave protocol uses a radio-wave frequency or signal communication between appliances. Specifically, the protocol supports communication with at most 232 devices using 908.2MHz frequency. Communication between devices can be successful within 330 feet of distance. These features make Z-Wave a compelling option for Internet of Things (IoT) Opens a new window home automation applications.

The Top 10 Differences Between Zigbee and Z-Wave

Individuals and companies use Zigbee and Z-Wave protocols to implement mesh network topology in their locations. The differences are their contributions to the factors that make mesh network topology functional in IoT. Let’s discuss these differences in detail:

1. Reliability

For a mesh network architecture to work correctly, it has to run on a reliable protocol. Reliability entails little or no missing or dodgy signals during signal transmission. Missing signals exist when interference and congestion with the same frequency from any device in that location exist.

Zigbee protocol uses a 915MHz frequency in the US and a 2.4GHz frequency in the UK. Signal transmission to a device with this frequency might result in missing or dodgy signals. This results from interference and congestion with any Wifi, microwave, or device running with a high frequency in that area.

On the other hand, the Z-Wave protocol uses a frequency range of 900MHz, specifically 908.42MHz. There is also a probability of interference with devices that use frequencies within the 900MHz spectrum, like landline telephones. However, this interference is minimal.

In deciding which protocol is more reliable for your office, home or hospital, there should be foreknowledge of the frequency used by other devices in that location. This helps answer the questions of “how often would the interference occur?” and “what would be the intensity of the interference?” A high degree of overlapping frequencies means less reliability.

2. Interoperability

The core of IoT is interoperability between devices and, more importantly, between devices and their protocols. Interoperability is the ability of devices or computers to work with and exchange information with other devices. Interoperability is a significant difference between Zigbee and Z-Wave protocols due to certification differences.

The Zigbee Alliance maintains Zigbee. This alliance is formed by 400 member companies responsible for 2500 Zigbee devices and half a billion chipsets. However, there is a tangle in Zigbee’s certification process as some devices whose software does not comply with Zigbee protocol can receive certification from Zigbee. This encourages the sale of non-interoperable devices under Zigbee’s name.

Before Zigbee 3.0, there were different protocols under Zigbee, and Zigbee devices from these protocols were not interoperable. Zigbee 3.0 unifies every protocol under Zigbee, making Zigbee products interoperable.

On the contrary, Z-Wave is owned by Sigma design and maintained by the Z-Wave Alliance. The Z-Wave Alliance is a group that administers certification for Z-Wave devices. The group implements interoperability by confirming that every certified Z-Wave device works with every Z-Wave controller. This implies that the devices are interoperable with the protocol and themselves.

In conclusion, Zigbee products can be interoperable with each other only if they were revised before being certified and are version Zigbee 3.0. Z-Wave products are always interoperable with themselves via the Z-Wave controller.

3. Speed

Smart devices are designed to make life easier, not complicated. It can be frustrating when these devices function correctly but are pretty slow in signal reception. Protocol speed is among the first considerations for individuals and organizations when choosing wireless technology. It is imperative in smart lighting, security, and other applications of IoT. Speed is also a significant difference between the Zigbee and Z-Wave protocols.

Zigbee protocol communicates signals with a 915MHz or a 2.4GHz frequency. This indicates that the speed of signal communication with Zigbee is 40-250kbps. This range is fast and supports smart and easy living applications like smart sensors and medical care.

In the second picture, the Z-Wave protocol communicates signals with 908.42MHz. This implies a speed of 9.6-100kbps. This speed range could be suitable in different IoT use cases like smart speakers. However, it would be slow in smart sensors and medical care, which need a prompt response.

In comparison, the Zigbee protocol is fast and suitable in all or almost all applications of smart devices. Z-Wave reflects a lower speed and might not be fast enough for some applications.

4. Connectivity

This feature emphasizes the number of devices connected with a protocol. Zigbee connectivity gives an upper hand but still depends on other features. Zigbee protocol supports mesh network connections between 65,000+ devices at the same time. This wide connection would be vital for offices, hospital care, and companies.

Z-Wave protocol supports mesh connections with a maximum of 232 devices. This connectivity range can be suitable for smaller organizations, medium-sized businesses, smart homes, and other small or medium-scale IoT use cases.

5. Number of hops

For successful signal transmission in a mesh network, the devices are interconnected. This implies that signals “hop” between devices instead of going from hubs to devices which can be affected by range. The protocol’s speed influences these hops, but the central question is, “how many hops can be completed in a transmission?” The answer depends on the communication protocol.

The Zigbee protocol permits countless hops in a single transmission. Zigbee protocol supports a connection between as many devices as you wish to connect.

On the other hand, the Z-Wave protocol permits only four hops per transmission. This means that signals can only hop between four devices, and if the target device is the fifth device in the connection, the signal will not reach it—the link breaks after the fourth device.

In choosing which protocol to go with, consider the application, you want to employ these smart devices to work in. Also, keep in mind the number of devices your organization or even smart home requires to be connected for ease and seamless use.

6. Range of signal

For hops to succeed, some protocols demand a maximum distance between the devices. Outside this distance, the devices lose connection, and signals would not be transmitted.

Zigbee protocol provides a strong connection when devices are at most 40 feet from each other indoors. However, due to the high frequency of Zigbee, materials used in walls and indoor equipment can reduce the traveling distance of the signal.

As Zigbee supports faster speed, more hops, and more connections, this may pose more difficulty in some use cases than others.

On the other side of the coin, the Z-Wave protocol offers a strong connection when devices are at most 330 feet apart outdoors and 100 feet indoors. Z-Wave protocol uses low frequency, making transmission through walls and other obstructions easy. This wide-range supplements the low speed and the limited number of hops in the Z-Wave protocol.

Choosing the better option for the range of signals will depend on how the range fits in with other protocol features.

7. Security

Security is another criterion for a network topology Opens a new window to be functional, especially in IoT as a use case. In this context, security means the likelihood of transmitting a piece of information, through signals, to a target device without it being hacked or altered. Security plays a vital role in determining what network structure to use.

Both protocols use the AES128 standard of encryptionOpens a new window for information security and have made it a mandatory benchmark for certification. AES128 is a trusted security standard that online banks and government agencies use.

However, the Z-Wave protocol has an extra layer of security. Security 2 (S2) layer is also tagged as mandatory for every device that needs Z-Wave certification. This layer protects smart devices from being used in a DDOS attack.

This additional security does not necessarily make Zigbee less secure because it also uses AES128 symmetric encryption.

8. Power usage

Some smart devices require optimal battery power, while others require very little. In both scenarios, the signal communication should have minimal effect on battery life; that is, it should use low power. This is very critical while using sensitive devices like smart locks and sensors.

Both protocols use low power, but the Zigbee protocol is better for using less energy than the Z-Wave protocol. Zigbee protocol was built on the IEEE 802.15.4 protocol standard. Amongst other advantages, this protocol standard gives Zigbee an edge in minimizing power usage in smart devices.

Nonetheless, new Z-Wave devices are trying to close this gap by using less power than the former offerings. Despite this, the Zigbee protocol has minimal power usage and better battery performance.

9. Price

Although the cost has been an issue with smart living, Zigbee and Z-Wave offer cheap products. However, in comparison, Zigbee products are more affordable. This is another advantage of building on the IEEE 802.15.4 protocol standard. This standard makes it easy for Zigbee to illustrate most of its objectives which include cost-effectiveness, through its products. The price difference between both protocols is not so vast, so choosing the best option may depend on the protocol’s other features.

10. Open and closed standard

Another significant difference between Zigbee and Z-Wave protocols is the network standard. Network standard determines the different technical methods the protocols use to achieve signal communication.

Zigbee uses open network standards. This form of network is also called an open-source race network. It is so because the protocol’s code governing transmission operations is available to everybody.

The advantage of Zigbee’s open-source network is that anyone can check the code. This is also a downside as anybody can alter the code to suit their needs. Z-Wave uses closed network standards. In this standard, the code that overrides transmission operations is not made public and cannot be altered.

Z-Wave’s closed standard provides additional security. Every device connected to your hub has a unique ID for easy identification. This adds security to the secure network and ensures interoperability with only Z-Wave devices.

Applications of Zigbee and Z-Wave in IoT

The applications of Zigbee and Z-Wave communication protocols in the IoT era are numerous. Both protocols are excellent options in some applications, but in others, one protocol can have the edge over the other.

Home automation is rapidly becoming a norm and is now a typical application of Zigbee and Z-Wave protocols. It refers to an automation system that controls lighting, entertainment, climate, security, and appliances at home for ease, efficiency, and comfort. Communication protocols like Zigbee and Z-Wave are used in signal communications between the components of this automation system.

Medical care is also a significant application of the Zigbee communication protocol. With this protocol, doctors can remotely monitor patients and provide diagnoses or advice to patients in real-time. The IEEE 802.15.4 standard makes the Zigbee protocol easy to use, supporting robust connections, low cost, and low power usage.

Remote control and management is another primary application of the Z-Wave communication protocol. Z-Wave remote control works as a handheld remote. In this application, Z-Wave controls IoT devices Opens a new window like smart locks, smart thermostats, smart lighting, smart plugs, and smart sensors in a home automation system.

Building automation is an application of the Zigbee protocol that is gaining much publicity in the building industry. In this application, the Zigbee protocol is used for better installations and connectivity in the building industry.

These same structures and implementations apply to office blocks, company buildings, etc. Even more applications of these protocols in IoT are being discovered every day.

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