RFZigbee vs. Z-Wave: Key Differences in Wireless Technologies
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This page compares Zigbee and Z-Wave, two prominent wireless Personal Area Network (PAN) technologies. Both are primarily used for remote monitoring and control applications, particularly in home automation systems.
Overview
Both Zigbee and Z-Wave are short-range wireless technologies operating in the sub-GHz and 2.4 GHz bands. Devices using these technologies typically have an output power of 1 mW (0 dBm) and employ 128-bit AES encryption for security.
Zigbee
About Zigbee
Zigbee is a routing-based radio standard developed by the Zigbee Alliance. The specifications were ratified in 2004 and published in 2005. The IEEE 802.15.4 standards define the Physical (PHY) and Medium Access Control (MAC) layers for Zigbee.
Goals of Zigbee
- To provide a wireless network solution for industrial, medical, and home automation devices.
- To offer a self-organizing network to simplify installation.
- To deliver a low data rate, low power consumption wireless system.
To achieve these goals, Zigbee utilizes different device types, including network coordinators, Full Function Devices (FFDs), and Reduced Function Devices (RFDs). Refer to a Zigbee tutorial for more detailed information.
Z-Wave
About Z-Wave
Z-Wave is another routed radio network, owned by Sigma Designs, Inc. Z-Wave devices communicate by sending messages using radio frequency waves. It is mainly targeted towards home automation applications.
Key Features of Z-Wave
Z-Wave networks are self-organizing and self-healing, making them relatively easy to set up.
Goals of Z-Wave
Z-Wave was developed with the following objectives in mind:
- Low power consumption
- Low cost
- Easy network installation and no network maintenance required.
- Seamless interoperability among different vendors’ devices.
Refer to a Z-Wave tutorial for more detailed information.
Technical Differences: Zigbee vs. Z-Wave
While Zigbee and Z-Wave are similar WPAN technologies with comparable applications, there are significant technical differences between them. The following table summarizes these key distinctions:
| Specifications | Zigbee | Z-Wave |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | 802.15.4 defines PHY and MAC layers of zigbee network. It is an open standard developed by zigbee alliance. | Developed by Zensys as proprietary wireless standard. It is not an open standard. ITU recently added Z-wave PHY and MAC layers in G.9959 standard. |
| RF Frequency Band | 2.4 to 2.483 GHz, with 16 channels of 5 MHz bandwidth each. Other optional frequency bands are 915 MHz band in the US and 868 MHz band in Europe region. | Z-Wave uses part 15 of unlicensed ISM band 908.42 MHz in US/Canada. Other countries have their own frequency band. |
| Data rate | 250 Kbps in 2.4 GHz band with OQPSK modulation, 40 Kbps in 915 MHz band with BPSK modulation, 20 kbps in 868 MHz band | 9.6 kbps and 40 kbps with GFSK |
| Modulation type | OQPSK, BPSK modulation as per PHY layer used | Gaussian Frequency Shift Keying (GFSK) modulation |
| Distance | About 10 meters; range coverage of 30 meters can be achieved in free space | |
| Number of Nodes | Zigbee network supports up to 65K nodes | Z-Wave network can have up to 232 nodes |
| Alliance | Maintained by Zigbee Alliance, a consortium of more than 220 members | Maintained by Z-Wave Alliance, a consortium of more than 160 members |
| Applications | Security and home automation, smart grid, remote monitor and control | Security and home automation |
| Popular devices | EM351, EM357 single-chip Zigbee device from Ember, Zigbee home monitor and control panel from iControl | ZM3102, ZM4101, ZM4102 from Sigma Designs |
| Vendors/Manufacturers | Many vendors, including Ember, Freescale, Microchip, TI, ATMEL, CEL, Digi, Jennic, RFM, Lemos | Available only from one vendor: Sigma Designs |