Protecting your home is easier than ever, thanks to the development of smart home security systems. These systems allow you to protect your home and monitor it even when you’re away.
There are many different standards used in home automation. Two of the most popular are Wi-Fi and Z-wave. Which is better for a home security system? Read on as we compare Z-wave vs. Wi-Fi to see which is the better choice.
What is Z-wave?
Z-wave is a system used for connecting electronic devices using low-energy radio waves. It’s similar to Wi-Fi or Bluetooth in that it is a wireless communication system, but Z-wave works in a slightly different way to either of these.
Z-wave is a mesh system, which means that any Z-wave devices in your home will pass the signal on. If you have two devices that are a long way apart, Z-wave can pass the signal through any other Z-wave devices that are in your home. That means the more Z-wave devices you have, the easier it is for the signal to spread through your entire home.
Z-wave also uses much lower frequency radio signals than Wi-Fi. Wi-Fi usually operates in either the 2.4GHz or 5GHz bands. Z-wave operates at around 900MHz.
What is Wi-Fi?
Wi-Fi systems transmit information from a central hub. This means that all communication with Wi-Fi devices come from one specific location. Other Wi-Fi devices do not pass on the signal, so the further a Wi-Fi device is from the central hub, the weaker the signal will be.
You may have found this with your internet connection in your home. If you are in a room a long way from your router, the Wi-Fi signal will be significantly lower than when you’re in the room where the router is located.
5GHz Wi-Fi signals can transmit information at higher speed, but the signal won’t cover as great a distance. 2.4GHz is slower but can travel further.
Z-wave for Home Security Automation
When you’re choosing a home security system, some systems will use Wi-Fi, and others will be built around Z-wave.
As we have already learned, Z-wave is a mesh system. The more Z-wave devices you have spread around your home, the further your signal can travel. This is ideal if you have a large house, as you will be able to get a strong signal for all your devices, no matter where they are placed.
Z-wave systems also have less competition. With a Wi-Fi system, you may have your laptop, your desktop, your phones, your smart TV, your smart thermostat, your smart lights, all hooked up to Wi-Fi, and all fighting for bandwidth. The more devices you have on a Wi-Fi system, the slower it gets, but with Z-wave having more devices improves your speed.
Z-wave uses much less power than Wi-Fi. That means that it’s possible to use battery-powered Z-wave devices without worrying about having to change the batteries frequently. Z-wave is also more secure since it’s more of a closed system and can offer some additional layers of protection.
Keep in mind; not all smart home hubs are compatible with Z-wave. You will need to find a compatible smart hub.
Wi-Fi for Home Security Automation
More home automation devices use Wi-Fi, so this type of system has a lower barrier of entry; people are more familiar with setting up Wi-Fi devices for their smart homes. If you only have one or two devices, Wi-Fi wave signals can travel further than Z-wave, although signals may still be weak over long distances.
We tend to have a large number of Wi-Fi devices in our homes. The more devices you have, the more crowded your network gets, slowing things down across the board. Wi-Fi devices usually plug directly into your router. If you live in a large home, security devices that are a long way from your hub could suffer from a weak signal.
Since Wi-Fi is not a mesh system, having other Wi-Fi devices in your home will not fix this issue. Wi-Fi devices also require more power. If you’re using battery-powered security devices, then you’ll need to change the batteries more regularly.
Z-wave vs. Wi-Fi: Which Should You Choose?
We hope that this comparison of Z-wave vs. Wi-Fi has helped you to decide which is the better option for your home security automation system.
If you’re looking for high-quality security systems, then you’re in the right place. ADS is one of the largest alarm firms in Illinois. Family-owned since 1968, we provide business alarms, fire alarms, card access, security cameras, and home security systems. We can also monitor your home security system 24/7 and take action even when you can’t.
To schedule an on-site consultation with a home automation professional, give us a call at 630.844.6322.
About Alarm Detection Systems, Inc.
Alarm Detection Systems is one of the largest alarm firms in the country. Family-owned since 1968, we provide business alarms, fire alarms, card access, security cameras, and home security systems. Proudly servicing Chicagoland, Northern Illinois, Northwest Indiana, and Southern Wisconsin in the Midwest. Call us at 630.844.6300 for more information.
In Colorado, we service all of Denver, Boulder County, Northern Colorado, the Eastern Plains, and Colorado Springs. Call us at 1.800.446.7519 for more information.
