The Z-Wave Alliance, a leading organisation focused on the advancement of Z-Wave technology and smart home standards, announced the completion of the Z-Wave Long Range (ZWLR) specification tailored for the European market. This development paves the way for Z-Wave Alliance members in Europe to begin ZWLR product development and certification.
Avi Rosenthal, Chairman of the Board at the Z-Wave Alliance, shared: “Following the successful launch of ZWLR in North America, we’ve diligently worked to extend the specification to our European members. With the specification now finalised, we’re gearing up to unveil the certification program for ZWLR, marking its availability for product development by European members of the Z-Wave Alliance.”
ZWLR is set to revolutionise Z-Wave connectivity across Europe, enhancing smart home applications, multi-dwelling units, the hospitality sector, and beyond. The protocol is designed for high-performance applications demanding scalability, low power consumption, enhanced security, extended range, and seamless device interoperability.
Network topology innovations
ZWLR introduces a star network topology, enabling direct communication between the gateway/hub and devices, reducing latency and improving performance in environments saturated with wireless communication. This development coexists with the traditional Z-Wave mesh network, allowing a blend of devices that benefit from both the self-healing capabilities of mesh networks and the direct connectivity advantages of star networks. This combination ensures optimal network performance and reliability.
Scalability and increased device capacity
A significant advantage of ZWLR in Europe is its remarkable scalability. By expanding the addressing space to 12-bit, ZWLR can support up to 4000 nodes on a single network – a 20-fold increase over the traditional Z-Wave network capacity. This advancement enables the integration of thousands of Z-Wave devices into one network, significantly broadening the possibilities of Z-Wave technology deployment.
Enhanced battery life
ZWLR also extends the battery life of endpoint devices to up to 10 years on a single coin-cell battery, thanks to dynamic power control. This feature optimises transmission power dynamically, essential for the longevity and reliability of Z-Wave devices installed in locations that are difficult to access. The extended battery life facilitates the deployment of sensors and devices in challenging environments, offering more flexibility and convenience in smart home setups.
The introduction of ZWLR for the European market represents a milestone for the Z-Wave Alliance and its members, driving forward the capabilities and applications of Z-Wave technology in smart homes and beyond.
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