Zwave or Zigbee

[llovering]

I am researching which protocol I will be adding to further enhance my ISY.  I have a small 60 device Insteon system, but would love to have door lock control and sensor integration.  I read that Zigbee only allows "profiles" to interact with certain types of devices, and if you don't have the profile, yuo just can't add a device.  Are there limitations with Zwave also?  Is the range of devices available with Zwave the same as Zigbee?  I was hoping to add a smart meter app but I'm not sure this is available on Zwave.

 

Thank you!

 

-Larry

 

 

[PurdueGuy]

For interoperability, I think you will get much further with Z-Wave.   As you mentioned, with Zigbee, sometimes things just won't work.

 

Now with Z-Wave, you will most likely get at least basic functionality (on/off/dim/brighten), setting parameters, etc.   As they get further along in Z-Wave and 5.x releases, you will get more control (multi-channel devices, for one).

 

If you want a smart meter app, you might be better off adding something else.  I am waiting in my Neurio to be delivered. https://www.neur.io

[dbuss]

It appears there's an ISY coming that will allow you to do Z-Wave and Zigbee in the same box.

 

http://www.smarthome.com/universal-devices-isy994izwpro-ir-insteon-z-wave-pro-controller-with-ir-receiver.html

[larryllix]

Does this mean that Zigbee is simply a protocol on top of the Zwave frequency?

[Michel Kohanim]

Hi larryllix,

 

NOOOO ... the shipping version is INSTEON and Z-Wave and not Zigbee/Z-Wave (which is also possible).

 

Zigbee is its own protocol and has nothing to do with Z-Wave.

 

With kind regards,

Michel

[larryllix]

_{"An expansion slot which could be utilized to install and support other protocols such as a Zigbee"}

 

_{My bad.}

[Xathros]

I read the Smarthome ad and found it somewhat misleading in that respect as well.  I did make the assumption however that it was one or the other.

 

-Xathros