Z-wave basic question, peer to peer?

[Amigo]

Is z-wave a peer to peer protocol as far as linking is concerned, or is it dependent on a master controller to pass around the messages around?

Example, I want a z-wave switch to control a z-wave light, once a master controller like ISY makes a link between the two nodes, can ISY be removed from the network?

Or is z-wave a master/slave setup as far as control goes? 

 

cheers.

[MWareman]

It's peer-to-peer. Every switch is a secondary 'controller'. However, there are some functions that need a master controller (message routing, enrolling, removing etc).

 

Turning off the master won't stop devices from working, but will prevent certain operations.

 

There is a device commonly used by old school zwave installers (the z-troller?) that is used to setup zwave devices and links, and didn't have to be left behind.

 

That being said, the ISY brings programming to the mix, and this functionality needs the ISY to remain part of the network.

[fryfrog]

Does the ISY program the zwave controllers and responders in such a way that it can be removed?

For Insteon stuff, you setup Scenes in the ISY... but they persist and don't need the ISY to operate. An outage would end up with a house that mostly works, just the cool fluffy stuff wouldn't work for the most part.

[Amigo]

It's peer-to-peer. Every switch is a secondary 'controller'. However, there are some functions that need a master controller (message routing, enrolling, removing etc).

 

Turning off the master won't stop devices from working, but will prevent certain operations.

 

There is a device commonly used by old school zwave installers (the z-troller?) that is used to setup zwave devices and links, and didn't have to be left behind.

 

That being said, the ISY brings programming to the mix, and this functionality needs the ISY to remain part of the network.

 

Thanks.

Yeah, it is what the master controller is really needed for that I gotta dig into more to gain clear understanding.

 

If I understand correctly so far, the secondary controllers can also take action etc., the only thing they can't do is include, and/or remove nodes.

I also start reading about "association", that throws a bit of a twist into things too.

Do the z-wave device instructions from manufacturer typically include all the info, like if this device is a controller, slave, can do association, etc.? or is it trial by fire?

 

cheers.

[Brian H]

The Z-Wave Alliance has some technical papers you may fine a help.

http://z-wavealliance.org/

 

Another site with information.

http://www.z-wave.com/

[Amigo]

will take a look, thank you.

[ScottAvery]

If another controller turns a (modern) z wave device on or off, will the ISY be aware? 

[mwester]

I think the answer is "eventually" -- with the possible exception of Lutron devices, status changes are not sent to the ISY.  I can certainly confirm that none of my z-wave plugin devices (one GE dimmer and several Aeon labs devices) send an update to the ISY when I locally change their state.

[ScottAvery]

Hmm.  interesting.  I haven't used my plug in devices so I never noticed that.  ISY does know when my zwave locks change status.  Odd.

[mwester]

My response was in the context of devices that are controlled by other devices sending updates.  Z-Wave sensors like my door and motion sensors send updates immediately.  I assume that the z-wave locks fall into that category as well.

[Teken]

The instant status relates to the light switches which Lutron has a patent on. All others are not bound by this (prior art) use case as much as they wanted it to.

 

This is similar to the asinine patent Apple was able to cover and win over Samsung for a rectangle shaped phone. How on Gods green Earth they were able to convince a judge / jury of this who knows. As Motorola had tried to patent the flip phone 20 years before and was denied hands down even though it was the first and unique in doing so.

 

But then again the whole patent office and the idea behind it is retarded on so many levels it could take decades to hash out in this forum. As Harley Davidson was able to patent that obnoxious **** can noise so many people love to drive.

 

Nothing is worse sitting at a light and hearing that lope, stud-er, and the eventual bap bap, faart noise like its going Mach 2 but really its only going 10 MPH!