Introduction to Wireless Systems

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Wireless Systems
Wireless systems can apply to lighting systems or whole-house automation solutions. By
definition they are solutions employing radio frequency communication between a
central controller and external components of the core system. The external components
can be slave controllers, human interface devices such as touch panels, lighting or
thermostat control devices, or relay/sensor sub-controllers.
Examples of wireless systems are Insteon for lighting control, ZWAVE for lighting/climate
controls and Control4 for whole-house automation systems.
The core components of these systems use radio-frequency (RF) technology as the backbone connection
between the central or master controller and other system components. This class of system may also
include standard interfaces such as Ethernet for communication between the master controller and
other components, RS-232 for serial communication with a subsystem or device from a different
manufacturer, or infrared emitters for control of off-the-shelf audio/video components such as TVs,
receivers, DVD players, etc.
Because these systems use RF technology, communication between components is reliable and fast.
Technical support comes from one source for the core system, and product quality is consistent
throughout. These systems have a significant advantage for retrofit applications as wireless components
require no extra wiring. For example a wireless thermostat would replace a traditional thermostat, and a
wireless wall switch replaces the existing wall switch. The central controller or control devices in a peer
network use RF communications to control other system devices.
On the flip side support for other popular sub-systems or devices is non-existent unless the system also
supports other IEEE or industry standards. Interference from other home appliances can impact the
reliability of RF communications, however wireless systems that use the same RF band as your appliance
can normally be configured to use different channels within the band to eliminate this possibility.
Popular RF protocols in use today in wireless automation systems include Insteon, ZWAVE, and ZigBee
(IEEE 802.15.4).
The following table compares these 3 protocols:

Wireless Home
Control Systems

Control4 Products
(Zigbee)

Insteon Products

ZWAVE Products

Wireless Network
Topology

Mesh, each device
strengthens signal
reliability

Mesh, each device
strengthens signal
reliability

Mesh, each device
strengthens signal
reliability

Wireless Network
Specification

IEEE 802.15.4

Smarthome Labs
developed

Zensys developed

Lighting/Appliance
Control

Control4 wireless
switches/dimmers,
lamp/appliance
modules & keypads

Smarthome wireless
switches/dimmers,
lamp/appliance
modules & keypads

Intermatic wireless
switches/dimmers,
lamp/appliance
modules & outdoor
lighting module

HVAC Control

Control4 Wireless
Thermostat

T1700/T1800/T1900
Thermostats w/Insteon
Thermostat Adapter

Homeseer RCS TZ16
ZWAVE Thermostat

Entertainment
Center Control

Control4 HC-200/HC300 Controller

IRLinc - Insteon IR
Receiver integrates a
universal remote

Logitech Harmony 890
Remote Control

Security System
Control

Control4
Contact/Relay
Extender plus serial
interface to security
systems

ELK M1Gold Kit is
Insteon enabled

GE Choice Alert
Wireless Alarm

Whole-House
Control System

Control4 Home
Controller

Cortexa 7202 or
Homeseer V2.0 Home
Controller (Insteon
enabled)

Home PC w/Homeseer
V2.0 & HomePro RF
Interface for ZWAVE

Unique Features

Control4 product line
enables whole-house
automation from a
single manufacturer

Sends dual wireless and
powerline signals

First wireless
technology available
for home automation

$886, HC-200 + 3
Wireless Dimmers

$319, Insteon Starter
Kit w/3 wall dimmers
(add $$ for universal
remote of your choice)

$534, Harmony 890 +
3 ZWAVE Wall
Dimmers

Uninstalled Cost for
Entertainment
Controller Plus 3
Light Switches

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