Smart Home - DECT, Z-Wave, ZigBee

Smart Home Technologies ZigBee vs Z-Wave, DECT-ULE

Traditional analog system moves to smart IP system, meanwhile home alarm system starts to integrate with smartphone applications, also extends its functionality to smart home automation. Industry standards can accelerate the technology development, based on mature technology standards, security manufacturers and new startup enterprises can develop innovative products with specific features into market. In security industry, DECT-ULE, Wi-Fi, ZigBee, Z-Wave are primary standards. Today, consumers can find diversity smart home automation devices which adopt one of these protocols.

ZigBee

Every standard comes out has one specific application. ZigBee is focused on offering short distance, low power consumption and based on sensor technology wireless network. Offering wireless connection between each of static objects is its main purpose. On the contrary, Wi-Fi is the most popular standard for a regular power consumption and large data transmission network. Today, every home uses Wi-Fi router, it meets the needs of large data transmission for Internet connection. A ZibBee hub requires to use Wi-Fi or Wired RJ45 Ethernet connection to transmit large data over Internet.

DECT-ULE

DECT-ULE is the latest version (standard) from DECT. DECT means Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunications, apparently it mainly uses in cordless phone system. Sensors and accessories based on DECT-ULE can work with your residential and commercial cordless phone system. Based on previous version, the new version added security, home automation, climate control and monitor features. Currently, aside the cordless phone manufacturer, few manufacturers are embarking on developing new smart home products based on this standard. One of famous cordless phone manufacturer - Panasonic, released several models into market including baby monitor kit, home security kit, home automation kit. From its specification, DECT-ULE system can provide up to 300 meters/1000ft wireless range. Its wireless range distance is much far than ZigBee and Z-Wave technologies.

Let's compare DECT ULE to ZigBee in technical perspective. Zigbee operates 2.4 GHz ISM (Industry Science Medicine) band which widely adopted in Wi-Fi and BlueTooth. DECT operates in the 1800MHz - 1900Mhz band, which is used in all countries in Europe. Outside Europe, it is used in most of Asia, Australia and South America. Additionally, DECT adopts DSC/DCA (Dynamic channel selection/Allocation) to ensure the best radio channel can be used. This feature can greatly reduce the probability of wireless interference to DECT devices.

Link budget Z-Wave, ZigBee, DECT
Link budget Z-Wave, ZigBee, DECT

Check above comparison chart carefully . DECT has the highest transmitter power, while the Bluetooth and Zigbee have weak transmission power. Additionally, both DECT and Bluetooth have high data rate (1 Mbps), that's the reason DECT can transmit high quality voice for cordless phone.

DECT vs ZigBee vs Z-Wave

DECT ULE operates on 1900MHz which is has been validated in global countries. It's wireless transmission range covers 100 - 300 meters. This standard/protocol has advantages of long distance range, no interference and large data rate/bandwidth up to 1 Mbps. DECT ULE offers simple network configuration, supports high quality voice transmission, ultra-low power consumption architecture to provide long battery life. It's compatible with DECT phone and IADs. DECT ULE mainly deployed in cordless phone system, home automation control, medical care and security products.

Z-Wave Alliance operates 800 - 900MHz, it has medium wireless transmission range (30 - 65 meters), z-Wave has low interference, it has poor interoperability, Z-Wave hub only works with Z-Wave security sensors and accessories. It's one of popular standard/protocol for home automation products already on the market.

DECT ULE vs Wavenis vs Z-Wave Technologies
DECT ULE vs Wavenis vs Z-Wave Technologies

ZigBee (802.15.4 2001) operates on 2.4GHz frequency, it has medium 70 meters wireless range, features with power power consumption and 2-way interoperable range, it can transmit data with maximum 250 kbps speed. ZigBee is not open source standard, manufacturers need to apply for certification. Zigbee is widely used in a broad range of low power products including smart lights, home automation, thermostats...etc.

ZigBee vs RF4CE vs Bluetooth Technologies
ZigBee vs RF4CE vs Bluetooth Technologies

Get My Latest Posts

Subscribe to get the latest updates.

Your email address will never be shared with any 3rd party.