What Is the Difference Between Z-Wave and Wifi Security Systems?

December 12, 2018 by Anas Mustafa

If you’ve been looking into automated security systems, chances are you’ve come across a technology known as Z-Wave. Home automation has typically involved Wifi capabilities, which many of us are familiar with. We’ve had years to witness wireless internet spread throughout shopping malls, hotels, airports and university campuses. But if you’ve been wondering why Z-Wave logos are appearing on home automation kits — we’ll explain what the difference is between these two popular technologies and how they affect home security.

What is Wifi?

The ability to connect to the internet wirelessly has largely been taken for granted. But many Canadians are still not clear about the technology that allows us to do this. Wireless connectivity is known as wifi. It allows electronic devices — including PCs, smartphones and tablets — to use the internet without a physical connection.

Wifi uses radio signals to swap information between these wifi-enabled devices and the web. It allows the devices to connect to the internet in the same way that a cellular phone or radio receives sound.

One important point to note is that the actual internet connection doesn’t come from wifi, but from a modem. The modem relies on a physical connection, such as a cable or telephone line. So when you connect your electronic device to a wifi network, you’re actually connecting to a router. This router then connects to a modem, which then links up to the internet. All devices using the same wifi network can ‘see’ each other, allowing them to interact simultaneously.

Wifi & Home Security

Most home automation systems on the market today work on wifi. The system offered by Canadian Security Professionals primarily operates using Z-Wave as it is the more powerful and dependable technology. Although we do use Wifi for any Wireless security cameras for video monitoring purposes & Smart doorbells to grant automated access.

The devices that monitor the various aspects of your residence are hooked up to a central control panel, which essentially acts as the ‘brain’. It controls a range of tools to maximize convenience, energy savings and security 24/7. Our company makes it easy for you to monitor what’s happening at home while you’re away. With a single app, you can click through an intuitive and easy-to-use interface to gain peace of mind knowing your residence is protected.

What is Z-Wave?

Although many Canadians may not have heard of Z-Wave, the technology has actually been around since 2001. Invented by a Danish company called Zensys, it was designed to be a simpler and less expensive alternative to Zigbee. Both Z-Wave and Zigbee are wireless protocols that focus primarily on home automation.

Z-Wave operates on what’s known as a ‘mesh network’. All Z-Wave-enabled devices connect to each other using low-energy radio waves, essentially creating a mesh. Unlike wifi, where devices have to connect to a router — Z-Wave devices talk to each other directly without the need for a middleman. That being said, there is often a central hub (usually the security system keypad) that does connect to the internet by using a built in sim card instead of using your Wifi network. But the actual devices themselves are not embedded with wifi. They simply use Z-Wave capabilities to talk to the central hub.

In this scenario, the more devices — the stronger the network. Let’s say there are 10 Z-Wave-enabled devices in your home. There are more possible routes for the data to travel than if there were only 2. Many people prefer to use Z-Wave technology for their home security systems because they consume less energy than traditional wifi and can be more secure.

Z-Wave & Home Security

CSP works with ADT to offer wireless monitoring. Our security services are compatible with Z-Wave-enabled devices, simplifying the installation and hookup process. Compatible devices will not only control smart locks and garage doors — but also adjust your home’s thermostat, turn lights on and off, and even control certain appliances.

Z-Wave technology will unify all your electronic components into one seamless network. CSP offers a wide range of user-friendly apps so you can control all your household devices from a remote location. Here are just some of the smart devices that can be activated with Z-Wave protocols:

• Smart Thermostats
• Access control systems for doors, garages and other entry points
• Smart Light Bulbs & Light Switches

Whether you decide to invest in wifi or Z-Wave, one thing is for sure: A smart home security system is essential to protect your biggest asset. With today’s advances in the technology sector, we can only assume home automation platforms will become even more intelligent over time. Choose a company like CSP to help you navigate the latest security innovations that will keep your family safe.

For more information on home automation, call Canadian Security Professionals at 1-877-494-9911 or contact us here.