Providing Market Intelligence for 40 Years

In The News

ZigBee, Z-Wave, Thread and WeMo: What's the Difference?

However, most of these networks also need a "primary" device that serves as a network controller. If the primary device drops out of service, another device can often take over. Interfaces with smartphones or tablets can be handled by hubs, commercially available devices that are often compatible with two or more of these standards, as well as with Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.

"You have to have a hub to connect with the home network" for most of these protocols, said Tom Kerber, director of research, home controls and energy for Dallas-based market-research firm Parks Associates. "Hubs used to be $200, but now they come on USB sticks, cost $10 and plug into the back of the router."

Fortunately, many widely sold hubs can communicate with devices using two or more of these standards, allowing customers to mix 'n' match to some extent. But let's look at the differences among them.

From the article "ZigBee, Z-Wave, Thread and WeMo: What's the Difference?" by Kevin Parrish.

Previously In The News

Can too much AI backfire? Study reveals why ‘AI-powered’ products are turning buyers away

A related survey by Parks Associates, also cited by The Wall Street Journal, found that 58% of the 4,000 American respondents said the presence of the term “AI” made no difference in their buying deci...

Why Smart Home Compatibility Still Sucks in 2025 — And How GearBrain Can Fix It

Parks Associates estimates over 60% of U.S. broadband households now own at least one smart home device. From the article, "Why Smart Home Compatibility Still Sucks in 2025 — And How GearBrain Can...

Broadcasters Need To Prepare For Shoppability. Here’s Why

According to Parks Associates, 52% of US consumers are “likely or very likely” to engage with commercial activities on CTV platforms — including ordering food from TV promos, clicking for product info...

Consumer IoT Products are Priced 44% Higher on Average Than Similar Non-Connected Products

Parks Associates recently surveyed more than 100 executives across the connected home and consumer IoT landscape to better understand their view of the market, changes in their business strategies, ke...

Phone:
972-490-1113
Mailing Address:
2301 West Plano Parkway, Suite 210, Plano, TX 75075
Expertise
Smart Home: Management and Safety Consumer Electronics Connected Health and Wellness Broadband Small-to-medium Business (SMB) Connected Health
Services
Research Services: Custom and Consulting Research Projects Streaming Video Tracker Security Tracker Smart Home Tracker
Events
CONNECTIONS™ CONNECTIONS™ Summit/CES Smart Energy Summit Connected Health Summit Future Of Video Smart Spaces Upcoming Industry Events
Resources
Press Releases Analyst Blog Parks in the News Connected Consumer Podcast 
About Us
Overview Team Contact Us
Store
View Your Cart

Follow Us to stay informed

© 2023-2025 Parks Associates. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy

Design & Developed By Agency Partner Interactive