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

IoT Cybersecurity, ‘Cascading’ Failures, Worry Consumers Most About Connected Home

Data and privacy fears rank second among consumer smart home concerns. More than half of U.S. adults (58%) fear lack of privacy from device manufacturers who have access to data, real-time conversatio...

Parks Associates: 60% of New Security Systems Are Self-Installed

Data from Parks Associates’ recent DIY security research suggests a sharp rise in self-installed security systems in the last few years. From the article "Parks Associates: 60% of New Security Syst...

Survey Find Home Builders Embracing Whole-Home Networks as Standard Offering in MDUs

A recent survey from Parks Associates finds builders are starting to provide smart home-ready networking infrastructure in new developments as a standard offering. From the article, "Survey Find Ho...

5 Mistakes to Avoid When Selling Smart Locks

Smart locks contribute enhanced convenience as well as increased security, two of the principal driving factors in any smart device sales. In fact, a recent Parks Associates study found that 45% of sm...