Protocols
Matter, Thread, Zigbee, Z-Wave, Wi-Fi: protocols are the languages your devices use to talk to each other. Learn what each one does well, and which to build on, in plain English.
Start here
The five, in five minutes each
One plain-English explainer per protocol. Read the one on the box in front of you.
What is Zigbee?
Zigbee is the low-power wireless mesh behind Philips Hue, Aqara and most smart sensors. Here is how it works, why it needs a hub, and where it sits next to Matter.
What is Z-Wave?
Z-Wave is a low-power wireless mesh for smart locks and sensors, like Zigbee but on a quieter sub-GHz band. In Australia it runs at 921.42 MHz, so buy region-matched gear.
What is Matter in a smart home?
Matter is the universal standard that lets smart home devices from different brands work together on one network, controlled from whichever app you prefer.
What is Thread (and Matter over Thread)?
Thread is a low-power wireless mesh for smart home devices. It is the network Matter runs on, and it needs a border router, which is built into many hubs you may already own.
What is Wi-Fi?
Most smart home devices use Wi-Fi, but not all, and many keep working without the internet. Here is what needs Wi-Fi, what does not, and how to keep your network happy.
What is Bluetooth?
Bluetooth is the wireless in every phone, and in the smart home its main job is setup. Here is how BLE works, why it is the onboarding front door, and where it fits.
Head to head
The library
Everything protocols
Explainers, head-to-heads and the occasional news piece when a spec version actually changes something. Filter by the word on your box.
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Wi-Fi vs Zigbee
Wi-Fi suits cameras and plugs. Zigbee suits battery sensors, buttons and lots of lights. How they differ on power, device count, range and cost, and why most homes run both.
Does Google Home have Zigbee?
No Google or Nest device has ever spoken Zigbee, though several carry the radio chip Zigbee and Thread share. Here is where that confusion starts, and what to do if you already own Zigbee gear.
Which Zigbee dongle for Home Assistant?
Home Assistant needs a USB radio for Zigbee, Thread or Z-Wave. Which adapter to buy, why one dongle cannot run two protocols, and the USB 3.0 problem that quietly ruins your range.
What is Z-Wave?
Z-Wave is a low-power wireless mesh for smart locks and sensors, like Zigbee but on a quieter sub-GHz band. In Australia it runs at 921.42 MHz, so buy region-matched gear.
What is Wi-Fi?
Most smart home devices use Wi-Fi, but not all, and many keep working without the internet. Here is what needs Wi-Fi, what does not, and how to keep your network happy.
What is Zigbee?
Zigbee is the low-power wireless mesh behind Philips Hue, Aqara and most smart sensors. Here is how it works, why it needs a hub, and where it sits next to Matter.
What is Matter in a smart home?
Matter is the universal standard that lets smart home devices from different brands work together on one network, controlled from whichever app you prefer.
What is Thread (and Matter over Thread)?
Thread is a low-power wireless mesh for smart home devices. It is the network Matter runs on, and it needs a border router, which is built into many hubs you may already own.
What is Bluetooth?
Bluetooth is the wireless in every phone, and in the smart home its main job is setup. Here is how BLE works, why it is the onboarding front door, and where it fits.