Z-Wave

The long-range, licensed mesh protocol on its own frequency. What it is, what the Australian band means for buying gear, and where it still wins.

3 articles All protocols

New to Z-Wave?

The plain-English version first, then the guides that build on it.

Explainer

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 919.8 and 921.4 MHz, so buy region-matched gear.

4 min read

Head to head

Comparison

Zigbee vs Z-Wave: which to buy in Australia

Zigbee for most Australian homes: cheaper, far more of it sold here, same radio worldwide. Z-Wave reaches further through walls, but Australia is its own band and the gear is thin.

6 min read

The library

Everything Z-Wave

Every Z-Wave guide, explainer and comparison in one list.

Comparison

Zigbee vs Z-Wave: which to buy in Australia

Zigbee for most Australian homes: cheaper, far more of it sold here, same radio worldwide. Z-Wave reaches further through walls, but Australia is its own band and the gear is thin.

6 min read Buying guide

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.

8 min read Explainer

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 919.8 and 921.4 MHz, so buy region-matched gear.

4 min read