Z-Wave products utilize mesh networking to create cost effective, scalable, modular and robust wireless installations without a central RF hub. Z-Wave devices use common protocol that enables each RF device in the system to talk to any other RF capable device. Z-Wave products leverage this RF communication by using a type of RF network typography called a mesh network. A mesh RF network is a “peer to peer” technique to route information and instructions between devices without the need for a central RF hub to act as a “gate keeper” device to manage the network.
In a Z-Wave mesh network, each device is a smart device capable of handling and routing the control commands entered by a user. Mesh networking distributes signals efficiently by hopping them from one device to another, finding the best route through the mesh to get to the final destination. Z-Wave’s smart hopping of connections provides for efficient alternate paths around physical or invisible interference that can block or impair traditional RF communications.
