INSTEON or Z-Wave | Vesternet 20/06/16, 16:28

INSTEON or Z-Wave

Dual Mesh Network

INSTEON’s dual-mesh technology uses wireless and powerline to transmit messages,

ensuring multiple pathways for messages to travel. Each message is also simulcast
(repeated) by all mains-powered network devices - the network becomes more robust
as more devices are added.

Easy Installation

INSTEON devices communicate across the existing mains wiring and through the
wireless network, so there is no extra wiring needed. Devices don’t need to be
‘enrolled’ into the network, each device has a unique ID number and automatically join
the network as soon as they’re powered up.

Instantly Responsive

INSTEON devices respond to commands with no perceptible delay, the wireless

network has a maximum data rate of 38Kbps with messages typically getting to their
destination in less than 0.05 seconds.

Peer to Peer Routing

All INSTEON devices are peers, this means that any device can act as a controller
(sending messages), responder (receiving messages) or repeater (relaying messages).
This makes routing of signals around the network very simple. Note: only mains-
powered devices act as repeaters, battery operated devices do not act as repeaters to
save battery-life.

Secure

INSTEON devices each have a unique ID code and therefore are secure from external
control or eavesdropping. The system also allows messages to be encrypted using a
standard such as AES–256 ensuring your network has the maximum security.

Mesh Network

Z-Wave’s mesh network uses wireless only, it ’understands’ the current status of all
devices on the network and can adapt itself to ensure signals are routed in the best
possible way to avoid any ‘dead-spots’.

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INSTEON or Z-Wave | Vesternet 20/06/16, 16:28

Straightforward Installation

Devices are easily installed into existing mains wiring. However, unlike INSTEON, each
device needs to be ‘included’ into the Z-Wave network, this is done by pressing a
button on the device which enables the Z-Wave network controller to add the device
to the network.

Speed

On paper Z-Wave has a slower data rate of 9.6Kbps, but in reality this lower speed
makes no perceptible difference to devices being activated.

Routing

Z-Wave devices are defined as slaves, routing slaves and controllers, only routing
slaves and controllers are allowed to repeat messages. Z-Wave requires devices to
understand the network set-up so that they can route messages correctly, this is done
using defined ‘Routing Tables’. Routing of messages through a Z-Wave network can
become complex and requires careful consideration, especially for larger networks.
Note: only mains-powered devices act as repeaters, battery operated devices do not
act as repeaters to save battery-life.

Secure

Each Z-Wave device has a unique network ID and and each network has a unique
identification, Z-Wave has the same security capabilities as INSTEON.

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