Z-wave enables power outlets, lights, thermostats, garage door access, security alarms, and other home control networks to go wireless. By focusing on narrow bandwidth applications and substituting costly hardware with innovative software solutions, Z-wave delivers high quality networking at a fraction of the cost of other technologies.

One of the key features of Z-wave technology is the routing capability of all the modules in the network. Signals are automatically routed from one module to the next, thereby making the range virtually unlimited. For example: The homeowner can activate the alarm, turn off the lights, and lower the thermostat from the garage with the touch of one button as they are leaving the house. Z-wave automatically routes from one device to the next until everything in the house is off and the alarm is set.

"Noise and distortion" problems caused by architectural obstacles and "radio dead spots" are also minimized using innovative transmission techniques such as 2-way acknowledgement and alternative route seeking. For example: From the master bedroom, the homeowner tries to turn off the light in the garage. The direct transmission to the garage light is blocked by reflections from the stainless steel refrigerator in the kitchen. Z-wave automatically selects an alternative route through other modules in the house, thereby insuring the command is carried out and a confirmation is sent back.

Z-wave provides vastly improved coverage and reliability with virtually unlimited range, making it easy to develop low cost, high quality wirelessly networked devices for residential and light commercial control.