ZigBee

ZigBee allows you to connect similar products via one central unit and manage them interactively from your computer, smartphone or tablet. Another brilliant advantage is the drastic reduction in the costs of automating an entire household, as well as the possibility of further expansion.

Main Benefits

• Reliable and secure wireless communication
• Synergy between equipment from different brands (compatibility must be enabled by producers for specific products)
• Simple installation
• Minimal consumption of electricity
• Controlled remotely via the Internet or locally from home
• A wide range of available devices
• Low cost and easy to expand
• Requires only a controller and sensors

Which devices can you use?

The ZigBee protocol makes use of thermostats, sensors (temperature, air, light intensity, CO2), motion sensors, alarm systems, lighting, air conditioning, electricity meters, IP cameras, door locks, sockets, audio/video remote controls, and modules for the control of blinds, roller shutters and garage doors.

Philips Hue – an intelligent lighting system

Philips Hue is a special closed intelligent lighting system that does't support third-party products and uses the ZigBee protocol. Connected lights can be easily controlled with a smartphone or tablet several kilometers from home.

The geolocation feature, which uses the GPS of your mobile phone, can turn smart lights on and off if you are within a certain distance home. For example, you can control your home entrance lights up to 50 metres away. Philips Hue also works with the Apple HomeKit, which gives you access to voice control.

IFTTT

When the ZigBee system is coupled with IFTTT, it can respond to specific triggers such as phone notifications or changes in the weather. If it is connected to a variety of sensors, it can also follow specific programmes with designated on/off times and settings.

How does a wireless connection work?

In Europe, ZigBee uses the 868 MHz frequency for wireless transmission. This means it is resistant to interference from WiFi running on the 2.4 and 5 GHz frequencies. The typical range of the control unit is up to 100 metres outside and up to 50 metres inside. However, because a mesh topology is often used, each device can transmit signals between themselves, thus increasing the range. The more devices you have; the higher the range.

Furthermore, in terms of health, ZigBee products emit radiation levels 4000 times lower than mobile telephones.

It's simple!

With ZigBee, you can control your entire smart home system from your mobile device, even when you're on the go. With the help of sensors, you can easily check whether something unforeseen has happened, and you are warned automatically about any such events.

The ZigBee system tracks your location and can automatically switch on lights, turn on the heating, control the blinds and more when you reach a certain distance from home. When you leave the house, the alarm system is activated, the temperature is turned down, and so on. This saves time and money and provides peace of mind.