Providing market intelligence for more than 35 years

In The News

ZigBee, Z-Wave, Thread and WeMo: What's the Difference?

However, most of these networks also need a "primary" device that serves as a network controller. If the primary device drops out of service, another device can often take over. Interfaces with smartphones or tablets can be handled by hubs, commercially available devices that are often compatible with two or more of these standards, as well as with Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.

"You have to have a hub to connect with the home network" for most of these protocols, said Tom Kerber, director of research, home controls and energy for Dallas-based market-research firm Parks Associates. "Hubs used to be $200, but now they come on USB sticks, cost $10 and plug into the back of the router."

Fortunately, many widely sold hubs can communicate with devices using two or more of these standards, allowing customers to mix 'n' match to some extent. But let's look at the differences among them.

From the article "ZigBee, Z-Wave, Thread and WeMo: What's the Difference?" by Kevin Parrish.

Previously In The News

Roku, Amazon Lead Streaming Media Player Market

New research from Parks Associates finds that Roku is the most popular brand of streaming media players, making up 43% of streaming products among homes that use those devices. While Roku devices r...

The hidden cost of smart home technology

42% of American households with internet now own at least one smart home device, according to the market research firm Parks Associates. From the article, "The hidden cost of smart home technology"...

Securing Tomorrow’s Homes

Recent insights from the Electronic Security Association (ESA) and Parks Associates reveal a surge in popularity for connected cameras and video doorbells, aligning with heightened post-pandemic conce...

Research: 47% of US familiar with AI tech

Parks Associates research in partnership with Adeia reveals 47 per cent of US internet households report familiarity with at least one AI technology, such as tools like ChatGPT or AI-powered image edi...