Protocols, ecosystems, and automation - it all becomes a real chaos when it comes to smart homes. However, let’s try to explain this complex technical topic clearly and understandably, so you can set up and optimize your home without straining your nervous system.
Introduction
A protocol is the "language" of communication between smart devices. An ecosystem is a network of smart devices that can collaborate and be used for automation. Notably, these can operate on different protocols. Examples include Apple HomeKit, Google Home, and Amazon Alexa.
Protocols and Their Characteristics
There are many different communication protocols, but today we’ll highlight the most popular ones: Zigbee, Matter, Thread, Z-Wave, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi. But why so many, when we could use just one? Let's find out.
The Most Common - Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi is straightforward – it’s in every home. This protocol is supported by almost all modern devices. Connecting takes a few seconds, and the main advantage is data transmission speed. Wi-Fi is universal and convenient. Bulbs, sockets, LED strips – everything works with Wi-Fi.
But there are also downsides.
Wi-Fi consumes a lot of power, so devices need a constant power source. Additionally, each Wi-Fi device emits its own signal, which can interfere with other devices. The more devices, the more interference, reducing connection stability and quality. Another significant issue is that control occurs via the internet. If the internet connection is lost, the smart home stops working.
Wouldn’t it be better to leave Wi-Fi for the computer, TV, and speaker?
Simple and reliable - Bluetooth. Low energy consumption, making it great for small devices like sensors and switches. This allows these devices to operate for a long time on a single battery. Moreover, Bluetooth connections are simple and quick.
Bluetooth also has its drawbacks. Its connection range is limited compared to Wi-Fi and Zigbee. Additionally, Bluetooth connections can be unstable if there are many devices in one room.
Popular Protocols Zigbee and Z-Wave
Zigbee is a protocol that solved Wi-Fi’s problem (power consumption) and allowed the smart home system to expand with autonomous sensors. Sensors can operate on a single battery for several years, allowing them to be placed anywhere in the house without needing a power source. But there are also problems: an additional device (smart home hub) is required to collect information from the sensors and transmit it further. Zigbee reduced the number of Wi-Fi devices, thus easing the network. In modern apartment buildings, this is a big plus!
Z-Wave is essentially the same protocol, but it operates at lower frequencies than Zigbee, where there is no interference. However, there’s one "but". Z-Wave is a closed standard, so there aren't as many devices supporting it as one might like.
The Thread protocol developed by Google is very similar. It combined the advantages of Zigbee and Wi-Fi but did not gain popularity.
Matter - The Solution to All Problems
Isn't it time to create a universal standard? That’s what Google, Apple, Samsung, and the Zigbee developers thought. By joining forces, they created the universal Matter protocol. It combines the advantages of Zigbee, Thread, Bluetooth, and HomeKit concepts.
The principle of Matter protocol is as follows: Bluetooth is used to add a new device, and then it connects to the Wi-Fi or Thread network. Devices requiring high data transmission speed use Wi-Fi, while bulbs operate with Thread, all in one network. But you can't do without hubs (HomePod mini, Nest Audio, Echo 4), which support both Thread and Matter and integrate them into one ecosystem. Simply put, these are devices that translate everything into Matter language.
However, not everything is perfect here either. As the Matter protocol is quite new, it currently only works with bulbs, sockets, and TVs, as well as some other controllers, but not with smart vacuums. Nevertheless, the system is constantly being updated, and soon all devices will adapt to Matter.
In summary, there are three things to note about the new protocol:
1. Devices labeled with Matter are compatible with each other and connect to the smart home system according to a unified algorithm.
2. These devices do not require a constant internet connection.
3. Your devices cannot be accessed without a special QR code, ensuring the protocol's security.
The conclusion is simple:
Using just one protocol in a smart home is difficult because different sensors may not connect or support all protocols. Even when choosing smart sockets, you need to find out if it works with your speaker's protocol. This all requires extensive and complex research. But, by purchasing devices with Matter support, even from different manufacturers, you can rest assured – everything will work uniformly and coherently.
