As the world becomes increasingly digitized, the need for reliable and secure mesh networking protocols has never been greater. Below is a summary of the benefits, limitations, and usage of six common types of smart home protocols.
| Communication protocol | Benefits | Limitations | Usage |
| Wi-Fi | Widely supported, extensive coverage, perfect for data-intensive devices | May interfere with devices that operate on different frequencies, Wi-Fi devices consume more power | Suitable for video and music streaming devices, printers |
| Bluetooth Mesh | Using for battery-powered smart home devices, efficient data transmission, direct communication between devices | Limited coverage area and data transfer rates | Suitable for smart locks, sensors, light bulbs, smart speakers |
| Z-Wave | Self-healing network structure | Limited compatibility with third-party devices | Suitable for smart lighting, security systems, smart thermostats |
| Zigbee | Suitable for mesh networking, reliable communication | Limited range | Suitable forsmart lighting, thermostats, sensors |
| Thread | Ensures scalability, suitable for battery-powered devices | Limited device availability | Suitable forsmart plugs, sensors |
| Matter | Ensures compatibility between smart home protocols | Requires certification | Suitable forsensors, smart lighting, smart thermostats |
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi was invented and first released to consumers in 1997. This is a wireless technology based on the IEEE 802.15.4 standard. A local Wi-fi network (LAN) is used to provide internet access within a certain range. The most common type of network protocol in homes and in public spaces such as cafes, airports,…
One of the advantages of Wi-Fi smart home devices is that they can be easily integrated with other Wi-Fi devices or platforms, such as Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, or Apple HomeKit. You can also use Wi-Fi to install a smart switch that can turn any regular appliance into a smart one. A smart switch is a device that plugs into a wall outlet and connects to your Wi-Fi network. You can then plug any appliance into the smart switch and control it remotely using your smartphone or voice assistant. You can find a smart switch installation guide (cách lắp công tắc điện thông minh) online or follow the instructions that come with the device.
| Pros | Cons |
| Wide availabilityFast speedsEasy to useMore affordable than other protocols | Higher power consumptionSusceptible to interferenceSecurity vulnerabilitiesCan be complex to set up |
Wi-Fi was invented and first released to consumers in 1997
Bluetooth Mesh
Developed in the 1990s, bluetooth mesh is a computer mesh network standard based on Bluetooth Low Energy, a wireless personal area network technology designed to provide low-cost and low energy consumption connectivity for novel applications in the healthcare, entertainment, fitness, and security sectors.
| Pros | Cons |
| More reliableEasily expand operating rangeMore secure than other wireless networksQuick installation | Consumes More PowerLatency Problems |
Z-Wave
Z-wave is a popular wireless connection protocol developed in Denmark, using radio frequencies to connect devices. Z-Wave is a wireless protocol that operates in the 908.42MHz frequency band. This protocol is compatible with more than 1,500 smart home devices, regardless of brand, version or type, giving users many options when deciding to make their home smarter.
Devices using the Z-wave connection protocol such as remote & voice control switch are easy to set up and use, and can be controlled through the master hub, where all smart home devices connect.
Z-wave is a popular wireless connection protocol developed in Denmark, using radio frequencies to connect devices
| Pros | Cons |
| Simple installationLess energy consumptionZ-wave devices are interoperable with other wireless devices in the IoT space.Affordable priceSafe for users | The coverage is limitedOnly tree topology is supportedLimited number of nodesData transmission speed is still slow |
Zigbee
Zigbee network is the first mesh network technology launched in 1998 based on IEEE 802.15.4 technical standards. This is a global open standard for wireless technology designed to use low-power digital radio signals for personal area networks (PANs) developed by the Zigbee Alliance.
Zigbee is compatible with many smart home platforms and hubs, such as Amazon Echo, Samsung SmartThings, Philips Hue, and more. You can use these platforms and hubs to control your Zigbee devices using your smartphone, tablet, or voice assistant.
One of the examples of Zigbee smart home devices is a remote & voice control switch (công tắc điều khiển từ xa bằng giọng nói) that can turn on or off any appliance or light that is connected to it. You can then use a remote control, your smartphone, or your voice assistant to control the switch and the appliance or light that is plugged into it.
| Pros | Cons |
| Low power consumptionLong range (up to 200 meters outdoors)Reliable mesh networkingSecure communicationWide range of compatible devicesAffordable | Slower data transfer speeds than WiFiCan be susceptible to interference from other wireless devicesMay require a hub to connect to devices |
Thread
Thread technology operates in the 2.4 GHz band like Zigbee. It offers a secured mesh network for embedded, low power and low cost devices. Thread is designed to be more secure and reliable than Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. It is also used in several industrial settings such as street lighting, building automation and so on.
| Pros | Cons |
| The thread devices consume less powerAbility to expand device networkProvides secure connectionLow latencyAllow systems to self configure and fix any routing issues as they occur | Requires router to convert from 802.15.4 to an additional IP interfaceNot support high data ratesMaximum number of devices (~ 250) supported are less than Zigbee (~65560)Not support long range |
Matter
Promoted by the Connectivity Standard Alliance (CSA), Matter is an industry-unifying, open-source connectivity standard that promises to enable seamless communication among IoT devices across platforms, regardless of manufacturers.
This means you don’t have to check if products like smart bulbs are compatible with Amazon Alexa, Google Home, Samsung SmartThings, or Apple HomeKit — if the Matter label’s there, you’re good to go.
| Pros | Cons |
| Works with other smart home protocols.Secure communicationFlexible expansionEnergy-efficient | Not yet popular on many devicesSafety has not been provenCompetition from established protocols |
Promoted by the Connectivity Standard Alliance (CSA), Matter is an industry-unifying, open-source connectivity standard
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