This post is specifically targeted at the DIY market. Since neither Google nor the local Cacoontech search function have been able to come up with a good comparison between Insteon, UPB, Zigbee, Zwave that is not several years old I decided to start a new topic: Hopefully when people Google Home automation comparison or Insteon vs Zwave vs UPB vs Zigbee this post will show up. These seem to be the four most commonly discussed modern DIY Home Automation protocols. If there is anything you think I should add please let me know! (I am new to “home automation” so I am looking to fellow forum members to help guide this discussion).
This comparison will consist of the following:
1. Very Brief Overview of Each Technology’s Core Componenets
2. Popularity (Does anyone know where to find sales figures?)
1. Technology Overview of Each Standard:
These descriptions have been copied from Wikipedia:
Insteon - Insteon is designed to enable simple devices - such as light switches - to be networked together using the powerline, radio frequency (RF), or both. All Insteon devices are peers, meaning each device can transmit, receive, and repeat any message of the Insteon protocol, without requiring a master controller or routing software
Universal Powerline Bus - UPB was developed by PCS Powerline Systems of Northridge, California and released in 1999. Based on the concept of the ubiquitous X10standard, UPB has an improved transmission rate and higher reliability.
Zigbee - This does not seem to be a real DIY standard as the most popular vendor (Control 4 offers a proprietary solution). I have included it because it seems to be a popular topic when searching for Home Automation Solutions. ZigBee is a specification for a suite of high level communication protocols using small, low-power digital radios based on the IEEE 802.15.4-2003
Zwave – Z-Wave is a proprietary wireless communications protocol designed for home automation, specifically to remote control applications in residential and light commercial environments. The technology uses a low-power RF radio embedded or retrofitted into home electronics devices and systems, such as lighting, home access control, entertainment systems and household appliances.
2. Popularity:
I have thus far not been able to find any sales
This comparison will consist of the following:
1. Very Brief Overview of Each Technology’s Core Componenets
2. Popularity (Does anyone know where to find sales figures?)
1. Technology Overview of Each Standard:
These descriptions have been copied from Wikipedia:
Insteon - Insteon is designed to enable simple devices - such as light switches - to be networked together using the powerline, radio frequency (RF), or both. All Insteon devices are peers, meaning each device can transmit, receive, and repeat any message of the Insteon protocol, without requiring a master controller or routing software
Universal Powerline Bus - UPB was developed by PCS Powerline Systems of Northridge, California and released in 1999. Based on the concept of the ubiquitous X10standard, UPB has an improved transmission rate and higher reliability.
Zigbee - This does not seem to be a real DIY standard as the most popular vendor (Control 4 offers a proprietary solution). I have included it because it seems to be a popular topic when searching for Home Automation Solutions. ZigBee is a specification for a suite of high level communication protocols using small, low-power digital radios based on the IEEE 802.15.4-2003
Zwave – Z-Wave is a proprietary wireless communications protocol designed for home automation, specifically to remote control applications in residential and light commercial environments. The technology uses a low-power RF radio embedded or retrofitted into home electronics devices and systems, such as lighting, home access control, entertainment systems and household appliances.
2. Popularity:
I have thus far not been able to find any sales