Hardware: Z-WAVE DONGLE

EQUIPMENT: HUB Z-WAVE

One of the protocols that is used in my ecosystem is z-wave. After several years of experience, I can confirm that it is very stable and capable. Creating a mesh network is especially useful - it means that each device connected to the z-wave network is a transmitter and a receiver for others. This allows for a significant increase in the range of communication.

This protocol is also used by other systems that I have in my home Smart-Home - an example is Fibaro. However, I decided to use an additional hub: despite the possibility of connecting virtually any devices to the Fibaro control panel, I noticed that not all functionalities are supported (or their activation requires a lot of work).

After a short research, I decided to go with the Aeotec Gen5 + hub.

The choice was justified by nice functionalities: own battery power supply and S2 security support (more on this in a separate post). The price is quite decent - now you can buy less than PLN 45€.

I have been using it for about 2 years and it has never caused any problems.

The device landed in the USB hub I wrote about in the previous post.

The configuration and integration will be described once we have the system up and running.

LINKS AND EXTERNAL RESOURCES

• Aeotec Gen5 +
• Z-wave protocol

A bit about the project.

On this blog you will find a description of my struggles with the smart-home system. It will be completely subjective, based on my personal experiences and conclusions.

I have been working with smart home for several years and I decided to help people like me who are at the beginning of their adventure with such systems. 

More and more manufacturers are placing "agitated" devices on the market. Not all of them are polished, not all are suitable for real use. And here you will find information on what and how to use.

The current state is already a working Home Assistant, but it is preparing to move to a new home, where I will do everything from scratch, using the experience from previous years. 

After several years of working with Home Assistant (and smart-systems), I know _ a little_ which are suitable for use, what errors to avoid and what is a good solution. 

Below are a few graphics so that you know what solutions I use (but these are not all - I try to constantly expand the system).

Home Assistant as an aggregator and control center. Also as a point of contact with Google Assistant and Alexa.

Lights, bulbs and switches

Communication protocol for devices - used by eg Fibaro

Communication protocol for devices. Used e.g. by Philips Hue but also by Aquara and IKEA.

Voice assistant. Unfortunately, he doesn't speak Polish at all. 

Asus is the manufacturer of the Wifi routers I use. It integrates well with the Home Assistant but also provides a very stable Wifi network - both in the 2.4MHz, 5MHz band and in the new 6MHz standard

Printer and scanner in one. In Home Assist, for example, I can see the level of toner consumption.

USB Dongle and Drivers for LED strips running on Zigbee

The entire ecosystem based on z-Wave

Cameras

Voice assistant. He can speak Polish (but only on tablets / phones). Dedicated devices do not work in our language yet

Great multi-room audio system. He talks to the Home Assistant.

Cameras with recognition of people / animals and vehicles.

Xiaomi is what everyone can see. Provides lights (yeelight) and the Aqara system