Green technologies to create a smart home, such as the ZigBee wireless sensor system, have little impact if unattainable by the general public. This is evident in the arrival of the recent “Polar Vortex,” currently shocking the East Coast. Ongoing frigid temperatures are significantly driving up fuel prices, and many residences lacking an effective means to monitor and control their heating system are experiencing budget concerns. The good news is now the average middle-class family can afford a wireless monitoring system, which over time can provide a significant year round energy cost-savings. Ravica is now proud to offer a complete line of wireless solutions for your smart home or building automation project.
What is a ZigBee Wireless Sensor?
Founded in 2002 ZigBee is a technology standard allowing manufacturers to implement a wide variety of solutions that help customers create their own Internet of Things (IOT) and Machine To Machine (M2M) Wireless Networks that facilitate and improve their everyday functions. Examples of M2M Wireless include the more recent refrigerators, ovens and other appliances, which can be monitored and controlled from a client (mobile device or computer system). ZigBee emphasizes the “green” and “smart” benefits of developing and utilizing wireless technologies through the IEEE 802.15.4 standard. It is by this standard the ZigBee wireless sensor is developed.
Specifically what are the uses for this wireless monitoring system?
A wireless monitoring system is useful for smart home and automated buildings (commercial) applications. In fact, there is ongoing exploration and discovery of how this green technology can be used.
At present the more common uses involve:
- Access Control and Surveillance (Door Access & CCTVs)
- Ambient Control (Temperature …)
- Energy Metering
- 230V Mains Analysis.
- Alarms (Smoke, Water, Temperature …)
How is ZigBee technology different than WiFi?
At their very core the difference is in a channel. Both ZigBee technology (IEEE 802.15.4) and WiFi (IEEE 802.11b) utilize the 2.4GHz network or channel, while functioning independently on different selections of that channel.
If you currently use wifi in your home there is a good chance you already have some experience with interconnectivity, such as with a wifi-enabled printer or even your refrigerator. However, that experience has significant limitations in signal range and utility. Wifi functions on a single router, and once you’ve extended beyond its signal range the connection is lost.
Enter ZigBee technology. With the ZigBee wireless sensor you can now push your effective signal range up to 2-3 kilometers (budget permitting). How is this possible? Unlike wifi, which is limited to a single router, ZigBee-enabled devices self-assemble into robust wireless mesh networks. In a mesh network each device, the coordinator, routers and end devices, receive and extend the signal in all directions. The farther out you place each device the farther the signal is extended – all with minimal battery drain that lasts up to two years.
As an affordable alternative to standard or non methods of monitor and control, the ZigBee wireless sensor will save you and/or your company money, protect assets and simplify everyday life. And our wireless monitoring system capabilities include a wide variety of sensors from energy meters, outdoor sensors, a handheld sensor and more. The Ravica website will be updated to include all the new products very soon, but, in the meantime, if you have any questions feel free to contact us.