1. More confidence that a smart device won’t lose connectivity in far corners of your house 

Zigbee devices can transmit data over long distances by passing data through a mesh network of intermediate devices to reach more distant devices. [1]

On the other hand, Wi-Fi works on a Star topology network where each individual device is directly connected to a central router. This manner of attachment can be visually represented in a form similar to a star. [2]

2. Your internet speed does not get affected when you use a Zigbee smart home system

Both operate in a 2.4GHz bandwidth. However, the ZigBee Alliance understood that it’s a busy channel, so they took steps to ensure that their products would work without causing or being affected by interference. ZigBee products can detect collisions and will retry transmissions multiple times. Third-party testers found that ZigBee networks have little-to-no impact on Wi-Fi since their packets are tiny and brief.

On the other hand, Wi-Fi smart devices are connected directly to your router access point.

You might have experienced your internet speed slowing down when the multiple smartphones, laptops, and smart TVs connected to your Wi-Fi router are in use at the same time. I guess you can figure out what happens when the network has added 10-15 Wi-Fi smart home appliances.

3. Better security with Zigbee products

A type of encryption called WPA2 secures most Wi-Fi networks. At this time, the main vulnerability of a WPA2 system is when an attacker gets their hands on your SSID (the unique ID of your secured wireless network) and Wi-Fi password. These can be used to perform attacks on your other connected devices.

So here comes the major problem… When you connect Wi-Fi smart home devices to your network, you effectively surrender your SSID and password to multiple vendors. Where do they store this information? How well do they store it? That is a big question mark. Is that a risk you are willing to take?

On the other hand, the Zigbee protocol has an additional layer of robust encryption. This further strengthens the communication between the Smart Hub and Zigbee smart devices. When you are connecting a new Zigbee device to the smart hub, you do not need to give away your Wi-Fi SSID and password.

The Zigbee Alliance and its members take security very seriously. Standards and protocols are developed to strike the right balance between ease of use and secure interaction of devices to offer smart functionality with essential security measures in place.  Many of the most successful companies in the world created and implemented Zigbee technology, all of which have access to the latest security schemes. Members of Zigbee Alliance technical working groups actively review their security framework and industry best practices.[3]

4. Zigbee smart devices still work even when the internet is down!

Your Zigbee smart devices will still work even if your internet is down. This is possible because their communication is independent of Wi-Fi.

Hence quick control buttons such as “I am leaving home – to turn off all electronic devices” or automation rules such as “When motion detected in the walk-in wardrobe, lights turn on” will still work!

In contrast, for Wi-Fi smart devices, if your internet is down, all your Wi-Fi smart devices will no longer be able to perform its “Smart” functions.

Come down to our Smart Experience Centre at 73 Ubi Road 1, Lobby 5, #07-54 Oxley Bizhub, Singapore 408733, for a free consultation, including a floorplan review. We’re open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Sunday. Can't make it in person? No problem! We also offer video call consultations, so you can start your transformation journey from the comfort of your home.

You can also contact us today at 8129 4164 to get started on your transformation journey! If you're an HDB or new BTO homeowner, check out our HDB Smart Home Bundles or explore answers to Common Smart Home Questions to get started.

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[1] Carroll, B. (2018, August 10). Zigbee Leads the Wireless Mesh Sensor Network Market. Retrieved from https://www.the-ambient.com/guides/zigbee-devices-complete-guide-277

[2] Skøien, K. R. (2018, December 27). Wireless Network Topologies. Retrieved from https://blog.nordicsemi.com/getconnected/wireless-network-topologies

[3] Carroll, B. (2016, November 8). Zigbee Alliance Statement on Security. Retrieved from https://csa-iot.org/