Q: Can you explain new options available in wireless RF-based communications?

Catching Some Zs

We've definitely cut the cord when it comes to electronics in the home. Radio frequency (RF)-based communications has dramatically improved how we interact with certain household devices, allowing us to command them from portable touch panels and handheld remote controls. But as with any technology, there is always room for improvement. "Traditional RF communication is one-way," explains Jeff Singer, public relations manager at Crestron, a manufacturer of home control systems. 'So if you use an RF remote or keypad to turn on a light in a different room, the system is unable to tell you if the light actually turned on.' Another issue with traditional forms of RF signal transmission, according to Singer, is signal interference. With so many products-remotes, cordless phones, Wi-Fi computers and more-cluttering up the RF airwaves, it can be difficult for a control system to get its commands to a device in a timely fashion, which is critical for applications like lighting control. "Most people aren't going to put up with waiting even a couple of seconds after they press a button for a light to go on," says Singer.

These limitations are becoming problems of the past, thanks to new forms of communication technology that are being adopted by a number of home electronics manufacturers. Z-Wave, ZigBee and Insteon are three of the most promising wireless control technologies to date. Although each technology differs in its makeup, all employ a new type of networking infrastructure, called mesh networking, that strengthens the transmission and reception of wireless signals throughout a home. Products designed to work on a mesh network send their signals over multiple communications paths, unlike traditional RF products, which use a single communications path. The more products on a mesh network, the more communications paths are formed, which gives signals several travel options and ultimately enables commands to reach their destinations quickly and reliably. Look for mesh networking in all product categories: lighting systems, remote controls, thermostats and more-from a variety of manufacturers.