Tech Tips
Radio Frequency Terminology
Primary Controller:
This is a device that contains a description of the Z-Wave network and is used for:
- Inclusion -adding new devices to the network
- Exclusion- removing devices from the network
- Association - creating links between two or more devices so they can exchange information or commands
- Replication - receiving and transferring network information from or to other controllers.
- Other functions depending upon model of controller.
Secondary Controller:
A controller that has the functionality of a primary controller but with one limitation; it cannot include or exclude nodes from the Z-Wave system.
Portable Controller:
A controller that is portable, can discover it’s own position in the network, and that easily allows nodes to be included into the network if it is the primary controller or there is a SIS (see below) in the system.
Static Update Controller (SUC):
A controller that must never be moved in normal operation which can be used by other nodes to receive information about network changes.
Static Update Controller ID Server (SIS):
If part of a Z-Wave system, a SIS is the primary controller. A SIS is a static update controller that can also allow other controllers in the system to add and remove nodes on it’s behalf. These “other” controllers are “inclusion” controllers. In order for a controller to become an inclusion controller it must be built with library version 1.53 or later. If a controller is not built on library 1.53 or later, the SIS will allow it to become a secondary controller.
Routing Slave:
A device that can transmit information or commands to other Z-Wave enabled devices without being requested to do so.
Slave:
A device that can transmit information to other Z-Wave enabled devices only when requested to do so.
Z-Wave 120v and 230v Installation and Specification Matrix:
This is a device that contains a description of the Z-Wave network and is used for:
- Inclusion -adding new devices to the network
- Exclusion- removing devices from the network
- Association - creating links between two or more devices so they can exchange information or commands
- Replication - receiving and transferring network information from or to other controllers.
- Other functions depending upon model of controller.
Secondary Controller:
A controller that has the functionality of a primary controller but with one limitation; it cannot include or exclude nodes from the Z-Wave system.
Portable Controller:
A controller that is portable, can discover it’s own position in the network, and that easily allows nodes to be included into the network if it is the primary controller or there is a SIS (see below) in the system.
Static Update Controller (SUC):
A controller that must never be moved in normal operation which can be used by other nodes to receive information about network changes.
Static Update Controller ID Server (SIS):
If part of a Z-Wave system, a SIS is the primary controller. A SIS is a static update controller that can also allow other controllers in the system to add and remove nodes on it’s behalf. These “other” controllers are “inclusion” controllers. In order for a controller to become an inclusion controller it must be built with library version 1.53 or later. If a controller is not built on library 1.53 or later, the SIS will allow it to become a secondary controller.
Routing Slave:
A device that can transmit information or commands to other Z-Wave enabled devices without being requested to do so.
Slave:
A device that can transmit information to other Z-Wave enabled devices only when requested to do so.
Z-Wave 120v and 230v Installation and Specification Matrix:
