IoT Protocols : Z-Wave and Thread

Abstract

Today there are a multitude of IoT protocols available in the marketplace. Two protocols from different time periods are selected to be compared. The two protocols selected are: Z-Wave which is one of the oldest and the most commercially successful protocol, and Thread which is the latest protocol released for commercialization. This paper discusses both the protocols PAN, PHY, MAC, Routing, encryption, etc. Z-Wave is based on propriety standards, most of which is not publicly available, although some have been reverse engineered by researchers. Thread on other hand is based completely on open standards. All Z-Wave modules are made by a single company, while Thread modules are expected to be available from multiple vendors. Z-Wave has a large installed base and has proven to be a commercial success. Thread is new and has a open protocol, but Thread based devices are not yet readily available in the market for users.