Home control solutions are currently experiencing a real boom. The Z-Wave wireless standard has established itself internationally as the leading interoperable wireless mesh networking technology. Z-Wave technology is already integrated into over 350 Home Control devices from large international companies and medium-sized firms. Among other things, it enables control of lighting, heating, air-conditioning and security systems. Before Z-Wave products arrive in the shops, they are subjected to detailed functional testing. Pepper One GmbH has now opened the first certification centre for Z-Wave devices in Europe. In thorough testing procedures, Pepper One tests all devices with regard to their correct functioning and interoperability.
With interoperability being the hallmark of the Z-Wave home control technology a robust and stringent certification protocol has been in place for some years to ensure compliance. The strict certification of all Z-Wave products protects the investments of consumers and manufacturers alike. As the wireless standard is characterised in particular by compatibility between devices from a wide range of manufacturers, only this strict approach ensures that the products will still be able to communicate with each another well into the future. Users can rely on being able to combine devices that operate according to this wireless standard and, for their part, manufacturers can be sure that in developing a new device with Z-Wave, interaction with all other products based on this technology is guaranteed. Consumers can identify these certified products by the Z-Wave trademark on both the product and packaging.
In order to ensure their functional capability and interoperability, Pepper One deals with the development, improvement and certification of Z-Wave products. Its services include comprehensive test programmes, assistance in preparing products and documentation, development services upon customer request and also maintenance contracts and support.
The Z-Wave certification process
In order to receive a Z-Wave certification for a new product, the customer initially carries out a self-certification. The results of this test are then checked by Sigma Designs and, upon acceptance, passed on to Pepper One. This is where the actual certification process begins, with this taking between two and five days. The tests carried out by Pepper One include:
· Checking the documentation that accompanies the product in order to ensure overall comprehensibility and the
use of prescribed standard terms
· Protocol tests in order to check the underlying network functionality, including Inclusion, Exclusion and
Controller Replication
· Tests at the application level - verifying all the command classes implemented
· Distance tests in order to guarantee observance of all of the prescribed minimum distances for wireless
communication
Following the checks, any problems that occur and prevent certification are comprehensively documented. The so-called ad hoc period then begins in which the manufacturer has the opportunity to resolve any problems. Once this phase is concluded, Pepper begins a new trial until all conditions for a certification are fulfilled.
Alexander Hische, Managing Director of Pepper One GmbH, explains: “With the Z-Wave certification programme we are ensuring the reliable deployment of future-oriented home control products. Pepper One is characterised by the rapid and personalised support we offer our customers. Direct contact between manufacturers and our engineers makes it possible to react quickly to any problems that occur.”
Further information can be found at: www.z-wave.com and www.pepper-one.de.
About Z-Wave
Z-Wave® is the first technology to bring affordable, reliable and easy-to-use wireless control to every aspect of daily life – the home, consumer electronics, healthcare, and energy use, to name a few. Z-Wave is an award-winning, proven and interoperable* wireless mesh networking technology that allows a wide array of devices in and around the home to communicate including lighting, appliances, HVAC, entertainment centers, and security systems. Z-Wave brings many benefits to everyday life including remote home monitoring, home healthcare, safety and security, and energy conservation. Z-Wave certified products are currently available from leading consumer brands in nearly 350 products. Z-Wave is the recipient of the 2006 Wall Street Journal Technology Innovation Award in the wireless category, the CNET “Best of CES Award” in the enabling technologies category, along with PC World’s 2006 World Class Award, which recognizes the 100 best technologies and products of the year. For more information about Z-Wave please visit www.z-wave.com.
More Information:
Z-Wave Alliance
1778 McCarthy Blvd.
Milpitas, CA 95035
USA
Mary Miller
Marketing Director
mary_miller@sdesigns.com
PR Agency:
Sprengel & Partner GmbH
Nisterstrasse 3
56472 Nisterau
Germany
Fabian Sprengel
Tel.: +49 (26 61) 912 600
Fax: +49 (26 61) 912 6013
fs@sprengel-pr.com
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