Zigbee Devices: Build Your Australian Smart Homes

I am sure you are not untouched by the recent craze of Smart Homes, the kinds Tony Stark has in the Avengers movie. Although we have not reached that level yet, we can set up our very own Zigbee Devices in your Australian smart home. But to set one up we need to know what is a Zigbee device.

What Is Zigbee?

Zigbee wireless communication technology is commonly used in the Internet of Things (IoT) and smart home devices. It is a complete system with its own application layer and network layer, based on the IEEE 802.15.4 specification for low-power and low-data-rate wireless personal area networks.

Zigbee devices can communicate with each other over a mesh network, which means that each powered device acts as a relay for other devices, extending the range and reliability of the network. Although not all devices need direct power from the outlet, the ones that do act as nodes to increase the range of the network.

These are suitable for low-powered devices that do not require a lot of bandwidth, such as sensors, switches, thermostats, and smart plugs.

They can run on batteries for years, making them ideal for wireless applications. They are also compatible with devices from different manufacturers, as long as they follow the same profile or standard. Such devices can interoperate with other IoT platforms, such as Amazon’s Echo, Apple’s HomeKit, and Samsung’s SmartThings.

Zigbee devices create a smart home system to automate various tasks, monitor the environment, and control the appliances. Some examples of such devices and their applications are:

Smart lighting with Zigbee

Zigbee smart bulbs can change their color, brightness, and temperature according to the time of day, mood, or activity. You can control them remotely, schedule them, or synced with music or movies. Zigbee smart switches can turn on or off any connected light or device. You can program them to trigger other actions, such as adjusting the thermostat or locking the door.

Smart security with Zigbee

Zigbee smart locks can allow you to lock or unlock your door remotely. This way you can grant access to guests, or notify you of any activity. Zigbee smart doorbells can let you see and talk to visitors. They can also work with other devices, such as cameras, sensors, or alarms, to enhance your home security.

Below is a well-rated Zigbee-compatible lock that can rest on your existing deadbolt lock and convert it to a smart lock.

Smart climate with Zigbee

Zigbee smart thermostats can learn your preferences and habits, and adjust the temperature accordingly. They can also save energy by detecting your presence and adjusting the temperature when you are away or asleep. Zigbee smart sensors can measure the temperature, humidity, air quality, motion, or sound in your home, and send alerts or trigger actions based on the data.

Such alerts can trigger automation.

Check out the below device that measures temperature and humidity. These readings can trigger automation in your smart home.

Smart appliances with Zigbee

Zigbee smart plugs can turn any appliance into a smart device. This allows you to control it remotely, schedule it, or monitor its energy consumption. Zigbee smart outlets can also measure the power usage of the connected devices. They can provide insights and suggestions to save energy. Zigbee smart appliances, such as coffee makers, slow cookers, or electric smokers, respond to voice commands, smartphone apps, or smart speakers.

Below Zigbee smart plugs are ideal for controlling your devices locally via a Zigbee-powered smart home.

Zigbee Smart Home

Zigbee devices can make your home smarter by providing convenience, efficiency, and security. They can also work together to create a seamless and personalized experience. They are also a more sustainable and eco-friendly lifestyle.

My smart home is full of such devices, they act as sensors that trigger the automation I set up. I have a bunch of normal lights connected to a ZigBee smart plug, this increases the range of my network too. This comes out cheaper than a wifi network since you do not need expensive mesh routers to increase your wifi range.

To get started with Zigbee devices, you will need a Zigbee hub or gateway. A gateway connects your Zigbee devices to the internet. This allows you to control them via an app or a voice assistant. You can also use a smart speaker, such as Amazon Echo as a Zigbee hub. Once you have a Zigbee hub, you can add as many Zigbee devices as you want.

So go ahead and build the smart home of your dreams on a budget of your liking. If you need my help to set one up just drop in a comment here. I would be more than happy to help you in this journey.

Disclaimer: This blog has multiple affiliate links which on purchase could earn me a small commission with not cost to you.