3.1 Network Topology

Z-Wave uses a mesh network topology, which means that each device is capable of communicating with devices within direct range. A node can receive and send messages and can also relay messages for its neighbors. Network components can be divided into two subgroups:

• Normal nodes – In the Receive mode all the time, referred to as Always Listening (AL)
• Low-power nodes – Spends majority of the operating life in power-down and wake-up at regular short intervals to minimize power consumption, referred to as Frequently Listening (FL)