3Designing with NevoStudio Pro

Z-Wave Overview Configuring Nevo Ecosystems
How NevoLink Connects to the Network
Like any other network-ready device, NevoLink has a MAC Address (see
the “Glossary” on page 213) to identify it as a unique node on the network.
Once you have connected NevoLink and plugged it into a power source, the
network should automatically see it.
Each NevoLink’s MAC Address is hard-coded and unique, which means it is
the same no matter what network the NevoLink is in. This allows you to
configure the NevoLink using any network and still have the commands
and devices you configured recognize the same NevoLink you set up once
you install the system on a different network.
The MAC Address is located on a label on the bottom of the NevoLink. Note
it down as you connect each NevoLink so that you can be sure to associate
the correct NevoLink with the appropriate devices.
Z-Wave Overview
Z-Wave is a 2-way RF protocol created by ZenSys and implemented by
various home control device manufacturing partners. Z-Wave can be used
with lighting, HVAC, and other home control devices.
Z-Wave is a mesh network, meaning that signals can be routed from the
sending device to the target device through multiple paths, depending upon
how many devices (or nodes) are in the network, and whether or not a
particular node is currently active. The Z-Wave network consists primarily
of portable controllers, static controllers, and slave nodes. Controllers have
the ability to initiate commands and to execute commands sent to them.
Slave nodes can only respond to commands they receive; they cannot
initiate commands.
Mesh network commands such as Z-Wave are routed through any node that
supports the particular data rates required. Newer hardware supports
higher data rates, though all devices are backwards compatible and can
route signals through older hardware. To prevent unnecessary power drain
on battery powered controllers, they are not used in communication hops
through the network.
A Z-Wave network is created via one controller defined as the Primary
Controller. This is the only controller that can add and remove nodes from
the network. All other portable controllers are considered Secondary
Controllers.
There is also a single Static Controller defined as Static Update Controller
(UC). The Static UC maintains a complete and current copy of the routing
table. In the event that the original Primary Controller is damaged, the
154 NevoStudio Pro Design Guide