Communication protocol
The Genius Hub system uses a Z-Wave wireless mesh network protocol to 'talk' to the devices that are placed around your property.
This is an open wireless system which is much better at penetrating the walls of UK homes than Wi-Fi and uses a lot less power. Being an 'open system' it will allow it to work with other technologies in the future when they are included into the Heat Genius list of compatible components.
A mesh network is one that is robust as it can use 'listening' devices (i.e. devices that are always powered on) to relay messages around the network. The listening devices essentially act as signal boosters.
The more listening devices that are present on the network, the 'stronger' and more resilient it becomes. If one listening device gets switched off, then an alternative nearby device can be used to relay messages instead.
Mains powered devices
All mains powered devices are always awake and act as listening devices. The system uses 'Smart Plugs' as listening devices to ensure good communications around larger properties. Genius Smart Plugs can also be controlled from the Genius Hub system on a timer schedule or overridden 'on-demand'.
Battery powered devices
The battery powered devices are 'asleep' most of the time, so they only communicate when they wake up and talk to the Genius Hub, they then immediately go back to sleep when the hub tells them to.
Wake up times for the battery powered devices are:
- Genius Radiator Valve - 7.5 minutes
- Genius Room Thermostat - 10 minutes
- Genius Room Sensor - 30 minutes