Insteon versus X10 versus Z-Wave
The three major home automation technologies that are in the top of the ranks are Insteon, X10 and Z-Wave. The difference between them is worth pondering over when it comes to the decision which Home Automation System to use.
The X10 technology
It is the oldest system and is the pioneer when it comes to home automation. Originally started with Sears to automate their facilities, now the major player in home applications. The X10 technology is based on existing electrical wires and doesn’t interfere with other radio frequency system in a house. It is the most widespread and mature system, but its reliability is not always the best.
The Z-Wave technology
The company Zensys, in the need for speed and range, developed the Z-Wave RF radiation technology. It has proven a worth while technology that is faster than the X10 technology. Its is a very new technology and the amount of modules is still limited.
The Insteon technology
The Insteon system takes advantage of both the power line controller (PLC) and RF radiation method in controlling all the equipments in the home. The system is backwards compatible with the X10 technology, meaning that Insteon and X10 modules can coexist on the same power line network and Insteon modules can be setup to respond and transmit X10 as well as Insteon commands. Still developing, but this system might be the future.