FIBARO dictionary

Actor

Device responsible for performing actions like switching the light on/off, opening the blinds, etc.

Adding (inclusion)

The act of expanding your Z-Wave network with a new device.

Advanced Encryption Standard (AES)

It is a block cipher algorithm used as an encryption standard by the U.S. government. Many AES public products use 128-bit secret keys by default; it is possible that the NSA may assume that 128-bit secret keys are weak and they may prefer longer keys for top-secret documents.

Advanced parameters

A set of configuration settings of a Z-Wave device which allows for adjusting its operation to user’s needs.

Association (linking devices)

A direct control of other devices within the Z-Wave system network e.g. Dimmer, Relay Switch, Roller Shutter or scene (may be controlled only through a Z-Wave controller). Association ensures the direct transfer of control commands between devices, is performed without the participation of the main controller and requires the associated device to be in the direct range.

Block Scenes

Type of scenes which are more powerful than magic scenes and still easy to build. Using a number of available customizable blocks complex scenes can be visually created. It is not possible to implement all functionalities of the FIBARO System with Block Scenes, but are the best way for a basic user to enhance home automation.

Bluetooth Low Energy (Bluetooth Smart, BLE)

A wireless personal area network technology designed to in the healthcare, fitness, beacons, security, and home automation industries (used in Apple HomeKit System). Bluetooth Smart technology operates in the same spectrum range (the 2.400–2.4835 GHz ISM band) as Classic Bluetooth technology but uses a different set of channels.

Controllers

A type of Z-Wave device that controls other Z-Wave devices. Controllers are typically gateways, remotes, or battery operated wall controllers.

Dead device

A device in the Z-Wave network which the controller cannot connect with.

FIBARO Home Automation system

It is a wireless smart home automation system, based on the Z-Wave protocol. All of the available devices can be controlled through a computer (PC or Mac), smartphone or tablet. Z-Wave devices (non-battery powered) are not only receivers but can also repeat the signal, increasing the Z-Wave network’s range. It gives an advantage over traditional wireless systems that require a direct link between transmitter and receiver, as a result, the construction of the building could affect the network’s range negatively. Every FIBARO network has its unique identification number (home ID). Multiple independent networks can exist in the building without interfering. Transmission security of FIBARO System is comparable to wired systems. Z-Wave technology is the leading solution in smart home automation. There is a wide range of Z-Wave devices that are mutually compatible, independently of the manufacturer. It gives the system the ability to evolve and expand over time.

FIBARO Home Center 2

HC2 is the hub unit of high computing power used to manage your FIBARO Home Automation System. HC2 communicates with  actors and sensors using wireless communication protocol named Z-Wave.

FIBARO Home Center Lite

It is a small, yet powerful home automation Z-Wave controller used to manage the FIBARO Home Automation System.

FIBARO ID

A unique form of identification for FIBARO users which allows you to log at once to access all FIBARO services.

The IP address(Internet Protocol address)

An identifier assigned to each computer and other devices (e.g., printer, router, mobile device, etc.) connected to a TCP/IP network that is used to locate and identify the node in communications with other nodes on the network.

Lua

A lightweight, multi-paradigm programming language designed primarily for embedded systems and clients. Lua is cross-platform since it is written in ANSI C and has a relatively simple C API.

Lua Scenes

Scenes that are based on the Lua programming language and require basic programming skills. Most advanced type of scene.

Magic Scenes

Scenes that are based on one trigger, one action scheme (if trigger appears, then action occurs) and are most intuitive to build. Such a scene type allows only for basic scenarios.

Mesh network

Network topology in which each node relays data for the network. All mesh nodes cooperate in the distribution of data in the network.

Node Information Frame

A special wireless message issued by a Z-Wave device to announce its capabilities and functions.

Notification Command Class

An extended version of the original Alarm Command Class. Notification Command Class has support for many types of sensors and devices.

Plugin

A ready-made extension for FIBARO System which allows for quick integration of the external device.

Recovery

A procedure of restoring the Z-Wave controller to factory defaults

Removing (exclusion)

An act of deleting a device from Z-Wave home automation network.

Scenes

Sequences of conditions and actions performed by devices connected to a home automation system. The scene has at least one trigger (condition) – for example time of the day, weather, and one action.

Sensor

A device responsible for detecting events or changes in environment like detecting water, smoke, opening doors, etc.

Slave

Type of Z-Wave devices that are controlled by other Z-Wave devices.

Stand-alone device

It is any sensor or actor that can perform its function without the need of another device, computer, or connection.

S0 (Z-Wave Security 0)

Gives additional security compared to standard Z-Wave communication.

S2 (Z-Wave Security 2)

Uses strong encryption and authentication. No latency or additional power consumption for devices with S2.

TCP Port

A communication identifier defining a service endpoint used by the external device.

Variable

Variable – a symbolic name associated with a value used in Lua or Block scenes.

There are three types of variables. Local variables, global variables and predefined variables.
The local variable takes a string and numeric values. It is created in a Lua scene and can be used only in the scene it was created.
The global variable takes the numeric values and can be used and changed in Lua scenes.
The predefined variable takes a string and numeric values, but values have to be chosen from ones which were created before.

Virtual device

A functionality of FIBARO System which allows to manage some specific devices that are not originally supported by sending HTTP commands.

Wake up interval

A process causes devices to wake up after a defined interval and sending out a wake-up notification.  Other devices such as the Z-Way controller are able to communicate with this device and send out messages to this device (The controller know about the status of the battery operated the device and will queue messages in a waiting queue.)  After communication is done the controller is supposed to send the device back into sleep (state of not communicating with controller).

Wake up Notification

A special wireless message issued by a Z-Wave device to announce being able to communicate.

Z-Wave

A wireless communication protocol used primarily for home automation an interoperable, wireless, RF-based communications technology designed specifically for control, monitoring and status reading applications in residential and light commercial environments. Successfully bridged and trialled with OpenADR, SEP 1, SEP 1.1 and other Smart Energy protocols.

Z-Wave network security mode

It is a special operating mode that secures the communication between Z-Wave devices with AES-128 encryption. Adding in security mode must be performed up to 2 meters from the controller.