Z-Wave General Info

Removing and excluding a device that is already connected

Excluding a device that is not yet connected to SmartThings

 

Command classes supported by the SmartThings Hubs

The following Z-Wave command classes are supported by the SmartThings Hub:

Command Class	Version	Required Security Class
Z-Wave Plus Info	2	None
Transport Service	2	None
CRC 16 Encapsulation	1	None
Supervision	1	None
Inclusion Controller	1	None
Security 0	1	None
Security 2	1	None
Association Group Info	1	Highest Granted
Device Reset Locally	1	Highest Granted
Manufacturer Specific	1	Highest Granted
Power Level	1	Highest Granted
Association	2	Highest Granted
Version	2	Highest Granted

The SmartThings Hub has support for the Association Command Class—it has one association group, the "Lifeline" group, which supports sending associated devices reset notifications when the Hub is factory reset. A maximum of 231 devices can be added to this group.

The SmartThings Hub does not map the Basic Command Class to any functionality. It ignores Basic Get requests, though in some cases of legacy support for older Z-Wave sensors it may interpret Basic Set commands as sensor activation events.

The SmartThings Hub controls devices with unknown device types using the basic command class, and optionally controls other devices with the basic command class.

 

Including the SmartThings Hub into another Z-Wave network

Learn mode allows the hub to join or leave a network, or receive the latest network update from another controller in the network. Note that you can only add a Hub to a different Z-Wave network if no Z-Wave devices have been added. Otherwise, you should remove all Z-Wave devices from the Hub first by putting them through a device exclusion. When the SmartThings Hub is added into another Z-Wave network, it may not receive notifications from some battery-operated devices. SmartThings Technical Support does not provide assistance to consumers using the Hub with other Z-Wave controllers.

Here are the steps to put the Hub into learn mode to receive network information from another Z-Wave controller:

1. Prepare the other Z-Wave controller to copy its network information to the Hub. This may be called include, add, transfer, shift, copy, or replicate mode
2. Log in to graph.api.smartthings.com
3. Click My Locations
4. Click the location with the Hub
5. Select the Hub
6. Select View Utilities
7. Click Join/Leave another Z-Wave network
• Z-Wave learn mode will be initiated for 8 seconds

This will start learn mode on the Hub. It may take longer to receive all the network info and load all the devices. Check the other controller for confirmation of whether the transfer was successful.

Depending on the other controller, it may not have transferred the primary controller role to the SmartThings Hub, and the Hub may not be able to add new devices. To remove the Hub from the other network and reset it to default, follow the same steps above, but put the other controller in remove or exclude mode instead.

 

What is Z-Wave S2? 

Z-wave S2 is a new and improved security protocol for Z-Wave S2 compatible certified devices. Starting in 2018, newer Z-Wave devices are mandated by Z-Wave Alliance to support S2 security. S2 security allows you to add Z-Wave devices more securely than ever before as well as adding improvements to battery life and device reliability. 

 

How is the Z-Wave S2 security protocol different from Z-Wave S0? 

The Z-Wave S2 security protocol uses a new method to ensure when Z-Wave S2 devices are added, they have the most secure method of pairing. There are currently three groups of Z-Wave S2:  

• Z-Wave S2 Access Control
• Z-Wave S2 Authenticated 
• Z-Wave S2 Unauthenticated

How do I add a Z-Wave S2 device? 

In the SmartThings mobile app:

1. From the Devices tab, tap Add (+) and select Add device
2. Select Brand and choose the manufacturer
3. Choose your Device and Tap Start
4. Choose a Location for the device or the Hub that will discover the device
5. Choose a Room for the device and Tap Next
6. Follow the instructions on-screen or use the steps provided by the manufacturer to put the device into join mode 
7. Scan the QR code located on your device
   • If you cannot scan the QR code, select Add device manually
   • Enter the first 5 digits of the DSK code or Pin Number found on the device
   • Touch Add device 

Note: Devices classified as Z-Wave S2 Unauthenticated will add into SmartThings without the need for scanning the QR code or entering a pin. These devices are still using a form of the Z-Wave S2 security protocol.

 

How do I know if my Z-Wave device supports S2? 

Z-Wave devices that support the Z-Wave S2 security protocol should have clear and visible markings on the product that includes the Device Specific Key. 

 

If a Z-Wave S2 device was added code scanning was available, is it using the new Z-Wave S2 protocol?

No, Z-Wave S2 devices added before the feature was available will still be using the older Z-Wave S0 security protocol. If you would like to have your device use the new S2 Security Protocol you will have to exclude and re-add the device using the steps above. 

 

How do I know which security protocol my Z-Wave device is using?

While adding older non S2 devices, you will receive the following prompt from the SmartThings App.

“Your device has been connected, but it isn't using the highest level of security. For more security, exclude the device and try adding it again.”

You can also see the network security level by using the SmartThings IDE. 

1. Go to graph.api.smartthings.com
2. Login to your account
3. Select Devices next to your Locations name
4. Select the name of the device
5. In the Data section, look for the devices Network Security Level