Z-Wave is a home automation technology which uses a mesh network to allow devices to talk to each other. 

Some devices, such as infrared motion sensors can run for years off of batteries, since their power requirements are so low. 

Other devices that are wired-in (such as light switches) act as relays between devices, thus forming the mesh.

I've got a few of these devices set up now, and have ordered a load more to fully automate my home.  I'm going to be talking about the purchase experience, installation, configuration, and controlling them from software.

I didn't want to "pollute" this blog with a bunch of Z-Wave information, so I've just started a new blog at http://www.thezwave.com/ 

I'll be posting there as my Z-Wave experience evolves.