Network key - how does it make anything secure?

Configuration Z-Wave
1

Having read quite a few posts about setting up a Z-Wave USB stick I am sure this will not be my last post on the subject as it seems no two people have done it the same way! but this question is a little more “top line”.

I was just wondering how adding a network key actually made it secure?

I assumed the network key was like a password / wifi code in that you set it up then new devices needed to have it entered to join, but seeing that its a massive 16 digit hex comma thing I see you do not need to enter it for each device, so how does it actually secure anything?

2

It’s the encryption key for the radio traffic. Without it anyone eavesdropping on your zwave network would only see random garbage.

Devices are supplied with this key when you include them via the hassio zwave panel.

3

Ah thank you, so my thinking was right in that the devices need to be supplied with the key its just thats done automatically through HA.

Thanks

Aeotec usb stick and a fibaro dimmer 2 arrive soon, wish me luck!

4

Technically the key is shared via the zwave S1/S2 protocol, if I recall.