XAP Home Automation protocol
xAP is an open protocol used for home automation which supports integration of telemetry and control devices primarily within the home. Common communications networks include RS-232, RS-485, Ethernet and wireless. The xAP protocol exclusively uses broadcast messages. xAP receivers listen to all broadcast messages and read the message header to verify whether the message is of its interest. The xAP protocol has the following key advantages:
- It makes use of existing infrastructure wherever possible
- It can intercommunicate between multiple networks like RS-232 or wireless by just deploying a physical bridge.
- xAP does not require any central controller. All nodes can act as sender or receiver.
- xAP system provides distributed and fault tolerant architecture which allows continuous operation of systems even in the event of component failures.