A communications protocol is a set of formal rules describing how to transmit or exchange data, especially across a network. A standardized communications protocol is one that has been codified as a standard. A communication standard establishes the rules for information interchange.

Wi-Fi stands for “wireless fidelity”. Wi-Fi is essentially a very advanced digital radio using frequencies between 2 gigahertz and 5 gigahertz in the electromagnetic spectrum, which is around the same area as microwave ovens. The latest version 802.11ax is called Wi-Fi 6.

Bluetooth is a short-range wireless technology standard that is used for exchanging data between fixed and mobile devices over short distances using UHF radio. The latest version is 5.3.

Its wireless mesh networking technology enables any node to talk to adjacent nodes (devices) directly or indirectly, controlling any additional nodes. Nodes that are within range communicate directly with one another. If they aren’t within range, they can link with another node that is within range of both to access and exchange information.

Zigbee is a low-cost, low-power, wireless mesh network standard targeted at battery-powered devices in wireless control. The Zigbee network layer natively supports both star and tree networks, and generic mesh networking. Zigbee protocols are intended for embedded applications requiring low power consumption and tolerating low data rates.

Matter is a proprietary, royalty-free home automation connectivity standard. The standard is designed to be based on Internet Protocol (IP). It is designed to enable smart home devices, mobile apps, and cloud services to communicate.