Most short-term rental operators will rely on Z-wave and WiFi lock types. These are the communication protocols that connect the key server (the server with authorization information) to the lock. Other than specific brands of WiFi-connected locks, most locks require some sort of detached hardware device on the property that receives online communication from a key server and relays data to a lock device. This is achieved through lower energy communication wave protocols including Z-wave, Zigbee, Bluetooth, and RFID.

WiFi Locks

WiFi locks work by pinging the lock directly via a WiFi connection (similar to any WiFi-connected device in your home like a laptop). Generally, these locks require more frequent battery replacement because continually pinging the lock directly via WiFi shortens the battery life. However, these locks do not require hubs and are therefore easier to connect and onboard. They also offer some increased stability as integration partners since they remove the need for a middleware cloud provider. Specifically, DACK works well with August Connect locks (including Yale and August connected devices).

Z-Wave

Z-Wave is a wireless communications protocol used primarily for home automation. It is a mesh network using low-energy radio waves to communicate from device to device, allowing for wireless control of residential devices, such as lighting control, thermostats, locks, garage door openers, and others. This is a very common lock type. Specifically, DACK works well with the Yale YRD Z-Wave locks.

Zigbee

Zigbee serves a suite of high-level communication protocols used to create personal area networks with small, low-power digital radios, such as for home automation, medical device data collection, and other low-power low-bandwidth needs, designed for small scale projects which need wireless connection. Zigbee is a low-power, low data rate, and close proximity (i.e., personal area) wireless ad hoc network. DACK does not work directly with many Zigbee locks and it tends to be a less common protocol in smart locks.

BlueTooth (BLE)

BlueTooth locks are somewhat less common in the short-term rental space but are very common in hotels. BlueTooth locks store a digital key on your mobile device that does not require the device to connect back to a server to open the door. This is the only true "digital key" type in the lock space as most all other communication protocols require your connection to ping a server, verify authentication and send a signal back to the lock to open. With BLE this all happens locally as your device is "storing" a digital key via the DACK app. The primary BLE-supported lock DACK integrates with is Salto KS BLE locks.

RFID

RFID locks are as common in hotels as the classic white plastic cards that you receive at a traditional front desk, however, in short RFID is just another form of low-energy radio communication like Z-wave, Zigbee, etc. They are not very common in mobile keys, especially in the short-term rental space.

Cloud Providers

For locks to be "smart" they need to be connected to a "cloud" or "key management server" that has information about users and authorization and relays that info to the lock. DACK communicates with these "clouds" via their API and tells them that a user can use a specific lock for a specific period of time.

Some cloud providers integrate with multiple lock brands (e.g. SmartThings), and some cloud providers are owned and managed by the lock brand themselves (e.g. Allegion owns Yonomi, and Assa Abloy owns the August Cloud).

The important thing to know is that DACK can oftentimes speak to a lock through multiple clouds. For instance, DACK can unlock a Yale lock through SmartThings, Remote Lock, and the August Connect Cloud. So before an operator changes their hardware set up they should speak with a DACK support engineer about possible solutions.