Yale Network Modules: Door Module, Zigbee & Z-Wave Explained

All three modules share the same physical connector. Here’s what each one does, what’s changed, and how to choose the right one today.

Yale’s Assure Lock series is designed around a modular connectivity system. The lock itself provides keypad and Bluetooth access locally, but connecting it to a smart home ecosystem — for remote control, automations, and voice assistant integration — requires a network module.

Two module options are current in Australia today: the standard Yale Door Module (included) and the Yale Zigbee Module (sold separately). A third option, the Yale Z-Wave Plus Module, was discontinued here in July 2026 — existing installations keep working, but it can no longer be purchased new. This guide covers:

• What each current module does and which protocol it uses
• Whether the modules are physically interchangeable across Yale and Lockwood locks
• What happened to the Z-Wave module, and what that means if you already have one fitted
• When you need a module at all, and when the Yale Connect Plus Hub 2 is the better answer

For the broader gateway and connectivity picture, see Chapter 08 — Smart Lock Gateway Comparison in the Smart Lock Buyer’s Guide.

This guide was reviewed and updated in August 2026.

The Three Modules — What Each One Does

Are They Interchangeable?

Yes — physically. All three modules use the same edge-connector form factor and slot into the same socket on compatible Yale and Lockwood smart locks. Removing the existing module and pressing in a new one is a matter of minutes. No tools required — though the lock’s batteries must be removed before swapping the module, and refitted afterwards.

Practical use case: If you currently have a Z-Wave module fitted and later want to move to a different smart home ecosystem, the Zigbee module is the migration path — buy it, swap it in, and pair it with your Zigbee hub. The lock body, keypad, and battery compartment all stay in place. Full enrolment steps are in Yale’s Zigbee Module installation and programming instructions (PDF).

Always confirm compatibility with your specific lock model before ordering. The Zigbee module is compatible with the Yale Assure Lock series, including the YRD226, YRD256, YRD426 and YRD446 (the latter two are named on Yale’s published module compatibility list but do not currently have a live Australian listing). Not all Yale or Lockwood lock models use this module system — the Yale Unity Entrance Lock range, for example, uses the Yale Connect Plus Hub 2 for remote access rather than a plug-in module. If in doubt, check your lock’s product page or ask our team before ordering.

Zigbee vs Z-Wave — How They Differ

Zigbee and Z-Wave are both mesh networking protocols for smart home devices — but they are entirely separate ecosystems. A Zigbee hub cannot communicate with Z-Wave devices, and vice versa. Since the Z-Wave module is no longer available new, this comparison is now mainly useful for readers who already have a Z-Wave module fitted and are deciding whether to migrate.

The decision rule is simple: if you don’t already have a Z-Wave module fitted, Zigbee is the only third-party module Yale currently sells in Australia. If you do not yet have a hub and are starting fresh, Samsung SmartThings supports Zigbee and is a reasonable starting point. If you are integrating into an existing alarm system that already runs Z-Wave, an existing Z-Wave module keeps working — you are simply unable to buy a new one if it ever needs replacing.

What Happened to the Z-Wave Module?

Yale withdrew the Z-Wave Plus Module from sale in Australia in July 2026. Existing modules already installed keep working — this is a change to what’s available for new purchase, not a recall or a remote shutdown of installed hardware.

Yale has not published a stated reason for the Australian discontinuation. The broader industry direction over the past couple of years has been toward Zigbee and Matter-over-Thread as the consolidating standards for smart home connectivity, which is a plausible commercial context — but that is general industry movement, not a confirmed statement from Yale about this specific decision, and we won’t present it as one.

If Yale or ASSA ABLOY publish an official reason, we’ll update this section.

For reference, the correct Z-Wave frequency for Australia and New Zealand is 921.4 MHz. If you’re buying a Z-Wave hub second-hand or from overseas to pair with an existing Yale module, confirm it supports this frequency — a hub built for the US or European Z-Wave band (908.4 MHz / 868.4 MHz) will not communicate with an AU-frequency module.

Zigbee range, if you’re planning a migration: as general Zigbee-protocol guidance (not a Yale-specific figure), expect roughly 10–20 metres per hop indoors, or up to about 100 metres in clear line of sight outdoors. Zigbee is a mesh protocol, so mains-powered Zigbee devices in the network extend that range by relaying signals for battery-powered ones.

Do You Actually Need a Module?

Not necessarily. What you need depends on how you want to control the lock remotely.

Modules require a compatible hub to function — the module alone does not provide remote access. The Zigbee module is a radio transmitter. Without a matching hub to receive and route its signal, it adds nothing to the lock’s capabilities. The hub (Samsung SmartThings, Amazon Echo, etc.) is a separate purchase. For a detailed gateway comparison, see Chapter 08 — Smart Lock Gateway Comparison. For troubleshooting WiFi connectivity on the Connect Plus Hub 2, see Why Smart Locks Sometimes Drop Off WiFi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are the Yale Door Module, Zigbee Module and Z-Wave Module interchangeable?

Yes, physically. All three modules share the same edge-connector form factor and slot into the same socket on compatible Yale and Lockwood smart locks. You can swap between them without tools, though the lock’s batteries must come out first. Each module connects to a different smart home ecosystem, so while the hardware is interchangeable, the hub you need changes depending on which module is installed. The Z-Wave Plus Module was discontinued in Australia in July 2026 and can no longer be purchased new; existing Z-Wave modules keep working.

What is the difference between Zigbee and the old Z-Wave module for Yale smart locks?

Zigbee uses an open standard (IEEE 802.15.4) operating at 2.4 GHz and is supported by a wide range of hubs including Samsung SmartThings, Amazon Echo and Hubitat. Z-Wave Plus used a closed, licensed standard operating at 921.4 MHz in Australia, which gave it better wall penetration and less interference with WiFi — but it is no longer sold new here. Both require a compatible hub — the module alone does not provide remote access.

Which Yale locks are compatible with the Zigbee network module?

The Zigbee network module is designed for the Yale Assure Lock series, including models YRD226, YRD256, YRD426 and YRD446 (the latter two are on Yale’s published compatibility list but do not currently have a live Australian listing). Not all Yale or Lockwood locks in the Australian market use this module system. The Yale Unity Entrance Lock range, for example, uses the Yale Connect Plus Hub 2 for remote connectivity rather than a plug-in module. Always confirm compatibility with your specific model before purchasing.

Do I need a module if I already have a Yale Connect Plus Hub 2?

No. The Yale Connect Plus Hub 2 is a WiFi bridge that provides remote access via the Yale Home App without requiring a Zigbee or Z-Wave module. If your lock is compatible with the Connect Plus Hub 2, you do not need a separate network module for remote access. The Zigbee module is for users who want to integrate their Yale lock into an existing Zigbee smart home ecosystem instead.

Can I switch from an existing Z-Wave module to Zigbee?

Yes. Because all three modules share the same physical form factor, you can remove an existing Z-Wave module and press in a Zigbee module, provided your lock model supports it. No tools are required, but the lock’s batteries must be removed first. You will need to pair the lock with your new Zigbee hub after swapping. This works one way only — from Z-Wave to Zigbee — since the Z-Wave module is no longer sold new in Australia.

Related Guides

Not Sure Which Module Your Lock Needs?

Tell us your lock model and smart home hub and we’ll confirm the right module — or whether the Yale Connect Plus Hub 2 is the better answer for your setup.