Using Zigbee and Zwave?

[JDRoberts]

Smart bulb repeater FAQ ( this is a clickable link)

FAQ: Are Smart Bulbs Repeaters? (Updated 2019: the new answer is yes, but may be inconsistent)

Hue Bridge Lightbulbs connected to a hue bridge are repeaters–but only for other devices attached to the same bridge. They essentially form their own mini network. So they won’t help with nearby sensors. Zwave bulbs Zwave lightbulbs like those from Linear and aeotec typically are repeaters – – but only for Z wave. These can actually be very useful in some specific use cases like getting zwave signal down basement stairs or across a garage. zigbee bulbs connected directly to the ST hub Zigbee lightbulbs like hue or Osram if connected directly to the SmartThings hub without using a bridge shift from the ZLL profile to the ZHA profile and then do typically act as repeaters for other ZHA devices. Or if they are Zigbee 3.0 devices, they will connect to the smartthing…

And the protocol FAQ which also discusses Wi-Fi:

New to SmartThings should I avoid Wifi devices over alternative Z Wave or Zigbee devices?

I haven’t purchased a home automation system yet but my research has me choosing SmartThings. I understand the goal of ST is to integrate all connected devices but are there any benefits to choosing Z Wave vs. Zigbee vs Wifi devices? It seems to me that there aren’t many complaints about z wave and zigbee devices but there are many complaints about waiting around/hoping for support for Wifi devices. Should I strategically avoid certain Wifi Device if there’s a Z wave or Zigbee alternative? To be more specific, my dilemma is regarding a connected thermostat and a connected garage door opener. Lift master sells a wifi module for my garage door (I’ve read claims that there are delays in communicating with the SmartThings hub) . Alternatively I could choose a z wave device to signal the…