The NodOn Z-Wave Soft Remote can be used as a standalone controller, meaning you don't necessarily have to buy a controller like the Smartthings hub or Wink hub to get up and running to control up to 16 Z-wave devices. If you already have a hub, or if you eventually grow with the Soft Remote to the point that you need a hub, no problem, it can also be connected as a device on your hub while still giving you the ability to control up to 16 devices through scenes/routines.