No matter how hard I try, the devices will not connect to the specific router I permit, so I am forced to “Permit all”. They are also all connecting to the Coordinator no matter what. Imgur: The magic of the Internet
This is causing me to rely on the 3R to be smart, I have heard good things about 3R that is why I am going with them, but open to changing and going with a different brand entirely.
The crutch of the issue, is my LQI is super low on some of the devices. Which I suspect in return is causing me to not receive consistent data from these devices. Specifically with the Sideyard and Frontyard a lot of the time 1 specific entity is not responding.
Any help is appreciated, I have spent a lot of time digging into this and trying to solve it myself. Happy to post additional screenshots or answer any questions.
This is a feature of Zigbee. Devices connect to the router that gives them the best connection to the coordinator and they will change their connection periodically. You can’t control it.
If your devices are connecting directly to the coordinator, it means that there are no better routes available. You need more routers.
You’re right. You need more routers.
You could also try putting your dongle on the end of a long extension lead to keep it away from interference, but even so you are likely to need more routers. Probably a lot more.
This is a feature of Zigbee. Devices connect to the router that gives them the best connection to the coordinator and they will change their connection periodically. You can’t control it.
If your devices are connecting directly to the coordinator, it means that there are no better routes available. You need more routers.
I am all for getting more routers, I will take a look at that. However the part that is catching me up, is my “Living Room” router is right above (a wall to the outside) the Sideyard sensor and it’s not connecting to that. Instead the Sensor thinks its best to connect to the Coordinator which is 2 walls and ~100+ feet away.
Thank you for guidance so far - appreciate both you and Neil!
First - I agree you need the coordinator on an extension. It may or may not be directly related to the issue at hand, but is proven best practice.
Have you looked at zigbee vs wifi channel interference?
Are the plugs on the latest firmware? Z2M supports OTA for that model.
You might try reducing the coordinator transmit power. It is higher than most standard devices and may appear stronger to the end devices even though there are physically closer routers.
The most glaring question IMO, is why devices won’t join when the plugs are selected via the permit join menu.
I tried joining a couple of devices via my TR plugs of the same model and they paired successfully. Range did seem somewhat limiited and devices were VERY quick to change routers when any distance was involved.
I’ve never had issues with my TR plugs, but by happenstance they are at the periphery of my net. Looking at the map, only one device is actively using a TR plug as it’s router.
Throwing routers at the problem can help cover up other issues, but I don’t buy into the position you need a huge number of routers. I have close to a dozen zigbee nets I set up for various friends and family. All are rock solid stable with a VERY modest router count.
You might try replacing one of the plugs with another plug brand or similar router device. Another Dongle-P flashed with router firmware makes for an excellent router.
First - I agree you need the coordinator on an extension. It may or may not be directly related to the issue at hand, but is proven best practice.
I just ordered a USB 2.0 Extension cable, will be here tomorrow.
Are the plugs on the latest firmware? Z2M supports OTA for that model.
To my knowledge yes - I have been keeping everything up to date that I can. For the router(s) they are on: v1.00.92
You might try reducing the coordinator transmit power. It is higher than most standard devices and may appear stronger to the end devices even though there are physically closer routers.
I just reduced it to 1, from the default of 5. So far after restart not seeing any glaring effect on the Map or in the LQI.
You might try replacing one of the plugs with another plug brand or similar router device. Another Dongle-P flashed with router firmware makes for an excellent router.
Any brand recommendations? Happy to try any different router if folks think it could be that.
Which devices are not reporting the way you would expect?
Be aware that any battery powered device will only report when a change occurs.
Also be aware the LQI shown in Z2M on the devices screen is not showing the best LQI (from memory it might be showing the LQI to the coordinator - hence I have 0 LQI for some working devices) for the device, use the MAP to see the actual LQI between devices.
Actually having looked at your map you may need at least one more router. Here’s my map - note the devices showing with no connection. They are battery powered SONOF door sensors etc.
The Soil Sensors, I have been in contact with 3R and they are sending me a beta device to test to see if that works better. I guess they are working on a better model as we speak.
