Opinion needed - Zigbee Issues

Configuration Zigbee
1

Hey everyone - I need some feedback on some zigbee issues I am having. I am using zigbee2mqtt on a CC2531 (no external antenna) but connected to a 10’ USB extension cord to keep it far enough away from my RPI. I also have 2 Tradfri zigbee repeaters and several zigbee bulbs; however I am constantly finding that lately some devices are falling off my network. E.g. would be my office fan which is < 8’ away from my CC2531… In fact right now, according to the map, that office fan is connected to another zibgee bulb 20’ away. I am aware that wifi (and I have 3 APs in my house) could be part of the problem; however, for a test I disabled 2.4Ghz on all of them and the problem didnt get that much better. Does anyone have any recommendations to make the network more stable? I considered adding an antenna, but I won’t be able to get one anytime soon… I am also thinking of adding a Tradri repeater right next to my CC2531 to see if that helps.

Thanks

Edit: it just occurred to me to try disabling the BT and wifi on my RPI to see if that helps at all.
Edit2: In case it matters, I have about 30 devices. 14 are battery powered.

2

Some have no issues with the CC2531, but they also date supermodels and are also otherwise disgustingly lucky people. Do yourself a favor and get a better coordinator, either a CC26X2R1, CC1352P-2 or zzh. If you don’t want to spend the money an antenna makes things a little better. Adding routers helps too, both is even better.

3

Does a router make a difference compared to a repeater?

4

In this case they are the same.