I am in the process of rebuilding my Z-Wave network. Most of my devices are 800LR capable and my Z-Wave stick/hub is also 800LR. I do have a few 700 series devices in my home as well.
Z-Wave LR is not capable of a mesh network, only hub to device. Is there any advantage to not connecting the 800LR devices using the 800LR protocol vs the older mesh protocols?
AFAICT, the newer LR protocol feels more like a reaction to LoRA than Z-Wave/ Zigbee/ Thread. That is unless you need more than 232 nodes (LR = 4k)!
Z-Wave - mesh, range limited by the number of mains-powered routers chained together in a mesh. Ideal for in-building use with multiple devices per room. Max 232 nodes. Mesh reduces RF transmit power increasing battery life (only need to get to the nearest mains routing device).
Z-Wave LR - hub and spoke, range limited by higher-power but single radio links. Likely more useful for distant outbuildings and commercial IoT in large factories. Max 4k nodes. Still mentions good battery life, but needs to talk all the way back to base, so PHYSICS.