Z-Wave Network extension

Configuration Z-Wave
,
1

hey guys,
I’ve been scrambling on this for a while now and can’t seem to figure out how to troubleshoot.

I’ve got a HASS running as a container on a Qotom fanless mini pc. For the Z-wave network, I’ve got an Aeotec Z-stick Gen5 USB stick, which seems to work pretty well.

I’m tring to get an aeotec z-wave smart switch 6 which works perfectly fine when it is reasonably close to the hub, however, as I need to install a bit further away (and crossing some walls), I tried to use the aeotec range extender so the z-wave signal could realiably reach to the smart switch location.

I’ve noticed the following behaviours/issues:

  1. the smart switch doesn’t try to connect via the range extender. I’ve only seen it connected directly to the hub. The location where I installed the z-wave extender is ~ 5 meters away from the smart switch!

image
image1720×666 59.3 KB

  1. when i plug in the smart switch, I’m able to control it for a short period of time via HASS. at this stage, the z-wave map (ZWave To MQTT) shows that the smart switch is directly connected to the hub! after a while, the node simply becomes unresponsive.

I’ve tried poking around on the Zwave to MQTT interface (i.e. heal node) and also re-adding the node. Nothing solved and after a few mins the smart switch stops responding.

Has anyone here experienced similar issues arond “extending” their z-wave network? Any ideas on how to troubleshoot or resolve this issue?

happy to share any additional info!
TIA

2

Every mains powered device acts as a repeater in the network, so buying an actual range extender wasn’t 100% necessary.

Can you share information on the distance between the Range Extender and the Smart Switch when it’s at the desired location? (Meters, walls, etc.) Can you successfully ping the device to make it respond after a few minutes? Any Z-WaveJS logging of those attempts? Have you included the devices with or without security? Can you try bringing the USB stick further from your device by utilizing an extension cable?

4

Thanks, Rick!
I appreciate that any powered node would do the same role to extend the range, but I already had this extender hanging around… so giving it a use!

I don’t think there is any issue with signal propagation / attenuation (assuming that the range extender was doing it’s job), but let me describe the setup anyway:

There is ~10m from the USB stick to the range extender (a few obstacles but no walls). Signal gets there perfectly fine (i.e. connection is stable and no signs of losses/drops)

There is ~10m from the range extender to the smart switch, crossing one brick wall (however, I’ve positioned the range extender exactly in front of the wall the vent, which should help with signal propagation to outside). The smart switch is located inside a shed, made of colorbond walls, a faraday cage!… the floor is made of yellow tongue and is suspended from the ground due to terrain being unlevelled. The range extender is at a lower level, nearly a direct line of sight to the yellow tongue, so signal propagation through the shed floor should be fine too! In fact, during the short time while the smart plug responds, it seems to be getting signal straight from the hub which is further away ~20m (instead of hopping via the range extender). Moving the location of the Z-wave USB stick closer to the shed resolves it, but obviously that means, a better signal for the direct communication (i.e. not using the range extender). This causes coverage problem on the other side of the house though!

When I ping it and it’s alive, no problems. When I try pinging and it is dead, no response at all. (Pretty obvious, right?). I keep looking for ways to find the SNR, but I couldn’t find it anywhere!

At the moment, all devices are without security, but the goal is to enable secure comms one the setup is stable.

The problem here is on getting the range extender to do its job. seems that no device would attempt hopping through the range extender (even on this scenario where it’s pretty obvious that the path through the range extender should be much better).

as for logs, I’m newbie to this z-wave to MQTT. I’m running it as a container. all I’ve found was the tab on the GUI console “debug” , which only show one error that isn’t related (screenshot). is there any other logs that I can look at?

image
image1740×260 55.6 KB

5

The mesh view is inaccurate so whether or not the message travels through the Range Extender is sadly unknown.

Can you indicate whether placing any other mains powered device in the Z-Wave network instead of the Range Extender helps at all? Can you perform an interview of the Range Extender and see if there are any dropped commands in the node statistics?

Z-Wave logging can be viewed in Z-WaveJS2MQTT under the Debug tab and clicking Start. Otherwise you’ll have to log to file and read/extract that from the container.

6

right. I did notice that inaccuracy on the map view. often I’d have to go to the node, and refresh values if I’m not wrong. only then it would update the map view.

just re-interviewed the range extender - no dropped commands.

still, perhaps the range extender isn’t really servicing properly… I’ve got another couple of smart switches that I can use instead of the range extender (at leat or testing). I will try placing them where the range extender is (will try it tomorrow and update here).

thanks for your help so far, Rick!

cheers

7

I’ve added a couple of permanently powered devices nearby and moved the z-wave USB stick to a better location and will monitor how reliable it is.

If that that resolves, it means might be time to install a bunch of z-wave relays and dimmers in the walls to control lights and as a side effect, fix the issue around z-wave signal coverage around the house!