Zigbee network optimization: a how-to guide for avoiding radio frequency interference + adding Zigbee Router devices (repeaters/extenders) to get a stable Zigbee network mesh with best possible range and coverage by fully utilizing Zigbee mesh networking

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102

Hi there!

I´m finally looking into adding a couple of Sonoff USB Dongles as routers to my Zigbee network since although I´m living in a rather medium sized flat, neighbours recently seem to have discovered 2.4ghz WiFi is a thing :smiley:
Also, walls are old and thickkk here.

I´m running ZHA with ZBT-1 as coordinator.

So, I wonder whether I should prefer the P or E Dongle as routers?

Also, I´m using 2m USB extension cable to bring distance between the HA Pi5 and a WiFi router that is also very close but those 2 meters are not enough to also get away from the wall. So, can somebody please recommend on like a 4 meter USB extension that is well shielded? I should still be fine with 4 meter without the need for additional power for the ZBT-1, shouldn´t I?

Thank you very much guys
Andy

103

With later firmware the Sonoff ZBDongle-E makes a better Zigbee Router, (while the Sonoff ZBDongle-P makes a better Zigbee Coordinator).

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104

I am using these type of USB 2.0 to RJ45 Ethernet Converter Adapters pair to convert a 10-meter standard CAT6 (or shielded CAT5) cable into very long USB extension cable, (there are many brands/models that do the same and use can use a short or a long cable up to around 25-meter / 100-feet), it is a very flexible solution since you can replace the cable to change the lenght:

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105

Thank you so much Hedda!

That helps a ton.

Also: that USB to RJ45 adapters are an amazing idea. I would have never thought about that such a thing even exists. :smiley:

106

Can you use an Aqara M1 Hub (plug in) as a Zigbee router connecting through an SMLIGHT SLZB-06M coordinator ? Thanks

107

I am now removing two dongle P devices from my network , they are flashed as routers but there is a defect, battery devices that are using them as routers sometimes go asymmetric, HA receives packets ok but cannot contact the devices. Examples include sonoff TRVs and thermostats.

I have seen this over an extended period of time (2 years) and only just isolated the issue to these routers. They can go in a drawer for now. Posting as this may help others, the debug seems very limited to find these glitches, the zigbee mesh otherwise seems very resilient in my experience. I have enough routers now to not require them anyway.

108

I wanted to bump this thread, not because I have a question or problem, but because this thread is such a great resource for learning and understanding Zigbee mesh networks.

Thank you @Hedda for starting such an informative thread on Zigbee!

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