I need to extend my Zigbee mesh but “don’t” want to buy new Zigbee hub…
I have a USB Sonnof 3.0 dongle to soon as possible install on RPI or similar (to expensive)… and start using it.
Its possible to flash to use It as Router and Hub at same time?
Theres some mini USB Zigbee repeaters I can buy if you say its a really good option
Or I may get wider range use this sonof 3.0 plus with antenna flashed to router and plug it on power?
You will find multiple threads on this topic. For me the most economic solution was to add powerplugs throughout the property. At about 10eu (then) a piece not bad and they also serve to control stuff too. One step further might be the plugs with power-monitoring at a bit higher price
But I donot know what you mean with extending or what challenges you have outside using your existing mesh
These work great for me as zigbee repeaters- ikea also seems to make multiple versions that work in almost every country depending on where you are, and they aren’t expensive. Many times they are in stock at the store too if you have one nearby.
The powerplug serves as a router since contiuously supplied with power…so it also extends the mesh if placed nicely. So in my place, all the exterior walls have a plug and that means I can reach the garden too
I really didn’t need the plugs either, and two of them don’t even have anything plugged into them. However, the minimal cost of the Ikea ones I linked above means that even if I don’t use them as outlets, they are still cheaper then buying most other zigbee devices and serve the purpose of acting as a repeater and creating a reliable zigbee mesh.
It probably wouldn’t hurt replacing those Tuya Wifi plugs anyway, especially if “many years old”. Those plugs need to integrate to the Tuya cloud or need Tuya local, and do not act as repeaters in anyway. Zigbee plugs would be 100% local.
Your zigbee network just won’t be reliable without some mains powered devices though. If you don’t need the plugs and need something else zigbee that is mains powered, like a switch, relay, or you really want a meter somewhere, that works too, but generally they will be more expensive then the plugs. If going the bulb route as mentioned above, be sure to double check if the zigbee light bulb can act as a repeater, as many don’t. I generally have not had luck with bulbs acting as repeaters.
I still don’t have HA running perfect… only install the server on a visual machine… Import the devices to and stop working with HA (need read the guides now) looks annoying now
But still don’t know the best option power plugs (probably will never use - or maybe just vacum cleaner sometimes)… Bulbs will not for me… Have all home with slim panel led…
So need other ideas…
Other thing… if I buy other wifi hub same as 1st post… and dont connect it to wifi, stil repeats zigbeee? to a wired Zigbee hub? (how can I control that?)
All of those devices are supported and should act as repeaters with zigbee2mqtt. Are you using zigbee2mqtt or zha? My thoughts are:
1- The device you are trying to “repeat” to has compatibility issues and is not 100% zigbee compliant. What is the device you are trying to get to work through the repeater? Is it an Aqara device? If so Aqara/Xiomi devices have multiple issues functioning with repeaters, and you either need a supported repeater or need a different device.
2- The device is still too far away and you need more repeaters in between, OR you need to setup another instance of zigbee2mqtt with its own zigbeestick/coordinator in the other location and use your lan/wifi to connect it back to the machine running home assistant. What is the range/distance to the device you are trying to get to from the repeater? What is the building’s construction like? There is a limit as to how far the signal will go, even with a repeater. Are we in the same building or is this an external building (like a garage)?
3- You have interference. Zigbee and Wifi 2.4ghz use the same bandwidth. You might need to change the zigbee or wifi channel to remove this interference.
Also, are any zigbee devices working? What does you zigbee map look like from zigbee2mqtt (you can post a screenshot)
