Assistance with inital SmartThings setup needed

[JDRoberts]

@dar124

Thanks I’ll read over that link. And after thinking about it for a bit, having a separate device that controls all the “SmartThings” in my house might be good. And as a bonus it would give me more flexibility with choosing devices going forward.

In that case…

What hub should I get? (2019)

Looking to get a ST hub, not sure what my best bet is. I have some Arlo cameras and a ring doorbell, and will add some plugs etc. any advice as to what I need to start? Am I better off to get the WiFi hub or the normal hub?

And read the following faq. Start with post 11 in that thread, then go back up to the top and read the whole thing:

A Guide to Wireless Range & Repeaters

One more thought. While I understand the marketing reasons for the decision, the fact that SmartThings gives customers zero guidance on how to set up a network backbone does lead to a lot of frustration that shouldn’t have to exist. if people knew that .1) The hub should be located centrally in the home, both vertically and horizontally. Don’t put it in a garage or basement as those have concrete and pipes and metal objects which will reduce signal. If your Internet router is off in some inaccessible corner, you can use a Wi-Fi access point that has a ethernet port on the side and plug into that. Also, the hub should not be put in a cabinet. You just want to make it as easy as possible for signal to spread around your house. .2) you need one device that can repeat about every 40 feet…