How to Build a Reliable Zigbee Network

Wiki How-To
1

Hi everyone,

I’m in the process of setting up my Zigbee network and could use some guidance. Here’s my current setup:

Hub: Aeotec SmartThings Hub

  • Devices:
    • Sonoff sockets (plugs)
    • Sonoff Mini switches (no neutral, so they’re end devices)
    • Various sensors
  • Wi-Fi: Eero 6 mesh system (which includes a built-in Zigbee hub)

Home Details:

  • Size: Approximately 2,150 square feet (200 square meters)
  • Construction: Concrete walls

I’ve done some research, but most information isn’t specific to SmartThings.

I’ve checked the advanced settigns and the Aeotec hub is set to Channel 24. – Also, i know the Eero system doesn’t allow manual Wi-Fi channel adjustments, I’m concerned about potential interference.

So my questions are:

  1. Is Channel 24 optimal for my SmartThings Zigbee network, or should I consider changing it?

  2. Are there extenders or repeaters fully compatible with SmartThings that you’d recommend?

  3. Would integrating a dedicated dongle, such as the Sonoff Zigbee 3.0 USB Dongle Plus, improve reliability, or is it unnecessary?

Any insights, recommendations, or experiences you can share would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance for your help!

2

Zigbee channel 24 overlaps Channel 11 in the 2.4Ghz spectrum. You might get interference if you’re Wi-Fi is using that channel.

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Spectra-of-multiple-wireless-technologies-in-the-24-GHz-ISM-band-The-colors-indicate753×359 23.1 KB

I believe @JDRoberts had a guide to building a reliable Zigbee mesh, but I can’t seem to find it at the moment.

2 Likes
3

Thanks for the response, @h0ckeysk8er!

Actually I found this post by @JDRoberts A Guide to Wireless Range & Repeaters - #11 by JDRoberts, which offers a lot of great ideas and insights. But since it’s a bit old, I wondered if there might be new gadgets available or updates to the hub.

Also, my current setup is fairly basic, with around 4 switches and a couple of motion sensors, but I’m thinking ahead as I might be adding more devices.

4

I’ve got the eero mesh system also, mine’s the original which I purchased summer of 2018.

There are a couple of free WiFi Analyzer apps that will let you see what channel your eero has selected. Mine is on channel 6 so it’s not affecting my ZigBee net on its channel 24.

Any of your mains-powered ZigBee devices are going to function as repeaters. With a few exceptions only battery powered devices don’t repeat in order to conserve their battery.

My preference for filling in gaps is wired outlets such as the ones made by Jasco and sold under the GE or Enbrighten label.