How to extend range of smartthings

[JDRoberts]

Both Zigbee and Z wave are “mesh” protocols which means that most mains-powered devices can pass along messages from other devices of the same protocol on the network. Not just the hub. So you extend the range just by adding more mains-powered devices of the protocol that you are trying to extend. These are typically in wall relays, pocket sockets, plug in motion sensors, and some light switches.

Read the following thread which discusses setting up zwave to cover a big house for the basic concepts.

FAQ: Create an all-around z-wave presence in a 4,000 sq ft home?

Is there a way to create an all-around “z-wave presence” in my 4000 sq ft home? My home is not just a two story block home. It is a one story, spread out “ranch style”, so it really covers 4,000 sq ft on horizontal terrain. What I want to do is create a z-wave mesh that is available anywhere in my home, similar to my WiFi system. (In the WiFi case, I simply distributed Unifi AP-Pro’s throughout the home so that all spaces are covered.) So . . . how can I do something similar with Z-wave? I don’t want to worry about NOT having a Z-Wave signal available. I just want it to be there when/if I need it. Any suggestions and/or words of wisdom?

Then read the next thread for issues specific to an outdoor building like a shed where the hub is in the main house.

FAQ: Getting a Z-wave signal into a metal building?

I have a detached metal shop that is approximately 10ft from my house. Line of site from the hub to the nearest device inside the shop is probably around 35ft and it’s going from a closet that houses all my tech (file server, router, modem, POE injector, home theater tuner, etc) through a wooden door, through a rock wall and finally through the side of the metal building. I have two garage door openers (GD00Z-4 & FS20Z-1) inside the shop that work, but are very inconsistent. I’ve installed an Aeon smart switch 6 that wasn’t being used on the outside wall toward the shop (interior of the house) then ran a zwave repair and that didn’t seem to help. I’ve looked into a Ethernet bridge but I fear I’m not smart enough to figure out how to set it up (they look incredible confusing). What woul…

Setting up a second hub inside the outbuilding as a second location is always the most reliable option because there are no concerns about weather. But it does make setting up the logic to coordinate the shed devices with the house devices somewhat more complicated. So it’s definitely an option, but it’s not usually someone’s first choice.