So i am looking at extending the zigbee network further into the back garden.
There’s a motion sensor in the garage that i use for security, but it sometimes loses connection because of the bad signal.
The garden is full of Hue lights (like 8 of them) And there’s a hue plug in the garage… Those work all fine; but are all on the Hue zigbee network (so do not repeat any signal for the ST network where the motion sensor is on).
What’s the easiest way to do this? Of course i could always add one of the Hue lights to the ST hub to act as repeater… but i kinda want them to stay connected to the Hue Hub.
Already looked at waterproof Zigbee sockets… but the options are limited. I am now looking at putting a cheap Ikea socket / hacking it up and putting it in a waterproof box somewhere in the garden along the wall as a “Deciated Zigbee network extender”
Suggestions are welcome
Besides… tinkering and having an excuse to buy more stuff is always fun 
Most mains powered Zigbee devices act as extenders in this sense.(they are usually referred to as “repeaters“ because you get more range because they can repeat the signal for other devices.)
For outdoor use, it is quite common to just put a outlet protectant box around an existing outlet and then use any inexpensive repeating smart plug you like. What country are you in? The device selection does vary. There are many different brands of these boxes, but typically you should be able to get them for less than €10. Just don’t get one that is metal or blue plastic as they tend to reduce signal. Other colors of plastic are usually fine.
Otherwise you have to look for a outdoor rated smart plug.
(The Hue outdoor motion sensor battery which was suggested won’t help: it’s a battery powered device and not a repeater. It should have the same range as your other Zigbee sensor and doesn’t repeat for other devices)
Do not try to use a hue bulb as a repeater: you will not be happy with the results.
FAQ: Are Smart Bulbs Repeaters? (Updated 2019: the new answer is yes, but may be inconsistent)
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Yeah, the Hue outdoor sensor mentioned above wont do anything for the extension of the network.
Thanks for the tip about the Hue bulb not to be used as a repeater 
A few minutes ago i walked into the garden with a ikea outlet plugged into an extension lead. I placed it in the middle of the garden and the motion sensor inside the garage was found instantly.
Time to get some more ikea plugs; and put 1 in a waterproof box in the garden.
Will post some pics once it’s done!.. should be a fun project.
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Many light bulbs are repeaters, however some of them are not good repeaters. Also they need to be on constant load, not on mechanical switches
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