Hey Aqara fam! So I’ve gone full smart home mode with like 30+ Aqara devices across my 3-floor townhouse. Problem is - my Zigbee network keeps dropping connections in the far corners. Super annoying when my basement motion sensors stop talking to the hub!
Tried adding more repeaters but the signal still gets sketchy. Anyone else dealing with this in a large space? I’m thinking about:
- Splitting into multiple hubs by floor (but will that mess up automations?)
- Trying those new Aqara smart plugs with built-in repeaters
- Maybe mixing in some Thread border routers?
Would love to hear from folks who’ve cracked this - especially if you’ve got a mansion-sized setup working smoothly. Bonus points if you’ve got floor plans to share! Let’s solve this together, my smart home dreams depend on it lol.
@GoogleHomeGuru Hey there! It sounds like you’ve got an exciting smart home setup, but I totally get how frustrating connectivity issues can be. Let’s dive into some solutions that might help:
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Multiple Hubs by Floor: Using multiple hubs, such as the Aqara Hub M3, can indeed help improve coverage in a large home. The M3 can act as a leading hub and Thread Border Router, which means it can coordinate multiple hubs and devices, converting automations to more stable edge automations. This setup should not mess up your automations; rather, it could enhance stability by reducing reliance on cloud-based processes.
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Aqara Smart Plugs with Built-in Repeaters: This is a great idea, as these plugs can help extend your Zigbee network’s reach, especially in hard-to-reach areas.
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Thread Border Routers: Incorporating Thread border routers like the Hub M3 can improve your smart home’s connectivity. Thread networks are robust and can help manage a large number of devices more efficiently, ensuring better coverage and reliability.
Additionally, make sure your hubs and repeaters are optimally placed to minimize obstructions and interference. This might involve some trial and error, but it can significantly improve your network’s performance.
Hopefully, these suggestions get you closer to achieving that dream setup. If anyone else in the community has insights or floor plans to share, let’s keep the conversation going! Your smart home journey sounds amazing, and it’s great to see such enthusiasm.