Hello everyone, I’ve been exploring the use of Philips Hue lights as Zigbee repeaters to extend the range of my smart home setup. This feature is mentioned on the Philips website, but I’ve been curious about how effective it is, especially with different types of Hue products. Here’s what I’ve discovered and some tips for others considering this setup.First, I started with a basic Hue bulb, and it worked wonders as a repeater. The signal strength improved significantly in areas where coverage was previously weak. However, I wanted to test if this works with other Hue products like wall lights and ceiling fixtures. After some experimentation, I found that most Hue devices, regardless of their type, can act as repeaters. This is great news for those looking to maintain a cohesive design while enhancing their network.One thing I noticed is that not all Hue products are created equal in terms of their repeater capabilities. Older models seem to have slightly less effective range compared to newer ones. If you’re in the market for new lights, I’d recommend looking into the latest Hue offerings, as they tend to provide better performance.Another tip is to strategically place your Hue devices. I’ve found that positioning them near areas with weak signal or between different parts of the house maximizes their effectiveness. It’s also helpful to use the Philips Hue app to monitor the network health and ensure all devices are connected optimally.For those planning to integrate multiple brands into their smart home, using Hue as repeaters can be a seamless way to bridge different ecosystems. Just make sure your Zigbee network is stable before adding too many devices to avoid overloading the system.Overall, my experience has been positive. The Philips Hue lights not only enhance my home’s aesthetics but also play a crucial role in maintaining a reliable smart home network. If you’re considering this setup, I highly recommend starting with a few Hue bulbs and gradually expanding based on your needs.Happy smart home tinkering! 