Zigbee® mesh network
The Niko Home Control Zigbee® network is a so-called mesh network. The wireless smart hub is the brain of the installation and the master junction in the network. All connected devices that are powered by the electricity grid with 230V are junctions that can communicate with each other. These are, for example, the connected switches, connected dimmers, connected switching socket outlets or smart plugs.
Direct communication between the wireless smart hub and every other device is unnecessary (such as in a traditional network), as the communication is sent through all junctions along the path. This guarantees a wide reach and strong signal strength, provided you install each individual junction close to the next junction (maximum 10 m).
Niko Home Control devices that are powered by a battery (such as the wireless motion detector and the wireless switches) can only send a signal to the closest junction, but cannot receive or pass on the communication. Therefore, you cannot use these devices to extend the network.
How is the Zigbee® network designed?
The wireless smart hub is the brain of the installation. The smart hub controls all other devices in the network. The connected Zigbee® devices on 230V pass the communication on from one to another. The battery-driven products send out a signal, but cannot receive or pass on the communication.
How are the devices added to the Zigbee® network?
To connect the Zigbee® devices, you must add them in the Niko Home app. In order to guarantee the optimal mesh network, you start with the device closest to the wireless smart hub and you continue until you have added the furthest device.
What do you need to watch out for in order to get a strong signal?
Place the Zigbee® devices a maximum of 10 m from each other. To create a reliable Zigbee® network, you always place several devices within this distance of 10 m.
Zigbee® devices do not affect the operation of devices with a remote control (such as TV, video or audio apparatus) or the operation of your internet network. The Zigbee® network actually uses a different frequency.
To ensure optimum operation, avoid placing the smart hub and the individual Zigbee® devices under a metal construction and keep a minimum 2 m distance from:
- a microwave oven
- a wireless router,
- another wireless (Zigbee®) device,
- a large volume of water (for example, an aquarium).
The reach of a Zigbee® device also depends on the materials used in the partitions in your home:
Loss of signal strength:
❶ Hollow partition with wood and plasterboard: 5-20% loss
❷ Brick and concrete: 20-40% loss
❸ Reinforced concrete: 40-90% loss
❹ Closed metal construction: 90-100% loss
