FAQ

How to isolate 2,4 GHz WIFI

Many smart devices only connect to a 2,4GHz wifi due to longer range and penetration. If you cant’t find your device, check your wifi network. Below are some tricks that can be used during setup, after which you can go back to your normal wifi. The device itself learns to communicate with 5 GHz devices.

 

1.    On your router (default URL 192.168.1.1) rename either the 2,4 GHz or the 5 GHz network and connect to the 2,4 GHz WIFI

2.    Disable (while setting up) your 5 GHz WIFI on your router. Refer to the router's documentation for how to do this.

3.     On a Mesh WIFI, you will often find a setting to temporarily use only the 2,4 GhZ wiFi. Ater setup, the device will connect to the right wifi even if they have the same name.

3.    On some devices (your phone) or with third party tools, you can force a 2,4 GHz connection even if both WIFI have the same name. If you have a phone or tablet supporting only a 2,4 GHz, this may be the easiest way (only needed for setup)

4.    Use a 2,4GHz repeater for setup (same details as router). When done, you can remove the repeater and the device will find the right wifi from your router.

 

Selling a smart home incl. Smart setup and devices

You can change eWeLink account email, the only problem is that new user will need to use your WiFi Sid and password (not necessary the same router but the same Sid and password)

WiFi vs. Zigbee

WiFi and ZigBee both have their positive qualities, but they obviously come with negatives. What you gain in bandwidth with WiFi is lost in battery power and operability, and what you gain from ZigBee's energy efficiency you lose in range and bandwidth. So like any decision based around link budgets, understanding tradeoffs is crucial.

 

Wireless Range

Both WiFi and Zigbee smart devices operate wirelessly which gives them greater convenience and simplifies installation. WiFi and Zigbee devices run on 2.4Ghz frequencies, which offer greater range and permeability through walls and doors. However, because they run on the same frequency, they may interfere with one another should multiple devices be placed adjacent to one another. Therefore, the best smart home systems which incorporate devices of the two protocols organize components in a non-disruptive, linear manner.

 

Devices that run on WiFi have a considerably farther range than Zigbee, being able to communicate and operate from 30 meters and up to 100 meters. On the other hand, Zigbee devices have a range of only about 20 meters. However...

 

Type of Network

The type of network a system uses determines how each device is connected to the central hub, which serves as the control unit for all the connected components. Smart home systems primarily use two types of networks: star and mesh networks.

 

What is the difference between star and mesh network

In a star network, each device communicates directly with (and only with) the central hub. If a device is out of range of the central hub, that device will not be part of the network.

A mesh network allows each device in the network to operate as a repeater and pass the signal on to another device. This allows mesh networks to be more versatile. They can cover greater distances and even work around obstacles.

 

WiFi utilizes a star network and its devices all connect to a WiFi router. Alternatively, Zigbee devices use a mesh network and connect to one another to reach a Zigbee hub. With the mesh network, a smart home system with Zigbee devices is able to sync more coherently and enjoy a wider range of connectivity as a whole. It is important to note that Zigbee devices running on batteries do not behave as repeaters and cannot pass signals onto another device.

 

Power Consumption

Speaking specifically about power consumption, WiFi systems tend to consume significantly more power than Zigbee counterparts. On the other hand, ZigBee-based networks generally consume only about 25% of the power of WiFi networks. Zigbee devices run on ultra-low power, compared to WiFi, and consume energy at the microampere levels. ZigBee's battery life is a major plus over WiFi, lasting months on end and considerably longer than WiFi devices, and needs to be strongly considered if your endpoints will run on batteries

 

Speed and Bandwith

Devices that run on WiFi, whilst they consume more power, also are able to transmit more data faster than Zigbee. Most networks have a maximum data transfer speed of 11mbps, making it perfect for full HD, live video feed. Zigbee protocol has much slower speeds than WiFi, with only 250kbps data transfer speeds. Because of this lower transfer speed, Zigbee devices can consume minuscule amounts of energy.

 

Interferences

WiFi devices are more prone to interference and more likely to be rendered inoperable. For one, WiFi that connects directly to your router places significant data strain on your WiFi and internet connection. This may likely lead to lower internet speeds or poorer WiFi connection if too many devices are connected via WiFi and the load is too severe. Additionally, Wi-Fi devices depend on multiple internet clouds for operation. If the manufacturer chooses to stop working, this may render your WiFi devices obsolete.

 

Alternatively, Zigbee devices are less likely to experience such difficulties. With a central Zigbee hub all the data are processed locally and does not rely on the cloud. For you, this means no strain on your existing WiFi network and your smart home components remain fully functional even if the manufacturer chooses to stop. Furthermore, with Zigbee, even when the internet is down, you can still control your smart home. Zigbee does not rely on the internet and devices operate normally as long as the hub is connected. Not to mention, your smart home can work just that much faster if you connect your phone or tablet locally!