Wireless Interference - how to minimize & troubleshoot
Understanding what can cause RF interference
The gateway is the centralized hub which connects all of the connected devices to the abode services. It is extremely powerful and communicates wirelessly to various devices using three different secured protocols to communicate with devices (433MHz RF, ZigBee 2.4GHz, Z-Wave 908.4 MHz & Wi-Fi).
The abode security devices such as the door sensors, key fobs, keypads and motion cameras etc, utilize our proprietary RF 433MHz encrypted frequency or WiFi.
The gateway is the centralized hub which connects all of the connected devices to the abode services. It is extremely powerful and communicates wirelessly to various devices using three different secured protocols to communicate with devices (433MHz RF, ZigBee 2.4GHz, Z-Wave 908.4 MHz & Wi-Fi).
The abode security devices such as the door sensors, key fobs, keypads and motion cameras etc, utilize our proprietary RF 433MHz encrypted frequency or WiFi.
Our 433MHz RF has an extremely long range.
Both Z-Wave and ZigBee are used to support the various home automation devices which can have a range of over 100 feet, but different construction materials can affect their range considerably.
Wood and drywall is easier for signals to get through than a concrete wall, but it will not stop all communications. Placing your gateway close to the center of your home is important for maintaining the best range to all devices. If you have a basement, it’s best to locate the gateway on the first floor to improve range instead of placing on lower floors.
In most homes there are several wireless signals being used by various appliances and devices. The human ear is not capable of hearing them but some of your wireless devices can and the interference can affect them from operating properly.
Below is a list of some common wireless devices found in the home that can interfere with each
other.
Both Z-Wave and ZigBee are used to support the various home automation devices which can have a range of over 100 feet, but different construction materials can affect their range considerably.
Wood and drywall is easier for signals to get through than a concrete wall, but it will not stop all communications. Placing your gateway close to the center of your home is important for maintaining the best range to all devices. If you have a basement, it’s best to locate the gateway on the first floor to improve range instead of placing on lower floors.
In most homes there are several wireless signals being used by various appliances and devices. The human ear is not capable of hearing them but some of your wireless devices can and the interference can affect them from operating properly.
Below is a list of some common wireless devices found in the home that can interfere with each
other.
- Cell phones (including abode cell back-up)
- Bluetooth
- Baby monitors
- Wireless game controllers
- Some wireless remotes for stereos and TV’s
- Cordless phones
- Wireless weather stations and outdoor temperature gauges
- Wi-Fi access points (both yours and your neighbor’s)
- abode streaming cameras
- Microwave ovens
- Fluorescent lights
- Security systems narrow band (abode 433MHz RF, ZigBee & Z-Wave )
Most home automation devices use either Z-Wave, ZigBee, Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. When a wireless device has interference that is affecting its performance, there are a few actions
that you can take to help to lower that interference.
Move the device
Both ZigBee and Z-Wave have a limited operating range, whereas Z-Wave Plus offers better range.
that you can take to help to lower that interference.
Move the device
Both ZigBee and Z-Wave have a limited operating range, whereas Z-Wave Plus offers better range.
inside the home building materials in the walls a ceiling as well as some appliances and other interfering frequencies can greatly reduce this range. When this occurs, moving the device closer to the gateway can sometimes greatly improve the performance of the device, also moving the gateway/Iota close to the device can also help.
Move the abode gateway:
Although it may be convenient to place the gateway next to your internet router, a wireless type
router, 802.11 can interfere with ZigBee frequencies.
(Ethernet power line (PLC) adapters are great for extending your internet ethernet connection to
almost anywhere inside the home.)
The further away you can keep ZigBee wireless devices from a Wi-Fi router, the odds of interference will be lower.
Other 433MHz devices in the home can interfere with the abode 433MHz devices.
Various device in the home may operate on the 433MHz frequency. These devices are usually related to wireless weather transmitters for home weather stations. Temporarily removing the battery from the device that might be interfering with the abode device should stop the issue from occurring.
Move the abode gateway:
Although it may be convenient to place the gateway next to your internet router, a wireless type
router, 802.11 can interfere with ZigBee frequencies.
(Ethernet power line (PLC) adapters are great for extending your internet ethernet connection to
almost anywhere inside the home.)
The further away you can keep ZigBee wireless devices from a Wi-Fi router, the odds of interference will be lower.
Other 433MHz devices in the home can interfere with the abode 433MHz devices.
Various device in the home may operate on the 433MHz frequency. These devices are usually related to wireless weather transmitters for home weather stations. Temporarily removing the battery from the device that might be interfering with the abode device should stop the issue from occurring.
Add a repeater
A repeater repeats a specific frequency and they are available for ZigBee and Z-Wave. Typically you would place the repeater within 20 to 50 feet from the gateway in a location that would be between the gateway and the wireless devices. These repeaters act as a relay point, so a device
that is too far from the gateway can talk to a repeater that is closer, and the repeater relays the
messages back and forth to the gateway.
Most Z-Wave and ZigBee devices that are powered by electricity from your home such as home automation Power outlets, lighting dimmers and most wall switches have a repeater built inside. Because ZigBee and Z-Wave are two different wireless languages, a ZigBee device only acts as a repeater for other ZigBee devices; and a Z-Wave device only acts as a repeater for other Z-Wave devices.