I transitioned my C5 to C8 using the migration tool. That all seems to have gone well.
I primarily purchased the C8 with the hopes that its improved Zigbee communications would help me maintain connections with some of my more distant Zigbee device locations.
Before I migrated, I checked the LQI numbers on my C5 using the getChildAndRouteInfo URL link. The LQI numbers were high 200s for most of the devices with a few in the 75 range.
After migration, I checked the LQI numbers on my C8. The LQI numbers were decidedly lower. I'd say just a bit more than half the C5 number. Now the highest LQI I have with the C8 is 154 which is from a device that was 254 with the C5.
Now, it could be that the C8 has a different strategy for determining the LQI numbers, however, I'm a little concerned that I've not been able to find any documentation on the LQI numbers. I have not yet found a support discussion about low LQI numbers post migration so it may just be me, the C8 I received or some setting I'm overlooking.
Just to address the obvious, the new C8's antennas are all vertical in position and tightly fastened. The new C8 is in the identical position as the previous C5 and none of the locations of the Zigbee devices were changed.
Has anyone experienced this? Is there any reason for concern?
Yes, many people have reported this. Prior to migration my LQIs were in the 230+ range. Now mine are generally much lower. However, my incost and outcost numbers are all 1 - which is as good as it gets. Though I don't think there has been a definitive statement the consensus seems to be this is a reporting difference rather than a real difference.
Guys, for what it's worth..maybe not much?
In working with EFR32MGxx chipset devices(Inovelli Blue Dimmer, Nwere Tuya USB repeater) I have noticed the LQI numbers are much more conservative, as compared to older TI & Silabs Zigbee chips.
The devices work fine despite the lower reported LQI
I have also noticed this phenomenon.
Actually, as I have mentioned in another post, what we really need on the Zigbee side is the same thing as what Tony Fleisher did on the zwave side - a full analysis spreadsheet of the entire mesh and the route of each device.
Thank you all for your responses. I think once a greater degree of in-field experience is reached with the C8, we'll hear more about its strengths and weaknesses and possibly its LQI numbering strategy.
