My Hubitat Hub C-8 is not responding to remote access about once every 3 to 5 days. All Hub functions are not working. The green light remains on and solid

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1

I am experiencing Hubitat Hub C-8 errors: “Network Error - There was a problem connecting to the hub. Make sure the hub is connected to the network and try again”, “Failed to get Dashboard Data Hubitat API; the response has code: 404”, “Hub is unresponsive”, “Could not connect to server” and many other errors.

I get these errors when I attempt to remote access my Hubitat Hub C-8. In addition, the Hub functions (routines) are not working. This condition occurs about once every 3 to 5 days. When Hub is unresponsive (the green light remains solid and ON).

I notice this condition when randomly attempting to remote access my Hub via local (WIFI) or iCloud from my iPhone 16 mobile app or local (WIFI) from my MacBook Pro computer. I am unable to check on device status, perform version updates, check ZigBee connections, or adding sensors, etc. No power, internet, or WIFI outages have occurred. I have rebooted my iPhone and MacBook Pro computer with no luck.

I also have an annual mobile Remote Admin account. I have established a static ip address for the HUB: 192.168.254.25. Mac address: 34 E1 D1 81 BA 0B. My Access password: Hotjava$1.The platform version is 2.4.3.123 (up to date).

The purpose of this Hub is to MONITOR 12 water leak sensors (Third Reality) and CLOSE a water valve when moisture is detected at any sensor and SEND and PUSH notifications to me. Also, I use Safety Monitor for battery level for each device, and security notifications are sent for levels below 10%.

To fix the problem, I have discovered, I remove the hub power source (I do not remove the ethernet cable connection) and then restore hub power after 30 seconds. The Hub then reboots on its own. I am then able to remote access the Hub from my iPhone mobile app (iCloud or Local WIFI) or from my MacBook pro (Local WIFI). All Hub functions have been restored.

To be overly cautious, I again reboot the Hub using my remote admin connection. The remote access and Hub functions then work as intended for the next several days.

It is obvious, the Hub must demonstrate reliability for water shut-off operation in the event of any sensor moisture detection. I need to have the capability to know if there is a water leak and can restore water remotely. When I am not present at the Hub location for an extended period, I need to know that everything is working.

What is the problem that is causing me to lose remote access to the Hub and how do I fix it? If new Hub is needed, can you help me move my Hub data to a new Hub (routines, apps, notification routines, network data, static ip, sensors registrations, Zigbee, etc).

Thank your help with this matter.

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Go into Settings and Network Setup then Ethernet Speed. If you are set on Auto Negotiate change it to 100 Mbps. If you are on 100 then change it to Auto Negotiate.

Sometimes depending on your Internet the hub fails to negotiate the speed correctly and the UI seems to lock up. I had a very similar issue and this solved my problem.

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First thing to do is reboot again with the advanced option to rebuild the database. When you pull the power and perform a unclean reboot you can potentially create a corrupt DB and that can cause a variety of issues.

When this issue occurs can you get to the diag menu. This is done by going to the hubs IP on port 8081

Are you using the power adapter that came with it?
Are you using POE?
Does you network use Jumbo Frames for anything?
Have you had any power outages and is the hub on a UPS?

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Thank you for your suggestions.
I have change network speed to 100 mps.
I have advanced rebooted. It has been three days since my last reboot with latest version. There have been no communication or power outages since. I have copied db.
Today, the hub C-8 again has failed, I have no access, routines are not working. The network and power add no outages, green light is on and solid.
Do I need to replace hub?

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With your rules not working it definitely means it is deeper than just the UI locking up. I will have to let someone with more knowledge than me comment on what it could be.

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Are you using the power supply that came with it?

Are you using POE?

Does your network have junbo frames on?

Is the Hub on a a UPS?

If it got in a bad state and you pulled the power, make sure you rebooted again with that advanced option to rebuild DB. You will want to do that any time it isn't shutdown/rebooted cleanly.

Could you get to the Diag menu when it was locked up?

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I have decided to replace the Hub C-8.
I have backed up DB settings, device info, Zigbee info, etc.
Tomorrow, I will attempt to register new Hub C-8 and download the backup DB and hope it all works. Any things I need to know about the download process, please advise.

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Did you go to a C8 Pro, or just another C8.

It has been found a times the C8 and earlier hubs can be memory constrained depending on your personal setup. That may not be the case as nothing has been stated about cpu resources, but if you are going through the effort of upgrading it may be worth discussing.

Do you have Hub protect to backup your zigbee and zwave radios, otherwise those don't come over with a general save/restore.

Other then just changing the hardareware what indication do you have that simply swapping it out will fix your issue. If the root of the problem is a zwave/zigbee device or a rule/app problem the problem will just move with the migration,

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I ordered the Hubitat Hub C-8. Yesterday and subscribed for Hub Protect and cloud backup. I have performed one more backup to be sure I have Zigbee data. Today I will register new hub, perform reboot and download. Do I have to delete the old hub and also set up static up address for new hub before I download?

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probably didnt need a new hub if using poe as asked as that is known to cause issues you describe.

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I would suggest you return the C8 and get a C8 Pro instead. If you are already struggling with the C8 that will atleast eliminate the resource limitations as being possibly related. Since the C8-Pro is a upgrade you can use the migration tools to move up to it.

You don't have to do anything with the old hub. I would just do a final back for the migration and then turn it off and leave it alone. That is so it can be a fall back if the change over doesn't go as smooth as you would like.

What do you mean when you say static up. Do you mean a reserved IP. Then you may want to update your configuration so the new hub can be the same ip. That will help if you have stuff that talks into it if it is set on those remote systems/devices.

You still haven't answered most of the questions i have asked. I am skeptical at this point anything will be fixed with the new hub.

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My modem does not provide POE. Can the Hubitat Hub C-8 Pro accept POE ethernet connection instead of a using the separate power connection?

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Currently, no HE device can be powered via POE, neither the C8 nor C8Pro (nor any earlier devices). They accept power over either microUSB, or USBC connectors only.

That said, numerous folks use POE adapters, to power their hubs, but the C8Pro is a bit more sensitive, and can have Zwave issues depending on the a adapter used - Procents seem to work well - See: PoE and the C8 (with extensive testing)

I'm not sure I entirely understood your question, but the POE status is accurately described above - For power, no POE natively, and sensitive to the adapter used, but the hub can use a POE cable for it's ethernet connection, it will just ignore the power lines of the RJ45, and is solely powered by it's USB female connector.

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I already have the C-8 Pro.

To review, I have 11 water sensors (newly purchased third-reality) and one Leak Smart valve. I use the basic rule app to open the valve whenever water is detected and send me a push message and text in the Hubitat mobile app. I also monitor battery level and send message if below 10%.

I have backup data to cloud and local. The hub is connected to internet via both Ethernet and local WiFi. All systems and apps work as expected when tested. I have followed all advice provided by community, e.i., rebooting, extensive testing, no solid state power supply switches, no static ip address, changed speed to 100 mbs, etc.
My internet source speed is 900 mbs.

The PROBLEM is about every 2 to 4 days, the Hub’s rule apps, control functions, remote access, remote admin stop working. Hub is unreachable. The green light remains on and not blinking.

I must be able to remotely receive system status On or Off and control the valve.

Is the problem with this physical Hub?
Or, is it in the apps or devices?
Or, possibly in internet or power source?
Is the problem happening from home solid state WiFi or Zigbee controlled switches (plugs) or lights?

I have purchased another C-8 Pro but I am not confident I should migrate data without knowing what the cause of the problem is.

Is it possible for someone who has more knowledge in investigative science of hub infrastructure to contact me directly. I will gladly reimburse for time spent to fix this problem.

Robert

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I don't know if this is a contributing factor or not, but the hub cannot be connected to both ethernet and wifi -- the one doesn't & cannot serve as a backup / failover for the other.

The hub needs to be set up for just one or the other, and ethernet is always preferable. If able to keep the ethernet, the disable the wifi setup in Network Settings.

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This was asked earlier, but I never saw a reply, when things lock up, are you still able to get to the "diagnostic URL" - Which is http://your-hub-ip:8081 ? Does that actually display anything or do you still get a timeout?

As to what is the problem, it could a number of different things - It's unlikely that a Zigbee or Zwave issue could take out the entire hub GUI - Some bad device, could take out it's respective "Z-network", and block rules or even control - But that still should not block local web access to the hub.

After you reboot, what are you seeing in the hub logs - That would be my 1st place to start looking for clues to narrow this down. - I would also make sure you have Jumbo Frames disabled on the local router/switches - That's a "sudden hub killer" that somewhat behaves like your describing..

And as per @hydro311 suggestion - Your should just have one IP interface, and overall wired ethernet is always preferrable to any wireless protocols, assuming you can place the hub where you want/need it.

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Thank you for helping. I will change Hub for Ethernet only. I will check on Router Jumbo Frames and disable as necessary. I will attempt to access Hub if it is in failed state using 8081. I will reboot and let you know if Hub stays up for 5+ days.

As for the Hub logs/events, there has never an alert for the crash, only acknowledgement of my startup and subsequent reboot. Thank you for the 8081 link.

I will report when Hub fails again and if I am able to access via 8081.

Thank you, :pray:

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Not sure if noted above, but after completing the backup from the existing hub, both shut it down and unplug it. Radios are still on even when the hub is shut down, so to avoid any potential for issues unplug your old hub after shutting it down.