Having a stable and performant zigbee network requires a basic understanding of how zigbee networks function.
Zigbee is a MESH protocol. It relies on end devices of the mesh communicating with a central coordinator via zigbee routers.
In common parlance, end devices are things like battery powered sensors. Zigbee routers (also called repeaters) are devices that are directly plugged into the mains (i.e. in the US they are 120V devices). The zigbee coordinator is the hub, of which there can only be a single one in any mesh (so one hub per mesh).
Here’s a simple mesh demonstrating the function of all three types of devices:
A zigbee hub can connect directly with a set number of devices - in the case of Hubitat that number is 32. This number of 32 includes both end devices and routers/repeaters (fyi - @LearningHubitat).
However, through routers/repeaters, a zigbee coordinator/hub can connect to as many as 65535 devices.
A stable and performant zigbee mesh needs a large number of routers/repeaters. My recommendation is one repeater for every 4-5 end devices. In the sample mesh shown above, there are 8 end devices (pink) and 4 routers (purple). That's one repeater for every 2 devices. A ratio of 2:1 is even better than a ratio of 4:1 or 5:1, but from many years of maintaining multiple zigbee networks, I am comfortable with the ratio I've indicated.
Because zigbee routers can only repeat for the coordinator they are paired/joined to, the repeaters in your mesh will have to be paired directly to Hubitat - there’s no need for any other hub.
I’m happy to answer any further questions you may have.
Edit - As @hydro311 has indicated, zigbee repeaters are not uniform in their performance. I don't have any iNovelli Blues, but I have had other devices installed in gangboxes. In general, metal gangboxes can interfere with the performance of zigbee routers. Sometimes other devices within the wall can interfere with their function as well. So in general, plug in devices tend to function better as zigbee routers/repeaters.
I asked the question about it because when I went to look at this device for a repeater, it stated that Home Assistant or IoBroker was needed. I fundamentally understand the basics. Thanks for the additional information.
SONOFF Zigbee 3.0 USB Dongle Plus Gateway, Universal Zigbee USB Gateway with Antenna for Home Assistant, IoBroker, Wireless Zigbee 3.0 USB
I have a whole bunch of older Innr 224 & 234 plugs that are excellent repeaters. I have a couple Hue bulbs paired direct to my HE (not Hue), and although I didn't expect them to be, those bulbs are really strong repeaters too.
The Tuya USB dongles @aaiyar linked are very good as well - I have used those in the past. I have a few Aeotec Xi repeaters, and they are also consistently excellent, but the Tuya dongles are a much more economical choice, no doubt.
I ran the Zigbee Neighbors Map from Zigbee Map 3.0.0 and it is showing me to have 17 end devices and 20 repeater devices connected to my hub for a total of 37 devices.
I wonder if the map is correct or if there is something to the repeaters not counting or not counting equally?
If I remember correctly, the map can show devices that were previously directly connected to the hub but may not be at the moment. Giving the impression that there are more than 32 devices that are currently directly connected.
It's a great tool for giving an overall look at the mesh. In a good mesh, each device will have multiple paths back to the hub.
So, I re-paired mine again and kept the total device count below 25. By the next morning the Inovelli Blues now don’t work with the hub. So they work great for about 20 hours or so. Any reason for this?
I am in a new home, and want to set these settings before I even start fitting my Zigbee stuff. My problem is: I have no idea where these settings are in my Eero mesh routers. I just looked at the phone app and can find nothing. (I would far rather go in with a computer and a browser than use a phone app...)
Any idea where these settings may lay/lie, or information on finding them? Thanks in advance.
I have no experience with the Eero mesh system. My settings are accessed by entering the browser interface through my routers IP address then logging in as administrator. Under that the info is under advanced WiFi settings. I assume the Eero would have something similar but I don't know.
Do you have Eero Plus? If so, it's in the eero app -- "Router" -> "Wifi Radio Analytics". Otherwise, a wifi network sniffing app should be able find it.
I think eero always uses 40 channel-width on 2.4 (can't change to 20), but I've used eero with ST and Hubitat for 10+ years now, and haven't ever had zigbee issues related to that (ha, well, as far as I know!)
Eero seems to do a good job keeping itself deconflicted within its local RF environment. My eero's 2.4 is currently on 6 - I've seen it on 1, but never 15. My Hubitat is ch 25, and my Hue is on ch20 -- all wifi and zigbee devices are working tip-top.
