I have one Z-Wave node that is on the outer limits of signal strength. It is not a LR capable device (older ZEN21). Its node number is x50, 80 and has a -91dB RSSI. It is the weakest node in my network (although I have a few at -88, -89 as well). See table below...
I put in a ZAC38 repeater in between the device and the hub. The repeater is shown in node x51, 81. After doing a rebuild I was surprised that a hopped route didn't appear in the route entry for node x50, I thought I would get 01 -> 51 -> 50 as the new entry.
Isn't -91dB a weak signal that should be trying to find a hopped route rather than direct?
Don't know if you have external antenna, but you could fiddle with the.
Or maybe move the hub around, while not going crazy.
Or maybe a new switch and pair it LR.
Not sure yet, some inconsistencies but jury still out. I just noticed the RSSI being very low and found that odd. I should have mentioned its a C8-Pro so has external antennas.
I know from my early days in cellular data there would be an exit threshold where we would jump to a better channel if the signal (actually PER) dropped below that threshold (but above it we would stick around). This helped reduce endless hopping (signalling loading) and battery burn when the channel was good enough. I think WiFi has similar concepts. Anyway I just presumed -91dB was at the questionable end of the signal strength level such that it would try to find a stronger route via a hop. I guess however it is designed such that the device feels -91dB is adequate and no need to find a hopped route.
My situation is compounded a bit as in Chicago, where I am, the electrical is all in metal conduit and devices in metal junction boxes. So tough on RF side.
