The devices page for my Z8 hub has a column labeled DNI, which I assume means Device Network Id. It shows all my Zigbee IDs as well. I just bought my first (of many) Zwave devices (a dimmer outlet) and added it to my system, and the DNI shows "06". I really want to be able to identify this device from any others but 06 doesn't tell me much. The device details page has a ton of data about the outlet. Why isn't this (deviceid:65293) being shown under DNI column? Is that deviceid unique to that manufacturer/device?
deviceId ≠ DNI. Zwave device DNI's start with 06 and go up from there. If you delete a device, that number is not recycled, the next device added will not use that number, but instead increment the last number.
Look in the Device Info section on the Devices detail page...DNI=Device Network ID
Yes, the mfg / deviceType / deviceId combination can be used to determine the device. It will be the same for all devices of the same make/model.
For example, I can tell you have a Minoston MP21ZD Z-Wave JS Config DB Browser
The DNI is the node number on the z-wave radio. If you go to the z-wave details page you will see it listed there by the node ID. The hub uses the DNI to link the "device" on the hub side to the node on the z-wave radio side, same thing the DNI is used for in Zigbee. Except Zigbee has a unique DNI per every device (like a MAC). Z-Wave just assigns the node IDs sequentially when you pair the device so it is somewhat random.
If you are looking for something unique to only your singular device for Z-wave, the only thing that might work is the serial number, IF the driver you use captures and saves it in the device data. Many do not, as it is typically useless.
Thanks for the great info.
I was having a problem mostly with devices that are portable, like outlets. I use some outlets to control my Xmas lighting and then I reuse them in summer in the backyard. With zigbee, I wrote the last 4 digits of the zigbee id on the device to track how it's used in Hubitat. I just got some Zwave dimmer outlets (no zigbee available?) and wanted to identify them physically if I move them around. Guess I'll write the last 4 of the serial on them.
DO NOT USE ZWAVE DEVICES THIS WAY. PLEASE! A stable mesh is based on the fact that zwave devices do not coma and go. Use WiFi or maybe Zwave LR, as it is hub/spoke rather than mesh.
I have two zwave plugs I remove after holidays but I also have a strong mesh. For a small mesh you would be best off leaving them plugged in year round.