Hi
Been doing some reading and bought HE and zigbee sensors for security and alarm system.
Just wondering how reliable is zigbee with the mesh topology using main powered devices as repeaters.
Assuming using UPS for HE, what happens if someone cuts off the main power?
thanks,
Zigbee is extremely stable so long as you follow best practices (making sure your Wifi and Zigbee channels are as far away from each other as possible and having good repeaters and such).
As for using HE (or any automation hub) as your primary security system, you're going to get mixed opinions. My personal opinion is that I will not rely on a home automation device as my sole security system for the exact reason you have pointed out; If the power gets cut, your mains devices are going to go offline. You hub, even if it is on a UPS, is still going to try to communicate with devices, but if someone has gone to the trouble of cutting your mains power, your security system is really the least of your concerns.
As a "I have a security system" kind of thing, then a home automation hub is fine, but in terms of "real" protection, nothing beats a good, hardwired security system.
Maybe konnected in a UPS and the hub in a UPS with 2 internet connections with failover in a UPS lol
I've never dealt with a "hard wired" security, but doesn't it in some way be connected to hard line power, which would be down in the above scenario? Or is it just battery operated or something?
I myself use 2 UPS and I have a back up whole house generator for long term outages.
good point but I live in a rental,
Problem is we cannot force the Zigbee routing then we could use Anker Wall Charger+IKEA usb repeater?
edit: changed IKEA outlet to IKEA usb repeater
The last hardwired system (ADT) I had used came with a UPS and was hardwired to the telephone line. So, if the power went out, it would immediately phone out to alert the alarm company.
I have the same setup: 2 APC UPS units and a whole house generator for extended outages.
Ahhh I see.......ya I haven't had a hardwired telephone line in probably over a decade.....
The more repeaters, the better. That's pretty much the golden rule. But, just realize that if the power goes out, your Zigbee mesh isn't going to respond as well. So, if you are relying on a motion sensor 70+ feet from your hub, it's going to fail during a power outage.
One thing you could do is to get a few UPS backups and plug a few repeaters into them. That way, if the power does go out, the repeaters (critical ones, at least) will still have power.
RIGHT?! It still amazes me when people tell me they have a landline. LOL
Pretty much all alarm manufacturers support (and prefer) cellular connection for the alarm service.
Shows how long it's been since I've had a hardwired alarm service, huh? LOL
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