diff --git a/docs/getting_started/what_do_i_need.md b/docs/getting_started/what_do_i_need.md index 7cd9ba630..0e60d92f4 100644 --- a/docs/getting_started/what_do_i_need.md +++ b/docs/getting_started/what_do_i_need.md @@ -8,6 +8,7 @@ In order to run zigbee2mqtt we need the following hardware: | Downloader cable CC2531 | +-2$ on AliExpress | ![Downloader cable CC2531](../images/downloader_cable.png) | | [Supported Zigbee device(s)](https://koenkk.github.io/zigbee2mqtt/information/supported_devices.html) | - | ![Zigbee devices](../images/xiaomi_sensors.jpg) | | PC or Raspberry Pi to run bridge | - | ![Raspberry Pi](../images/pi.jpg) | +| Optional: Male to female USB extesion cable ([why?](../how_tos/how_to_improve_network_range.md)) | +-2$ | ![USB extension cable](../images/usb_extension_cable.jpg) | # What's next? [Flashing the CC2531 USB stick](flashing_the_cc2531.md) \ No newline at end of file diff --git a/docs/how_tos/how_to_improve_network_range.md b/docs/how_tos/how_to_improve_network_range.md new file mode 100644 index 000000000..bb3b45a40 --- /dev/null +++ b/docs/how_tos/how_to_improve_network_range.md @@ -0,0 +1,17 @@ +# How to improve network range. +In case you are experiencing an unstable or bad network range you can do the following things to improve your network. + +## Connect the CC2531 using an USB extension cable +The range of the CC2531 can greatly be improved when connecting it with an USB extension +cable instead of directly plugging it into the computer (e.g. Raspberry Pi). When plugged directly in the computer, the CC2531 antenna suffers from interference of radio signals and electrical components of the computer. Also be sure not to position the CC2531 too close +to any other radio transmitting devices (e.g. Wifi router). A USB extension cable of 50 cm is already enough to reduce the interference. + +## Reduce Wifi interference by changing the Zigbee channel +**NOTE: Changing the Zigbee channel requires repairing of all your devices!** + +As Wifi and Zigbee both operate on the same frequency space (2.4 GHz); they can interfere with each other. By using the correct Zigbee channel interference with Wifi can (partly) be avoided. There is a good article available explaining this: https://support.metageek.com/hc/en-us/articles/203845040-ZigBee-and-WiFi-Coexistence + +To change the Zigbee channel Zigbee2mqtt uses you have to set the [`channel` in `configuration.yaml`](../configuration/configuration.md). + +## Adding more routers to your network +In a Zigbee network, each router will extend the range of the network ([read more about this](../information/zigbee_network.md)). Almost all AC powered devices will serve as a router. In case you are searching for a powerful router, [the CC2530 is recommended](../how_to/how_to_create_a_cc2530_router.md). \ No newline at end of file diff --git a/docs/images/usb_extension_cable.jpg b/docs/images/usb_extension_cable.jpg new file mode 100644 index 000000000..e31eec7a4 Binary files /dev/null and b/docs/images/usb_extension_cable.jpg differ diff --git a/docs/index.md b/docs/index.md index 48ee0f265..63ce1ce2e 100644 --- a/docs/index.md +++ b/docs/index.md @@ -23,6 +23,7 @@ Welcome to the Zigbee2mqtt documentation! ### How tos * [How to support new devices](how_tos/how_to_support_new_devices.md) +* [How to improve network range](how_tos/how_to_improve_network_range.md) * [How to debug](how_tos/how_to_debug.md) * [How to support new devices on Hass.io](how_tos/how_to_support_new_devices_on_hassio.md) * [How to sniff Zigbee traffic](how_tos/how_to_sniff_zigbee_traffic.md)