Zigbee Repeaters

[bgt432]

I am looking to install the Drayton Wiser system in a very old, large timber framed house (Wi-Fi signals don't bounce around well).

We are planning 12 remote thermostats, and know we will need repeaters; I read somewhere these can communicate with each other and propagate the signal repeater-to-repeater.

1. Is this the case?
2. Is there a significant drop-out rate? (I have used TPlink ring main powerline adapters with little success regarding stability)
3. Is there a maximum number of repeaters allowed?

[StewartT]

I use a couple of them in hard to reach dead spots in our Victorian and thick-walled house and they do the biz. BUT you want to think a bit more strategically about the WiFi. I presume you will want connectivity for streaming and the freedom that wireless gives. I invested in a mesh system (TPLink Deco) that serves me very well in this respect. 

[bgt432]

As I understand it, the "Smart" plug communicates with the Drayton hub via a Zigbee network. This wireless format is different and independent of one's "domestic" WiFi for streaming, internet etc. etc.

The Drayton hub is sort of multi-lingual in as much as it communicates to and from the domestic WiFi (for human interface) and can propagate its own instructions via the Zigbee network to the TRVs and smart plugs (sort of Drayton to Drayton interface).

I know from experience that the "penetration" of the domestic WiFi is poor in this house, so much so, that I have had to run an ethernet cable to the other end of the house and connect to another router to have some kind of coverage throughout (I think it's due to non reflection of signal through thick oak beams and wattle and daub walls).

So, if the closest plug to the hub acquires the signal, does it pass it on to the next, and the next, and the next without significant loss of strength? As long as there is no limit to the number of plugs the hub can accommodate (and budget not being a barrier), can I be assured of connectivity to all 12 TRVs?

[bgt432 · Accepted solution]

No solution. Resolved calling Tech Services.

Note to self - don't bother with forums.