Controller Range

Community Playground Getting Started & Initial Setup
#1

Hi,
I have been studing this tecnology before I decide to buy it there is still a doubt. I have read everywhere about the process of inclusion and communication between nodes and controllers, buy what I do not know is the normal range (distance) a controller has and the range some slave enrouting systems have.

Simply the question is: What distance can controllers reach to send messages and control devices (without thinking of routing options)??

Thanks.

#2

The question may be simple, but the answer can be quite complex.

The distance that a Z-Wave signal can reach, under ideal conditions, is approximately 100 feet. However, due to the nature of radio frequency(RF) signal propagation, attenuation and interference the maximum distance of a Z-Wave signal is unlikely to go that far in the average home. In fact, a controller in one location might reach 75 feet, but the same controller in a different location might not reach 20 feet.

Things that impede Z-Wave signals include; steel (walls, studs, gang boxes, appliances, garage doors), concrete(walls, floors), stone, brick, and tile. Even people can impact a Z-Wave signal, so a weak signal might be adequate at one point but put a couple of people in the room and it begins to fail. Wood and drywall also impede Z-Wave signals, but to a lesser extent that is usually not a problem. There is also interference from other devices on the same or close frequencies like cordless phones, baby monitors, and lots of other factors.

As a general rule, I recommend that you plan on 30 feet being the extent of reliable signal range. On average, Z-Wave signals in most homes should be quite strong at that distance and it is usually a safe assumption for planning. Then if there are weak spots, you can fill them with additional nodes. Greater distances are certainly possible, but they are not assured.

#3

Thanks for the detailed answer!! Very well explained and I assume it is a good number to consider as good reception. Seems good to consider only 30ft