I get what you’re saying about mesh networking, but honestly, I’ve had mixed luck with Zigbee and Z-Wave in my place (built in '58). Even with repeaters, some sensors just drop off for no reason. Sometimes I wonder if it’s interference from all the old wiring or maybe just too many devices fighting for signal. Anyone else notice WiFi sensors actually working better, even if they’re not as “smart” about relaying?
I’ve run into the same headaches with Zigbee, especially in certain corners of my place (built in the early 60s, so probably similar construction). Even with a couple repeaters, it’s like some sensors just give up and disappear off the network. I do think the old wiring and maybe even thick plaster walls mess with the signal. Funny enough, the WiFi sensors I tried haven’t dropped once, but then again, they chew through batteries way faster for me. Guess it’s always a tradeoff... reliability vs. battery life.
- Ran into the same thing with sensors dropping off, especially in rooms with thick plaster or those old metal mesh lath walls.
- Even tried moving repeaters around—sometimes it helps, sometimes it’s like the signal just hits a dead end.
- WiFi sensors do seem more reliable for me too, but yeah, battery life is a joke compared to Zigbee.
- Ever thought about trying Z-Wave? I’ve heard mixed reviews, but supposedly it handles interference a bit better. Worth a shot, or just another headache?
Those old plaster and mesh lath walls are brutal for any wireless signal—been there plenty of times on jobs. Zigbee’s mesh is usually solid, but like you said, sometimes it just hits a wall (literally). I’ve had mixed luck with Z-Wave, honestly. In a 1920s bungalow, Z-Wave sensors worked a bit better through thick walls than Zigbee did, but the difference wasn’t night and day. Setup was kind of a pain—more expensive too.
I always double-check placement first: try to get the hub as central as possible, then add repeaters in outlets closest to the trouble spots. Sometimes moving one just a couple feet makes a difference. Have you checked if your repeaters are actually relaying the sensors in those rooms? Some brands have weird quirks where not all devices act as repeaters.
For what it’s worth, I’ve even run low-voltage wires for power to WiFi sensors in tough spots—just so I’m not changing batteries every month. Not pretty, but it works. Out of curiosity, what brand of sensors are you using? Some play nicer with certain hubs than others...
Funny, I’ve actually had the opposite experience with Z-Wave in my place. My 1950s ranch has this weird metal mesh in the walls and Zigbee seems to punch through a bit better for me, especially once I tossed a few cheap repeaters in. Z-Wave sensors were a pain to pair and honestly, the range wasn’t much better—plus, like you said, they cost more. Maybe it’s just the quirks of old houses, but I’d take Zigbee any day if I can avoid WiFi sensors and all that wiring hassle.
That’s interesting—my experience has lined up pretty closely with yours. I’ve got a mid-century split-level (built in ‘59) and the walls are basically a Faraday cage thanks to all the old-school lath and wire mesh. I started with Z-Wave sensors because everyone online swore by their range, but honestly, I had nothing but headaches. Pairing was a chore, and I still had random dropouts at the far end of the house, especially if I closed a few doors. Not to mention, the price tag on Z-Wave stuff adds up fast if you’re doing more than a couple windows.
Switched over to Zigbee last year after a friend suggested it, and the difference was obvious. Like you said, toss a few cheap repeaters in (I used those IKEA outlets—ridiculously affordable) and suddenly things just worked. I still get the occasional hiccup if I unplug a repeater by accident, but overall, the network’s been way more stable. I do think the mesh setup helps a ton, especially in older homes where signal just doesn’t travel in a straight line.
WiFi sensors were a non-starter for me, too—too much battery drain and I didn’t want to clog up my router with a dozen little devices. Wiring everything was out of the question unless I wanted to tear up my plaster walls, which… no thanks.
I guess it really does come down to the quirks of your house. Some folks swear by Z-Wave, but for those of us with these older builds, Zigbee seems to handle interference better. Only real downside I’ve hit is the occasional compatibility issue between brands, but nothing that couldn’t be solved with a little tinkering.
Curious if anyone’s had luck with thread-based sensors in these kinds of houses yet. I keep hearing good things, but haven’t tried them myself.
Funny you mention thread sensors—I’ve been tempted by all the hype, but haven’t pulled the trigger just yet. I’ve got a 1960s ranch with similar “bunker” vibes, and even Zigbee can get a little weird if I move a repeater or stick a metal shelf in the wrong spot. I’m curious if thread would actually cut through all the interference, or if it’s more marketing than magic. If anyone’s tried them in a house with thick walls and metal mesh, I’d love to know if it’s worth the switch... or if it’s just another round of troubleshooting waiting to happen.
I’ve wondered the same thing about thread, honestly. My house was built in ’57 and has those thick plaster walls with metal lath—basically a Faraday cage in places. I tried Zigbee and WiFi sensors, both flaked out when I moved stuff around or closed a heavy door. I haven’t tried thread yet, but I’m skeptical it’ll be a magic fix. Anyone actually seen a big difference, or is it just a new protocol with the same old problems?
My place is a ’49 build with similar walls—metal mesh everywhere. I was pretty skeptical about Thread too, but honestly, it’s held up better than Zigbee for me. Not flawless, though. The sensors in the back room still drop out if I close both doors, but overall I’ve had fewer headaches. Maybe it’s just the luck of where my router sits, who knows…
That’s interesting—my place is late ‘50s, and the walls are just brutal for signal. I’ve tried both Zigbee and Thread, but honestly, I can’t say Thread’s been that much more reliable for me. Sometimes I wonder if it’s less about the protocol and more about where the repeaters or border routers end up. Have you tried shifting any of your powered devices to see if that helps with the dropouts? I’m still not convinced there’s a one-size-fits-all fix for these old houses with so much metal in the walls...