What is the range of my controller, and can I extend it?
A: Approximately 25 to 30 feet. “Yes, you can extend the range” is the quick answer. “it depends” is probably the more accurate answer.
Keep in mind that Ezlo and Vera controllers use up to four wireless communication systems: Z-Wave for most non-camera devices, Wi-Fi for wireless cameras, Zigbee for added versatility, and VeraLink for Nortek’s 2GIG Radio Frequency devices.
The range for cameras may be different to the broadcast range of door and window sensors.
Wi-Fi – The range is the same for every device. If you can use a laptop or smartphone with Wi-Fi from a particular location, then your Wi-Fi camera will also work there. When needed, you can add a Wi-Fi range extender to get cameras working outside the normal Wi-Fi range. A general rule of thumb in home networking says that WiFi can reach up to 150 feet (46 m) indoors and 300 feet (92 m) outdoors for 2.4Ghz frequency. 5 GHz bands can reach approximately one-third of these distances.
Z-Wave – the “official” range is about 100-feet (30-meters) but it depends on the materials in the way of the devices. Certain obstructions will decrease the Z-Wave range:
- Each wall or obstacle (such as refrigerator, big screen TV, etc.) between the controller and a Z-Wave device will reduce the maximum range by approximately 25-30%.
- Brick, ceramic tile, granite, concrete walls, metal walls, mirrors and smoked glass block Z-Wave signals more than wooden walls, plasterboard (drywall) or clear glass/plastic.
- Wall mounted Z-Wave devices installed in metal junction boxes will suffer a significant loss of range (approximately 20%) since the metal box blocks a large part of the Z-Wave signal.
- All Z-Wave devices that plug directly into an AC wall power outlet, such as dimmers and smart switches, act as “repeaters”. You can also buy a repeater as a standalone accessory device. If a Z-Wave device does not appear to be communicating with the controller, try plugging in a repeater approximately halfway between the device and the controller.