Access Points -2443

[jwagner010]

I have an old system which includes a number of 2443 Access Points.  The vast majority of my devices these days are dual band as I have replaced devices that have failed over the years.  Should I still use the Access Points in my system?  1) Do they provide benefit and I should just leave them?;  2) Do they provide no benefit but they provide no harm either so just leave them?  3) Similar to 2 do they provide no benefit but they provide no harm but just remove them to save on power? 4) Do they actually contribute to more comms noise to the system and so better off without them?

[paulbates]

Unfortunately there is no "one size fits all answer".  You may have some locations with single band devices where the access points are helping to over come line noise sources or signal suckers. Unfortunately there are no views in the ISY that shows device to PLM performance metrics, to measure the change made by unplugging the access points.

 

I would try removing them, one at a time, and evaluate what happens.

 

Here is an example of what I did: I used to have 2 access points and now I'm down to one. I unplugged them, one at a time and gave it a week or 2 for observation. For 1 of the 2 access points, I noticed no difference and got not complaints from the family. So its retired. However, for the other one in my garage, one of 2 iolincs would occasionally throw a message for the ISY 3am device query when the access point was removed. While I never had actual performance problems with the programs that the iolinc supported, I decided to leave that access point in place.

 

 

Paul

 

[jwagner010]

Thanks will slowly remove them and see what happens

[Techman]

I have an old system which includes a number of 2443 Access Points.  The vast majority of my devices these days are dual band as I have replaced devices that have failed over the years.  Should I still use the Access Points in my system?  1) Do they provide benefit and I should just leave them?;  2) Do they provide no benefit but they provide no harm either so just leave them?  3) Similar to 2 do they provide no benefit but they provide no harm but just remove them to save on power? 4) Do they actually contribute to more comms noise to the system and so better off without them?

 

The access points provide better RF coverage than a KPL or other wall mounted switch because the antenna is not obstructed. Other devices which provide the same benefits as access points are the dual band ON/OFF modules and the dual band LampLinc modules.

 

If you have any RF only devices, such as motion sensors, door sensors etc, then you'll probably benefit from having externally mounted dual band devices.

[Teken]

Like others if you're able to confirm your Insteon network is reliable and consistent using the 4 tap beacon test. Ensuring you perform the 4 tap test in all zones to validate its so. You can start removing the AP one at a time to save on energy consumption.

 

Older Insteon hardware had a constant draw of 0.60 to 2.14 watts depending on make, model, and production year.

 

With a Insteon site with 100 devices that's approx 100 watts consuming energy you have absolutely no control over in normal circumstances.

 

For me energy management is top of mind which allows me to meet my consumption targets . . .

[stusviews]

All dual-band device (Access Points are dual-band) increase reliability and range of the Insteon network. All dual-band device Insteon devices use power 24/7, most serve a dual purpose. Access Points do not. If you don't need them, yank them out.

 

BTW, I went from needing six Access Points to none with no decrement in performance, including the detached garages.