How to tell if a device acts as a repeater

[mikek]

The rule of thumb seems to be that if a device is connected to AC power in one way or another, it acts as a Z-Wave repeater. But is there a way to confirm that feature on a specific device before purchasing? For example, I came across some documentation for the obsolete Aeon smart switch, where it plainly states "Repeats Z-Wave commands to other devices". However, I can't find any reference to that for the current version of that switch. Maybe I'm just missing it. I also don't see any repeater reference on the Homeseer HS-WS100+. Do I need to be concerned about that when shopping, or is it safe to assume that all AC devices, by default, are repeaters?

 

Thanks in advance.

[mwester]

It is safe to assume that if the device is AC powered, then it is capable of repeating.

 

Alas, it is NOT safe to assume that the device is capable of repeating *secure* z-wave signals -- that is something you'll need to confirm (and is necessary for at least devices that identify themselves as type "barrier", including door locks and garage door controllers).

 

Finally, there's nothing other than anecdotal evidence that will indicate how *well* it repeats -- for example, folks on this forum have pretty conclusively determined that the Aeon siren is actually a better z-wave repeater than the actual Aeon repeater!

[mikek]

It is safe to assume that if the device is AC powered, then it is capable of repeating.

 

Alas, it is NOT safe to assume that the device is capable of repeating *secure* z-wave signals -- that is something you'll need to confirm (and is necessary for at least devices that identify themselves as type "barrier", including door locks and garage door controllers).

 

Finally, there's nothing other than anecdotal evidence that will indicate how *well* it repeats -- for example, folks on this forum have pretty conclusively determined that the Aeon siren is actually a better z-wave repeater than the actual Aeon repeater!

Thanks for the reply. Is there any way to determine if a device is capable of repeating encrypted signals if it's not specifically listed on its datasheet as such?

[stusviews]

If is't not listed as supporting encrypted devices, then it doesn't. That feature is critical and wouldn't be omitted.

[Irakandjii]

If is't not listed as supporting encrypted devices, then it doesn't. That feature is critical and wouldn't be omitted.

 

I have found sometimes the reference to security (encryption) is unclear and it is optional.  Some products say Security 2 (or just S2) which is the security reference standard . 

 

All Z-wave devices repeat since it is a mesh network, but not all Z-wave devices support beaming which is needed when you want to control a battery powered device.  So if you have a door lock for instance, its nearest neighbour must support beaming.  I have learned that there are a lot of "older" devices that do not do beaming and therefore they do not work well with battery devices.  It is my understanding that Beaming was introduced with the series 300/400 SoC in or about 2012 and is now standard with those SoC's.   Hence it may not be specifically mentioned on the package now.  Perhaps others can confirm?

[lilyoyo1]

I have found sometimes the reference to security (encryption) is unclear and it is optional. Some products say

Security 2 (or just S2) which is the security reference standard .

 

All Z-wave devices repeat since it is a mesh network, but not all Z-wave devices support beaming which is needed when you want to control a battery powered device. So if you have a door lock for instance, its nearest neighbour must support beaming. I have learned that there are a lot of "older" devices that do not do beaming and therefore they do not work well with battery devices. It is my understanding that Beaming was introduced with the series 300/400 SoC in or about 2012 and is now standard with those SoC's. Hence it may not be specifically mentioned on the package now. Perhaps others can confirm?

There are too many devices to specifically say what features any given manufacturer will mention. From my experience, they do mention security and beaming (in different ways). I've seen it enough where if it's not mentioned, I'd look at a different product.