Nexia Home Intelligence

Installation Tips & Suggestions

Scouting a Residence & How Z-Wave Works

Updated through v2.6 release

Scouting a Residence

If you installing the Nexia solution, one of the most important tasks prior to
installing the Nexia Home Intelligence system into a home is understanding the
size, shape, and layout of the home.

Nexia Home Intelligence

Scouting a Residence

Knowing where each component of the solution is going can help you troubleshoot
potential range issues, and the need for more Z-Wave Nodes / devices
Based on the fixed position of the locks,
thermostat, & Bridge, where is the best
place to put this Light Module (node) for
use as a repeater? And, is it needed?

Nexia Home Intelligence

Scouting a Residence

The Nexia Home Intelligence system works by utilizing the Nexia Z-Wave bridge
to allow internet enabled devices (phone, tablets, laptop) to communicate with
various types of Z-Wave devices (or nodes) n the home.

Nexia can also communicate directly with some Wi-Fi devices in the home and
does not need the Nexia Z-Wave bridge device to translate those commands.
Those devices speak directly with the Wi-Fi router in the home.
Speaks
Product Type

Z-Wave

Wi-Fi /Ethernet

Z-Wave
Repeater

Non-Z-Wave
Repeater

(AC Power)

(Battery Powered)

Schlage Wireless Deadbolt / Lever Locks

XXX

XXX

Schlage or other Z-Wave Lighting

XXX

XXX

Trane Z-Wave Thermostats (400B / 500B)

XXX

XXX

Schlage & Other Z-Wave Sensors

XXX

XXX

Trane ComfortLink II

XXX

American Standard AccuLink Platinum ZV

XXX

Cameras

XXX

Powerhouse Dynamics / eMonitor

XXX

Nexia Home Intelligence

How Z-Wave Works..

Just like Wi-Fi, certain factors that can affect the signal strength of a Z-Wave
signal within the home, and potentially cause interference and the reliable
functionality of the Nexia Home Intelligence system.
Its important to understand how a Z-Wave network actually works.
Z-Wave transmits on the 908MHz wireless frequency.

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How Z-Wave Works..Antennae & Z-Wave Paths

Each device in the Nexia Home Intelligence system uses antennae to send and
receive Z-Wave signals.
The device shape, size, and antennae orientation play a role in the coverage of
the system within any given house.
Because Z-Wave works on the 908MHz frequency, other 900Mhz devices such
as some baby monitors pose a potential to cause interference.

Nexia Home Intelligence

How Z-Wave Works..

Z-Wave is a wireless technology,
similar to WiFi or Bluetooth.
Z-Wave operates on the 908Mhz
frequency.

Products must be independently

tested to carry the Z-wave logo.
However, just because a product
is Z-Wave authorized doesnt
necessarily mean it will work on
the Nexia System.

Products by different Z-Wave

manufacturers should work together
in the same system.

Z-wave is considered a mesh

repeating network.
Each new electrically powered
device provides an additional
communication path, which
should strengthen the overall
network.
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The more nodes in a network,

The stronger it becomes!

How Z-Wave Works..

If each green dot below is a Z-Wave device, this demonstrates how

the system would communicate.

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Scouting the Residence

As the residence is scouted, its good to understand where Fixed location devices
are, as one or multiple Repeaters may be needed to extend the signal path.

Tip: Fully enroll this device (all devices within direct reach of the bridge) FIRST, then
enroll the outlying devices.

Thermostat
Location FIXED

Environments which may reduce signal distance:

Signal paths through metal structures (kitchen)
Stucco exterior (wire mesh)
Metal studs
Lead backed mirrors
Steel Refrigerators

Lock location
FIXED

Bridge
location
FIXED

Nexia Home Intelligence

Scouting the Residence

The average line of site is 60-75 feet, but can vary dramatically by
Z-Wave device type and manufacturer.

Thermostat Location - FIXED

Computer Room - FIXED

10

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Scouting the Residence

If the bridge can not communicate to a device, then you might need to
add another appliance module to strengthen the network.

Bridge
Appliance Module
Additional module /
Repeater

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Nexia Home Intelligence

Scouting the Residence

The thermostat can also act as a repeater between the bridge and other devices,
such as the appliance module and lock shown in this example.
Additional note: Even though Z-Wave is a mesh network and repeats, ZWave can only make 4 total hops across device to device, before the
signal degrades.

Bridge

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Lock or
Appliance
Module

Scouting the Residence

If the bridge can not communicate to a device, then you might need to
add another appliance module to strengthen the network.
Battery powered devices will not repeat. (Locks/ Sensors)

Bridge

Additional module /
Repeater

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Locks will not

repeat to other
locks.