This video describes how and why it is important to perform a Zigbee channel scan during a Waved installation. Zigbee and Wi-Fi are both networks that exist in the 2.4 gigahertz frequency range. Therefore, it is important to configure the Zigbee sensor network to a channel within that frequency range where it is not in conflict with any nearby Wi-Fi networks.
When there is a Zigbee network and a Wi-Fi network on the same frequency, the Zigbee network usually suffers. A scan of several Zigbee channels is performed to find the best one for the waved sensor network. When the scan is complete, a list of the different channels and their respective link quality is displayed, and the installer can choose the channel with the highest quality.
When performing a Zigbee channel scan, a specially programmed Waved sensor, often referred to as a “channel scan sensor”, is used. This sensor is programmed to continuously connect to nearby Zigbee networks and report the link quality. A normal Waved hub is used to cycle through different Zigbee channels and test each one. After cycling through all relevant Zigbee channels, a report of the scan results is created, and the installer can determine the best option. To obtain the most relevant scan results, the channel scan should be performed somewhere in the area where waved sensors will be placed.
To perform a channel scan, open the “hubs” tab in the installation view in the Waved application. Identify the desired hub to perform the scan from and press the “Zigbee setup” button. If the desired channel is already known, a Zigbee network can be created without performing a scan. Otherwise, press the “Channel scan” button. Before starting the scan, the channel scan sensor should be turned on and placed between five and ten meters from the hub. Press start and wait for the scan to finish. The recorded link quality measurements will be reported continuously during the scan.
When the channel scan is complete, the average link quality is shown for each of the channels. The values can range between 0 and 255, where higher values are better. Switch off the channel scan sensor and press the “form network” button. The channel with the best link quality results is preselected, but it is possible to choose another channel if necessary. When the desired channel is selected, press the “form network” button. The hub will form a Zigbee network on the desired channel, and the network is opened for connecting sensors. Press “continue” to complete the channel scan process.
In summary, a Zigbee channel scan is performed before creating the waved sensor’s network. The channel scan is performed to improve the sensor network’s connectivity and range, and is an important tool for a successful Waved installation. A special channel scan sensor is used together with a waved hub to measure the network link quality for all relevant channels, before selecting the best channel.