Table of contents
What is Zigbee
Zigbee is a communication protocol commonly used in home automation. A network based on the Zigbee protocol is characterised by:
- Low price of devices
- Low power consumption
- Mesh topology – each device connected to the mains supply strengthens the signal
- Separation of communication from Wi-Fi
Note: The functionality is available for gateway firmware version at least 5.111.
Device types in the network
Coordinator – The unit responsible for passing information to and from devices. Only one coordinator is possible on a network. It manages security on the network and creates the network.
Router – A device connected to a mains supply, there may be multiple routers in a network. Their purpose is to amplify the signal, mediate communication between devices and may allow other devices to join the network.
End devices – This is a battery-powered device, so it cannot amplify a signal. It sends and receives data but does not mediate communication between other devices. Requires a coordinator or router and is unable to operate independently.
Adding devices
Note: Adding Zigbee devices is available only in the Home Center 3 gateway.
To add a device:
- Open the Configuration interface.
- Go to: Settings > Devices > All/Zigbee.
- Click
. - Adding a device can be done in two ways:
- Using the Installation Code and MAC Address. You just need to enter the data into the appropriate fields and check “Use installation code”. Adding a device in this way will prevent other devices from joining the network.
- Click “Start adding”. Zigbee network will open for 180 s, during this time more than one device can be added.
- Once the addition process is complete, the devices will be visible in the Devices > Zigbee menu.
Note: Each Zigbee device enters pairing mode in a slightly different way, most often this is done by holding down a button or otherwise physically manipulating the device. Please refer to the manufacturer’s documentation.
Removing devices
Removal of the device by sending a request:
- Open the Configuration Interface.
- Go to: Settings > Devices > Zigbee.
- Click on the trash icon , next to the device you want to remove from the system.
- Click “Send leave request”. For battery operated devices, you need to wake them up before starting the removal process.
Forcing removal of the device (recommended in case of a damaged or malfunctioning device):
- Open the Configuration Interface.
- Go to: Settings > Devices > Zigbee.
- Click on the trash icon , next to the device you want to remove from the system.
- Click „Force remove”.
Questions and answers
- The device has a weak network signal. It may be too far away from the coordinator or router device. Try repositioning the device to improve the range.
- Low battery voltage. This can also happen when the device reports 100% battery. Try replacing the battery.
- The device is connected to the network via a router that has difficulty supporting Xiaomi/Aqara devices. Known brands of devices that have this problem: Centralite, General Electric, Iris, Ledvance, OSRAM, Sylvania, SmartThings, Securifi.
- Battery devices wake up at fixed intervals to receive messages addressed to it. During the configuration process, the coordinator sends several requests to the unit to identify the manufacturer, model, supported endpoints, clusters and perform other configuration activities. During configuration, the process can be facilitated/accelerated by physically waking up the device e.g. by pressing a button on the housing every 1 or 2 seconds.
- Some devices poll for messages addressed to them very infrequently. Even every few tens of minutes. After sending a removal request, it is worth waking up the device e.g. by pressing the button on the device’s casing or triggering an action, e.g. opening the door window sensor.