WiFi networks

[MalcolmS]

Under Setup / Network / Wifi Settings there is a long list of available networks in double quotes. Why? Are you supposed to be able to pick from that list? I have 20 listed, and many of them are listed twice or three times. Why is that?

[ewkearns]

I don't see that [my HS4 system is cabled], so I'm gonna guess. You are probably seeing every network around you... yours, your neighbors, etc. Some may be duplicated if the WiFI router is capable of using more than one band. I see about 20 with my cell phone, but the vast majority of them are not on my property and are secured. Can you communicate with your hub?

[MalcolmS]

Thanks. The question was more why HS shows me a list of SSIDs and why are there multiples? It doesn't make sense as they are not selectable.

[ewkearns]

Well, this is odd!

[wallee]

Never use WIFI on a home automation system. It’s a single point of failure.

[MalcolmS]

Never use WIFI on a home automation system. It’s a single point of failure.

Confused. So how does HS communicate with WiFi devices like LIFX bulbs?

[ewkearns]

Apples and Oranges. Best practices would have a wired connection between your HSx server and a wireless router. Your wireless router forwards commands through a WiFi connection to the LIFX bulbs. Your computer isn't talking directly to the bulb. The "backbone" of your network really should (IMHO) be cabled. Are you looking in the router (through your computer) and finding a gazillion networks? In a populous area, that is pretty much normal. Are you seeing these networks in the LIFX plugin [I'm not familiar with it.]

[MalcolmS]

Apples and Oranges.

??

Are you saying we shouldn't have this option?

Best practices would have a wired connection between your HSx server and a wireless router.

My HS device has both

Your wireless router forwards commands through a WiFi connection to the LIFX bulbs. Your computer isn't talking directly to the bulb.

I get that. Except it isn't but that's another issue for resolution later.

The "backbone" of your network really should (IMHO) be cabled.

It is

Are you looking in the router (through your computer) and finding a gazillion networks? In a populous area, that is pretty much normal.

Agreed. My question was why is HS setup listing these and why is it listing them multiple times? It just seems pointless. They are not selectable. I've raised with HS support.

Are you seeing these networks in the LIFX plugin [I'm not familiar with it.]

LIFX comms are routed through a 2.4 GHz SSID. That *is* listed. I currently have HS connecting to a dual-band SSID and I can see it connected (at 5ghx)

[ewkearns]

OK, I don't have the options that you have. Since my computer is cabled to:

1) the WiFi modem (which is broadcasting both 2.4 and 5 GHz Wifi) and serving up DHCP and DNS
2) my Z-Net for Z-Wave
3) my RaspBee for Zigbee

DHCP options are not presented to me, except in the router, nor am I presented with different bands and SSIDs outside of the router. I don't really understand the topology of your network.

I think the big thing is that if your HS4 is talking to the WiFi router at 5 GHz and the bulbs are at 2.4 GHz, that amounts to 2 different SSIDs, unless your router can sync the two bands (and you have done so). I suspect that if you use 2.4 GHz for everything, things will connect. Most WiFi doo-dads like switches and dimmers are designed to ONLY use 2.4 GHz.

[MalcolmS]

I suspect that if you use 2.4 GHz for everything, things will connect.

I thought so too but already tried that. No luck