INSTEON-compatible AccessPoint User’s Guide
ABOUT INSTEON
Understanding Why an INSTEON Network Is Reliable
INSTEON messages travel throughout the home via Powerline Carrier (PLC) signals on the existing
house wiring, and also via wireless Radio Frequency (RF). As the messages make their way to
INSTEON devices being controlled, they are picked up and retransmitted by all other INSTEON devices
along the way. This method of communicating, called a
mesh network
, is very reliable because each
additional INSTEON device helps to support the overall network.
To further ensure reliability, every INSTEON device confirms that it has received a command. If an
INSTEON Controller does not receive this confirmation, it will automatically retransmit the command up to
five times.
Further Enhancing Reliability
As signals travel via the powerline or RF throughout the home, they naturally become
weaker the farther they travel. The best way to overcome signals getting weaker is to
increase the coverage of the mesh network by introducing more INSTEON devices.
It is possible that TVs, PCs, power strips or other electrical equipment may attenuate
INSTEON signals on the powerline. You can temporarily unplug suspected devices to
test whether the INSTEON signal improves. If it does, then you can plug in filters, such
as SmartLabs’ FilterLinc
™
#1626 that will permanently fix the problem.
Using SmartLabs’ AccessPoint to Upgrade Your INSTEON
AccessPoints are ideal
Network
for improving signal strength and network
coverage throughout your home. In addition, two AccessPoints
provide a wireless path for INSTEON signals to travel between the two
separate electrical circuits, called
powerline phases
, found in most
homes. Without a reliable method for coupling opposite powerline
phases, some parts of your home may receive INSTEON signals
intermittently. With at least one AccessPoint plugged into one of the
powerline phases, and at least one more plugged into the opposite
powerline phase, INSTEON powerline signals will be strong
everywhere in your home.
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