+8 votes
by (3.5k points)
So I’m curious.  as it stands today, I have a number Philips Hue bulbs, TP-Link switches, MyQ garage and a few other things here and there.So I’m curious. as it stands today, I have a number Philips Hue bulbs, TP-Link switches, MyQ garage and a few other things here and there. This might seem like a pretty dumb question but, when using a SmartThings Hub, do all of your devices still connect via WiFi and then to SmartThings or can they all connect directly to the SmartThings hub? I don’t have SmartThings yet and am currently just connected via WiFi and using Alexa. I’ve been considering getting SmartThings for awhile now.  
So I’m curious.as it stands today, I have a number Philips Hue bulbs, TP-Link switches, MyQ garage

5 Answers

+3 votes
by (2.1k points)
The architecture of the device doesn't change so it will function the same way no matter how you have your home designed. So in this case, it connects to wifi like normal and then on the backend it gets commands from smartthimg.  
by (3.5k points)
@chavira ok thanks. That’s what I was trying to figure out. I wasn’t sure if maybe it’s like a take the load off the router and put it on the SmartThings hub instead. But nothing would change in terms of connecting. It’s just the SmartThings hub would handle all of the automation.  
+2 votes
by (4.4k points)
You could look into zigbee devices to take some strain off your WiFi.  
+5 votes
by (4.6k points)
Unless you’re experiencing slow internet speeds, WiFi devices don’t use nearly as much as people on here like to vilify them to. I mean we are talking KBs in a day.  
by (4.6k points)
Also I caution everyone regarding going with a locked down platform. All too often - they fail and then you’re left with useless hardware. Perhaps dive into Home Assistant if you enjoy tinkering and enjoy your stuff working without threat of a company killing the system when they choose.  
by (12.1k points)
@sudor48 Zigbee and Zwave will run locally even when your ISP is down.  
by (4.6k points)
@lixivium3 as long as the app doesn’t need the internet to work. I’ve seen places require the device to go through an internet service, to the server then to the local hub. My recommendation is always to flash WiFi devices with esphome or tasmota so you don’t have to worry about that. Better solution
by (12.1k points)
@sudor48 For the majority of ST users, flashing is more than they want to learn/do. Some routers limit the device count to 32. The Wi-Fi vs Z is a point if we will just have to agree to disagree. Personally, my router will handle 255 devices. Again most users are not looking to spend the money on a high end router often opting to rent a cheap router from their ISP.  
by (4.6k points)
@lixivium3 fair enough. All routers even cheap ones should dole out 254 IPs. So that shouldn’t be an issue for anyone. But hey to each their own.  
by (620 points)
Routers can dole out tons of ips but wifi iot shit uses older standards and can force a slower connection for all devices.  
by (4.6k points)
@camarena how is that? I don’t believe that’s true.  
+5 votes
by (950 points)
ST is not compatible with a lot of WiFi devices as I am finding out as a new ST user and I am very frustrated after getting the $300. 00 after tax Hub/mesh ST system !  
by (12.1k points)
@sonja Wait. Are you getting the smartthings Wi-Fi with the built in hub? Get a stand-alone ST V3 hub. Wi-Fi technology improves every couple of years. If you get the ST Wi-Fi then you’ll have to start over to setup SmartThings if you upgrade your router.  
by (950 points)
@lixivium3 I have already bought the All in one Hub / Mesh system , It’s to late . but thanks  
by (12.1k points)
@sonja sorry to hear.  
by (950 points)
@lixivium3 At thus point I am just sitting back taking a break from it all and debating on selling it and calling it all good , I’m frustrated !  
by (950 points)
@lixivium3 I may feel better about it all after I sit back and take a break from it . Thanks !  
by (12.1k points)
@sonja Home automation should be an enjoyable hobby. Albeit an expensive one. I enjoy creating new automations especially WebCoRE pistons. I was an Iris user which Lowe’s shutdown. There was an initial steep learning curve because SmartThings isn’t exactly plug and play. It was initially designed for users that like to develop/code. It is becoming more user friendly yet still keeping the developers that like to code happy. If you are looking for a set it and forget it system , then only use the new app with no custom device handlers or third party smart apps.  
by (950 points)
@lixivium3 I am sure once I really get into it I will be ok , it’s just not what I expected as far as basically having to start over completely , I was hoping to be able to use what things I already have an ad on later but that’s not the case .  
+6 votes
by (2.5k points)
I looked at the compatibility list and done a massive u turn. This is my list. Tell me I'm wrong. Nest heating Ring doorbell Phillips hue IKEA tradfri Tp plugs Tp bulbs Smart life plugs Smart life bulbs Sonoff WiFi stuff Echo's Google mini's Samsung smart TV Fire sticks Chrome casts.  
by (3.5k points)
@excrescence well I went a totally different direction that I never thought I’d do. I just ordered Hubitat. I’ll be able to ditch the Philips Hue hub and have localized function. My TP-Link HS200 switches will be replaced with z-wave just not sure which ones yet. I just need rockets without all of the dimming and all of that. Might replace my thermostat as well but starting here for the sake of not totally killing the bank account yet.  
by (2.5k points)
@salisbury I totally understand why you want everything on one hub but you can see I'm not a eggs in one basket kind of guy.  
by (950 points)
@excrescence My list is like yours Nest heating , Nest Protects smoke and carbon detectors , Ring Doorbells , MyQ , Sylvania Osram WiFi bulbs , Smart Life bulbs and plugs , fire cube , fire sticks , echo show , echo spot , echo dot , Google home and just bought the Smart things Wi-Fi mesh / Hub and the only thing out of this list that’s compatible with it is the ring doorbell‘s go figure !  
by (2.5k points)
@sonja so what you going to do? Replace everything?  
by (2.5k points)
What about ifttt? Can smartthings trigger non compatible equipment with that.  
by (3.5k points)
@sonja I just read about that and the article talked about how the SmartThings mesh system could mean trouble later down the line because of WiFi standards changing. Meaning, you’d always be stuck on an old standard so when you want to replace it, your devices might not work anymore like you want them to or something along those lines.  
by (2.5k points)
@salisbury I think your talking about WiFi 6. I think what we will end up with Tri band routers/AP's. Going from history we won't see WiFi 6 in all devices just high end.  
by (950 points)
@excrescence I’m not sure yet !  
by (950 points)
@salisbury ya that’s what I hear .  
by (3.5k points)
@excrescence not entirely true. Mobile devices are already using it.  
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