Decide in advance where to install TBR or TME devices. Note the device locations and type on the floor plan. See figure below.
1 | Separate TBRs are useful in case SEDs are in detached obstacle areas (isolated rooms) with high damping effect, where they can hardly be reached from outside. |
TBR |
| TME |
| SED |
|
Planning grid |
| Obstacle area |
|
|
|
Consider the following:
- TBRs are slightly more expensive than TMEs.
- TBRs require 230 V power and an Ethernet connection.
- TBRs expand the Thread range via Ethernet to Thread connection, similar to WLAN access points.
- The Thread network requires at least one TBR.
- Max. 20 devices (SEDs and TMEs) can be connected to a single TBR.
- TBRs render your Thread network more robust due to a direct Ethernet connection to the Northbound system. This means:
- TMEs do not increase latency nor hops.
- Ensure no obstacles are in the line of sight of the Edge gateway (interference, strong damping due to concrete, metal, or fire protection doors).
- TMEs only need one 230 V power socket.
- TMEs expand the Thread range via Thread-to-Thread connection, similar to WLAN repeaters.
- The maximum recommended number of hops in a Thread system is 4, or 3 TMEs between a TBR and an end device. See also 'Hops between TME devices'.