2413U? Dual Band? Powerlinc w/RF….

In a discussion on the 2413U, in the Perceptive Automation forums, Indigo’s Author (Matt Bendiksen), has indicated that he believes that the 2413U does indeed save an “hop” on the Powerline network, and “is even faster than the 2412U in some cases”. Of course, he did include the obligatory Smiley with the note.

But this makes sense, currently the 2414U & 2412U transmissions look something like this:

Hop 0: Computer sends signal to controller
Hop 1: Controller sends signal to PowerLine network
Hop 2: Access point receives signal, and retransmits it to other Access points
Hop 2.5: Other Access points receive signal and retransmit the signal in their regions.

Now, with the 2413U, it is suggested that the flow would be something more like:

Hop 0: Computer sends signal to controller
Hop 1: Controller sends signal to PowerLine network & RF Network
Hop 1.5: Access points receive signal and retransmit the signal in their regions.

Yes, Hop 1’s powerline transmission maybe enough for the signal to trigger the unit… But the RF transmission still occurs..

Also, think about RF devices sending insteon signals:

Step 0: TriggerLinc sends signal
Step 1: Access point receives signal
Step 1.5: RF Signal is boosted, and retransmitted (for other Access points)
Step 2: Access Points retransmit the signal, on the powerline
Step 3: Controller receives the signal

Now with the 2413U, I suspect it would be closer to this:

Step 0: TriggerLinc sends signal
Step 1: Controller receives signal // Other Access points receives signal
Step 1.5: RF Signal is boosted, and retransmitted (for other Access points)
Step 2: Access Points retransmit the signal, on the powerline

Yes, the other steps occur, in case there is another device linked to the wireless device, but the point is that the controller will have the signal at Step 1 or Step 1.5. Whereas the 2414U, or 2412U would need until step 3 to receive the signal.

These Dual Band units will be a boon to Insteon & Home Automation assuming that they live up to their potential.

I expect to be receiving my 2413U around Christmas… So expect to see a review around then…