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How do I set up my Zigbee network?
Learn how to set up a Zigbee network and what steps are required for setup and troubleshooting.

How do I set up my Zigbee network? 

In this article you will learn step by step how to set up a Zigbee network and how to connect and configure your devices in this network and how to deal with possible errors.

Please read the article first: "What is Zigbee and how to use it" to find out more about the structure and elements of a Zigbee network.

Contents

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  • In urgent cases, you are welcome to call our hotline. We are available for you Monday-Friday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.  

How is a Zigbee network set up?

A Zigbee network is essential for the operation of Zigbee devices and must be set up once. This is comparable to a WLAN network into which your computers and smartphones/tablets are integrated.  

You can find out what a Zigbee network is and which components are required in this article

However, please note that each device can only be connected to one Zigbee network at a time. This is different from your computer or smartphone.

The following steps are required to set up a Zigbee network:

  1. Setting up the Zigbee control center

    Set up a Zigbee central unit (also known as a Zigbee hub or Zigbee coordinator). Examples are Philips Hue Bridge, Amazon Echo Plus, but also iluminize controllers and actuators. These also act as a (functionally very limited) Zigbee hub if you do not have another Zigbee hub. 

  2. Installing devices and lamps

    Install your Zigbee devices and lights and switch them on. 

  3. Reset the controllers and actuators (optional)

    If your device was previously connected to another Zigbee network, reset it to the factory settings (iluminize controller/actuators: press the Prog. button 5 times)

  4. Activate search mode on the control panel

    Start adding devices to the Zigbee central unit (activate search mode)

  5. Start connecting the devices

    Activate the connection setup on your Zigbee device. Follow the operating instructions for your device. We recommend connecting and configuring the devices one after the other.  This will help you keep an overview, especially if you have many rooms, devices and controls.

  6. Checking the connection

    If the connection is successful, the connected devices or lamps will signal this by flashing. Check the relevant instructions to see if the process was successful.

    Note: some Zigbee control centers expect the devices to be configured after the connection. This includes the name and an assigned room. Only then can the new devices be tested.

Which components do I need?

Since a Zigbee network is a mesh- network topology, it must consist of at least two devices. The required and optional devices are listed accordingly:

A Zigbee bridge (also called a control center or hub) can simplify the entire network setup process and help you set up a  network
 without the extra effort normally associated with setting up a coordination unit.

The most common Zigbee central units for lighting installations are thePhillips Hue, Amazon Echo Dot and the IKEA Trädfri. Each bridge has its own advantages and disadvantages, which bridge should be used depends on personal preference.

This is the basic Zigbee unit that usually provides the ability to turn the connected light source on and off, dim it and - depending on the variant - mix the colors, all of these options being done digitally without turning off the actual lighting system.

This can be seen as part of the "smart" components of a smart home system.


If you are not using a Zigbee control center, a wall/handheld remote control is required to digitally control all basic and advanced functions of a controller/actuator.

A wall/handheld remote control makes you independent of the app. It supports functions such as dimming, color mixing and saved scenes. Please note, however, that depending on the remote control and Zigbee control center, the configuration in the app may not be supported.

Although it can be connected to the Zigbee network, no device appears in the device list. In this case, connect the remote control directly to the actuator using Touchlink or Find & Bind. This works independently of the Zigbee control center, even if it is switched off.


Can be used in combination with a bridge/hub and software to control the functions of a controller/actuator and implement user-defined light scenes, light zones ,schedules, light alarm clocks, etc.

The most frequently used applications in combination with a Phillips Hue Bridge are:  Phillips Hue App, Apple HomeKit.

LED light strip - optional

This is the "visible" part of every light installation.

The LED light strips are available in numerous configurations and must be purchased with the area of use, application and personal preference for color and styling in mind.

The most important factors to consider when deciding on an LED light strip:

  • If the light strip is to be installed in a humid environment, it must have a suitable  IP protection class .            

  • Is it used as  direct  or  indirect lighting - do you know the different light values? 

  • Is it used as main lighting or as additional lighting - then you need to pay particular attention to the Ra value

Most installations for direct and accent lighting consist of spotlights, as these can provide the room not only with  brightness but also with accent lighting, allowing certain elements in the room to be emphasized.

The most important factors that play a role in the search for a spot:

I don't have a bridge: How do I create a Zigbee network?

Every Zigbee network must have a coordinating unit at its center. Either a dedicated  bridge or a participant in the Zigbee network that acts as a coordinating unit.

If you do not have a dedicated Zigbee bridge (such as thePhillips Hue) besitzen, dann wird ein LED-controller/actuator will be declared the control center of the Zigbee network and thus assume the role of a bridge/hub.

How do I teach my controller/actuator?

Each time Zigbee components are to be integrated with each other, they have to go through a pairing process, which normally consists of two steps:

  • Setting up a Zigbee network

  • Direct coupling of the Zigbee components

Please note that the actuators/controllers must go through the following preparation steps before you can start setting up your Zigbee network.

Below you will find step-by-step instructions for coupling your actuators/controllers and control elements:

Required components


To set up a Zigbee network, you need at least the following components:

  • A controller/actuator with connected lamps /LED light strip  and a second actuator or LED controller.

  • A controller/actuator with connected lamps and a Zigbee hub or a bridge.

Preparation - actuator/controller


  1. Make sure that all actuators and controllers can be switched on and off separately.

  2. Ensure that a light source or illuminant is connected to each of the actuators and controllers. 

  3. Press the "Prog." button on each actuator/controller 5 times in quick succession.

What happens next?

  • The light source should confirm the reset by flashing.

  • If the actuator/controller has already been reset, the light may not flash.

Actuator/controller - network configuration with bridge


  1. Start the search for a new lamp/light within the Zigbee Bridge (Hue) according to the device instructions.

  2. Press the "Prog." button on the controller/actuator 4 times in quick succession.

What happens next?

  • The Zigbee (Hue) Bridge will list the controller/actuator as a lamp/luminaire.

  • Follow the instructions of the Zigbee Bridge (Hue) and assign the newly found lamp to a room or zone.


Actuator/controller - network configuration without bridge


  1. Designate an actuator/controller as the coordinator and switch it on (this coordinator must remain switched on for the entire learning process!)

  2. Press the "Prog" button 4 times in quick succession on the specified coordinator actuator/controller.

  3. Switch the next actuator/controller to power within 15 seconds.

  4. Disconnect the actuator/controller that has just been switched from the power supply again

  5. Press the "Prog" button again 4 times in quick succession on the specified coordinator actuator/controller.

  6. Switch the next actuator/controller to power within 15 seconds.

  7. Disconnect the actuator/controller that has just been switched from the power supply again

  8. Repeat all steps until all actuators/controllers are in the network.

As soon as an actuator/controller is switched on, the connected light source flashes.

How do I connect my control units to the Zigbee network?

The Zigbee central unit (usually the  bridge or an actuator/controller) and all components that are to be used must be brought into the same Zigbee network and given a  Zigbee address.

The following steps will help you to integrate your control elements such as a remote control or a wall dimmer into the Zigbee network using Lightlink technology, with or without a dedicated bridge.


Please note: setting up a Zigbee network is not the same as pairing devices directly, but is mandatory for pairing.


  1.  Press and hold the central on/off button until the LED on the control unit lights up.

  2. Immediately afterwards, press the On/Off button 5 times in quick succession.

What happens next?

  • The light source should confirm the reset by flashing.

  • If the actuator/controller has already been reset, the light may not flash.


Pairing remote control (5130) with bridge



Coupling wall dimmer colorful (5146) with bridge



Coupling wall dimmer white (5146) with bridge


  1. Start the search for a new lamp/light within the Zigbee Bridge (Hue) according to the device instructions.

  2. Press and hold the central on/off button until the LED on the control unit lights up.

  3. Press the S1 or R button briefly immediately afterwards.

  4. Wait until the status LED on the control unit flickers quickly.

What happens next?

  • Search mode is indicated by the LED flashing slowly.

  • Successful integration is acknowledged with a rapid flickering of the LED.

  • The Zigbee (Hue) Bridge will not visibly acknowledge a successful integration and may even display "no devices found"

 

Network setup - handheld/wall-mounted remote control - without bridge
  1. Press the "Prog" button 4 times quickly on the specified coordinator actuator/controller.

  2. Press and hold the central on/off button until the LED on the control unit lights up.

  3. Press the S1 or R button briefly immediately afterwards.

What happens next?

  • Search mode is indicated by the LED flashing slowly.

  • Successful integration is acknowledged with a rapid flickering of the LED.

  • Schritt 2 muss innerhalb von 15 Sekunden nach Schritt 1 erfolgen! 

Wie verbinde ich meine Steuerungsgeräte mit einem Zigbee-Controller/Aktor?

Jedes Zigbee 3.0-Gerät kann sich mit anderen Zigbee 3.0-Geräten über Touchlink verbinden, solange der Abstand zwischen den Geräten nicht mehr als 10 cm beträgt.

Iluminize Zigbee 3.0-Geräte verfügen über die Funktion, sich über eine Entfernung von mehr als 10 cm zu verbinden, indem sie die Find-and-Bind-Technologie verwenden. 

In der folgenden Anleitung findest du die notwendigen Schritte, um die Verbindung per Touchlink sowie per Find & Bind herzustellen.


Achtung: pro Steuergerät musst du dich entscheiden, entweder Touchlink oder Find & Bind für die Kopplung der Aktoren/Controller zu verwenden , jedoch nicht beides gleichzeitig. 



  1. Stelle sicher, dass alle Zigbee-Netzwerk Teilnehmer in einem Zigbee-Netzwerk bereits integriert sind, entweder über einen Koordinator oder über eine Bridge.

  2. Sollte das Zigbee-Element nicht ein Teil des Netzwerks sein, kann es nicht mit anderen Zigbee-Geräten kommunizieren, ohne eine Entkopplung von anderen bereits gekoppelten Geräten zu verursachen.

  3. Den Aktor/Controller der gekoppelt werden soll auf Strom anschalten.


Kopplung Handfernbedienung (5130)



Kopplung Wanddimmer (5140)



Kopplung Wanddimmer Bunt 1 Zone (5146)



Kopplung Wanddimmer Bunt 4 Zonen (5146)



Kopplung Wanddimmer Weiß (5146)


  1. Touchlink Starten

    Auf dem Aktor/Controller  4x schnell die "Prog" - Taste drücken.

  2. Programmier-Modus starten

    Auf der Fernbedienung lange die zentrale An-Aus-Taste drücken, bis die LED an der Steuerung zu leuchten beginnt.

  3. Zone wählen

    Die gewünschte Zone auswählen und auf die gewünschte Zone-Taste kurz drücken.

  4. Verbindung herstellen

    Sofort danach die S2 (Handfernbedienung) oder die G (Wandfernbedienung) Taste kurz drücken

  5. Bestätigung erhalten

    Warte bis die Status LED an der Steuerung schnell flackert und das Leuchtmittel blinkt.

  • Der Suchmodus wird an der Fernbedienung durch langsames Blinken der LED dargestellt.

  • Die erfolgreiche Kopplung wird mit einem Flackern des Leuchtmittels quittiert.

  • Die Zigbee (Hue) Bridge - falls vorhanden - wird eine erfolgreiche Integration nicht sichtlich quittieren.

  • Der zu koppelnde Aktor/Controller sollte nicht weiter als 10 cm von der Fernbedienung entfernt sein.

 


Kopplung Handfernbedienung (5130)




Kopplung Wanddimmer (5140)




Kopplung Wanddimmer Bunt 1 Zone (5146)




Kopplung Wanddimmer Bunt 4 Zonen (5146)




Kopplung Wanddimmer Weiß (5146)



  1. Find & Bind starten 

    Auf dem Aktor/Controller 3x schnell die "Prog" - Taste drücken.

  2. Programmier-Modus starten

    Auf der Fernbedienung lange die zentrale An-/Aus-Taste drücken, bis die LED an der Steuerung zu leuchten beginnt.

  3. Zone wählen

    Gewünschte Zonentaste (1-4) kurz drücken.

  4. Verbindung herstellen

    Sofort danach die S3 (Handfernbedienung) oder die B (Wandfernbedienung) Taste kurz drücken.

Warte bis die Status LED an der Steuerung schnell flackert und das Leuchtmittel blinkt.

  • Der Suchmodus wird an der Fernbedienung durch langsames Blinken der LED dargestellt.

  • Die erfolgreiche Kopplung wird mit einem Flackern des Leuchtmittels quittiert.

  • Die Zigbee (Hue) Bridge - falls vorhanden, wird eine erfolgreiche Integration nicht sichtlich quittieren.

  • Der Find & Bind Suchmodus läuft für 3 Minuten. Sollte der Vorgang erfolglos sein, warte mehr als 3 Minuten und versuche es erneut. 

 

Wie behebe ich Fehler?

Die Fehleranalyse kann anhand der dem Produkt beiliegenden Bedienungsanleitung durchgeführt werden. 

Solltest du die Bedienungsanleitung nicht finden, schaue bitte auf der Produktseite in unserem Shop nach - unter Downloads findest du die entsprechende Bedienungsanleitung.

Alternativ kannst du unseren Kundendienst kontaktieren.


How do I set up my Zigbee network?
Anton Stepanov
27 December, 2022
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