Wi-Fi Requirements and Best Practices for Saffire EVO Locks
This article outlines the minimum network requirements and recommended best practices for connecting Saffire EVO locks to a Wi-Fi network. Following these guidelines ensures stable lock communication, optimal battery life, and reduces interference.
Minimum Wi-Fi Network Requirements
| Requirement | Description |
|---|---|
| Port 443 (HTTPS) | Open for secure lock communication. |
| 2.4 GHz Band | Saffire EVO locks cannot communicate on 5 GHz networks. |
| Wi-Fi Standard | 802.11 b/g/n or earlier. EVO locks do not support Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) or Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax). |
| Hidden Networks | Locks are not supported on hidden networks; broadcasting must be enabled. |
| Dedicated VLAN | Set up a VLAN exclusively for EVO locks. No other devices should connect. |
| Multicast Filters | Wi-Fi access points must filter multicast traffic to prevent interference from other networks. |
| DTIM Beacon Time | Must not exceed 8 seconds. |
| Signal Strength | RSSI must be greater than −70 dB at each lock location. |
| Background Scanning | Disable background scanning on the access points. |
Wi-Fi Network Setup Best Practices
These best practices ensure optimal connectivity, minimize interference, and support reliable operation of Saffire EVO locks.
| Best Practice | Description |
|---|---|
| Use Managed Wi-Fi | Prefer managed Wi-Fi networks over bulk networks to ensure better coverage and control. |
| Perform Site Survey | Conduct a Wi-Fi site survey and generate a heat map to visualize coverage and identify weak spots. |
| Adjust Signal Strength | Tune access point signal strength to provide sufficient coverage at each door while minimizing overlap and interference. |
| Use Static, Staggered Channels | Assign static, staggered channels to avoid dynamic RF adjustments that disrupt performance. |
| Minimize Channel Overlap | Plan channel assignments to reduce overlap and reuse across multiple access points. |
| Consider Building Materials | Account for walls, metal doors, and other obstructions when placing access points to ensure signal reliability. |