ESP32C6 Zigbee radio range

[bechhansen]

Hello,

I have been using the regular ESP32 for a couple of years because of its excellent connectivity options.

Now I'm experimenting with an ESP32C6 because I want to use it's Zigbee features. I'm working with a chip with internal
antenna.

I have been trying out some of the official examples, and I have been able to get the temperature sensor to send data to my existing Zigbee network. I use a ZBDongle-E as the coordinator, but I have also other router devices in the network.

My question: What communication range can I expect from an ESP32C6 with internal and external antenna.
For my experiments I have not been able to get more than 1m away from another device, which makes it pretty much useless.

When using the Wifi for a ESP32, I have never had any issues with the range of the radio.

Best regards,
Peer

[ahsrabrifat]

If your ESP32C6 is inside a metal case or near other electronics, it will severely reduce range. Try to test in open space. Metal, walls, and large objects absorb Zigbee signals.

[bechhansen]

Hi.

Thanks for the answer. It is just a bare ESP32C6 development board with onboard antenna, powered by USB-C.
There is no case, electronics, walls or other obstacles.

/Peer

[TEsdar]

I have exactly the same problem, using as well the WROOM board with built in antenna. I am using the latest version of the libraries, both esp-idf as well as the Zigbee and ZBoss libraries.
Also, I note that operating the esp32c6 as router, it is not very strong in its routing capabilities. Even having two esp32c6 aside each other, the LQI between the two, though being only a few centimeters apart, is very low.
If there is not a strong Zigbee mesh repeater nearby, the esp32c6 drops out from the Zigbee network even without noticing itself. The device "thinks" it is still in the network, though the coordinator claims that it is unreachable. As coordinator, I am using the Conbee II, with latest available firmware and software.
I would really appreciate some proposals how to improve the network stability.
Thanks in advance
Torsten