C-Bus Wireless range clarification

[Kevin Hawkins <lists@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

I had previously been led to believe that the C-Bus Lighting
wireless implementation was a 'mesh' network , or at least offered some
form of relaying between devices rather like Z-Wave does. It was
described to me that a radio device had to simply be within range of one
other networked device to become part of the C-Bus network.  However
that isn't correct - every device in a C-Bus wireless network must be
within range of every other device and with a quoted range of  15-20m
this could be a major issue. I am guessing this is based on fairly
modern/plasterboard type walls too so older stone proerties will have
major issues. I had hoped to have a bit of radio dasiychaining which I
appreciate is not ideal but would have suited me. Now the only solution
aside from all wired is lots or radio gateways strung together on wired
C-Bus.  This would also mean that if you use C-Gate a commercial licence
for multi network would be required which is costly. There is still the
attractive aspect that the dimmer circuitry is contained in the switch
and therefore retrofit which is very nice though.

This has come as a real disappointment to me as I have waited so
long for the products and now they are not going to meet my needs at all
so I could have just completed the wired install over 18 months ago. I
just hoped an easier solution was around the corner.  On the plus side
it has made me more content that existing infrastructure in wired C-Bus
is not outdated and is cost effective.   Clipsal say that implementing a
more complex wireless relay/mesh system is beyond the processing power
that the switch processor could implement and that only minisule RF
power is available with this sort of design. I take that to mean based
on  no neutral being required which is ideal for retrofit. .  Clipsal
have put the manuals for the Wireless C-Bus products online now,  they
make interesting reading although for me the key technology is missing -
it is a point to point system :-(

Kevin