We are starting to see the DirecTV Wireless Video Bridges and Wireless
Genies. These also operate in 5 GHz and there is no ability to manually set
the frequency, they assume the customer's router will automatically move to
a clear frequency. People also buy these tri-band AC routers that assume
they can use pretty much the whole 5 GHz band. Add in a Vivint hub home and
several CableWiFi homes nearby, and I can see where there wouldn't be enough
5 GHz spectrum to go around.
-----Original Message-----
From: Brett A Mansfield
Sent: Tuesday, June 16, 2015 11:42 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [AFMUG] Vivint
Like I said, my video will not bash on anyone. It will not have any bashing
of any provider.
However, to say that I am exaggerating is entirely false. I've had customers
that had very strong signals completely lose the ability to use their 5GHz
wifi. The only change...Vivint built a hub home 2 doors down. I did a
spectrum analysis and it was terrible. That hub home was well above the FCC
limits (though I suspect because it was just built and not yet adjusted).
The noise floor went from -103 to -89 to -77 in only a week. The only
change...Vivint hub homes being built. You are using wireless AC and I
suspect every 5GHz channel on every hub home. If that is the case, you are
using every bit of spectrum which means the channel the home router is on
doesn't make a difference.
I used to work for Vivint years ago when they were APX Alarm. I do like the
company and I like what they have to offer. I think they should have either
stayed out of the wireless industry or maybe done it a bit more responsibly.
The network design (in my opinion) is irresponsible, selfish, and seems to
either be designed by someone that doesn't understand wireless very much,
doesn't care, or is being installed by people that don't.
I have a lot of respect for you, Roger. I always have. I know it's your job
to build Vivint wireless into a thriving company. I don't think it's a good
idea to step on everyone's toes in the process, regardless of the size of
their companies. Frequency coordination can go a very long way. Then again,
Vivint has a TON of money. I would love to see them go entirely into the
licensed frequencies.
Vivint certainly has its place and I'd like to see them succeed, just not
with their current model.
Thank you,
Brett A Mansfield
On Jun 16, 2015, at 10:20 PM, Roger Timmerman <[email protected]> wrote:
Brett,
I think you are exaggerating somewhat. I'm not surprised that you would
see increased interference when Vivint, or any other competitor enters the
area, and that you would have to make some adjustments, but going to the
extreme of having customers completely avoid 5GHz in their homes is going
a little far.
It's probably not surprising that I have Vivint service. I also live in
an area with strong Vivint coverage, and 5GHz works just fine in my home,
and works fine in the homes of our (Vivint) customers. Educating
customers to try a different channel if their Wifi isn't working well is
probably good advice for anyone, but to suggest that their problems are
all caused by some new competing provider is not helpful nor is it
accurate.
I think a good video explaining in-home Wifi and how to troubleshoot it
could be helpful, as long as it isn't heavy handed with accusations about
competitive interference. Suggesting the use of a quality router instead
of the cheapest router on the shelf at Best Buy would probably go further
to improve customer's in-home wifi than anything else.
Roger Timmerman
