Samsung ET-WV525BWEGUS SmartThings Wi-Fi Mesh Router, White

Not much to say critically about this unit. I plan to use this with Alexa voice control of my home automation system, but have not started actually building the system. I’ve been trying to find sufficient documentation on their website help.I have found that the online documentation has a pretty good breadth, but very little of it addresses the needs of a deeply technical user. So beware if you are a techie and need help from Samsung. A better bet might be the independent user forums.I believe Samsung tech support has been slammed with calls since Lowes announced abandonment of its IRIS home automation system around Feb 1, and has virtually endorsed the Samsung Smart Things system as a replacement. In early February I tried calling Tech Support. Several times I waited over 30 minutes on hold before abandoning my call. Eventually on Feb 3 I submitted my question via their website. My response came TWENTY THREE days later, and then it did not answer my question. To their credit, when I responded, asking my question in another way, I received a response within 24 hours. I guess when you reach the top of the queue, you stay there till your issue is resolved.This is a five star for the router but only a three star for Samsung tech support.

I’ve had this hub for a while now and it does exactly what I want it to do. I decided to buy my dad a GE switch for Christmas and got him the wink hub instead because at the time this was sold out. I then learned that the wink charges $5 a month just for access to use their hub which is comparable to this. On top of that I couldn’t get it to work and am still waiting till this day for them to get back to me about how to get it to work. I ended up returning it and buying this again for my dad and it works perfectly. No hassle. No hidden charges. It does what it’s supposed to and Samsung actually gets back to you when you reach out with any issue.I have all of my Samsung TVs, 5 GE Zwave switches, and two GE zwave outlets hooked up to this and I’ve never had any major issues with it. I’m glad I was able to return the wink and get this for my dad. I don’t have to be embarrassed that I accidentally bought him an inferior piece of garbage for his gift any longer.

I love the tech of this system. The biggest problem is that it is a mash up of previous Samsung systems. Again, the tech is good, but the support is problematic. If I search for issues I usually end up with a solution to a previous iteration. While the solutions are similar this new product should have its own distinct support. Its great in that it covers my 4 story house well, but with problems. Most of them having to do with fine details of networking. Most items on your network these days get a network address using DHCP, meaning they are assigned one by the router, but that may be assigned different numbers for various reasons. If you have assigned static IP addresses, from my experience those wont work, so they need to be changed to DHCP. Some devices (IP cameras) I am still having problems with after having changed them to DHCP. They tend to drop off of the network. I have not done all of the homework yet, but I think some devices have a problem with APs sharing SSIDs.The other issue is that there are sensor vendors claiming they work with SmartThings but maybe not this product. I have tried several sensors that won't pair. I have also tried several that pair but disconnect. Smartthings list products that are compatable, such at NEO sensors. Not all NEO sensors are compatible. Nor are all Iris. I think once I understand the sytem more and get it set up it will be great.I get that most professional Security companies would be reluctant to support a system that they did not set up. However, I'm hoping that at some point there can be a 24 x 7 response option. There is the SmartThings ADT hub, but it requires specific sensors that do not have a great reputation.More Later.

In a new condo, cable modem supplied by Spectrum installed after a few false starts; the WiFi Router they provided never would install; anybody need a doorstop?No worries because I had ordered this unit. First an ethernet cable connection to the Spectrum cable modem, then Samsung device easily installed as a WiFi Router, following enclosed directions.Getting the Z-Wave function going took a bit of trial and error. I use Smartthings and their app listed the new WiFi router as a device. Had to play around with that device in the app to locate and get the Z-wave function going.At our main residence, I use Samsung's gen 3 hub and am generally satisfied. This new hub at the condo seems to have even fewer hiccups when including/excluding devices. May, also, just be the substantially smaller square footage of the condo.Been running for a month, now, with no need for even a reboot.P.S. Samsung Smartthings app's ability to allow user to independently manage separate locations on the same app also works really well.

Two problems with device one minor and one major.Problem 1, to setup the router you need to download the Samsung SmartThings app. The problem is the app is so large it requires a WiFi connection to download. So if you are planning on setting up the WiFi at a place currently without WiFi you have to go somewhere with WiFi to download the app to setup your wifi.Problem 2, whenever the internet goes offline for a little while the router light turns red, but when the internet comes back the router doesn’t realize and the light stays red and it doesn’t provide an internet connection. I’ve been told this is a firmware issue and am waiting on an update to see if it fixes it. Otherwise every few days I have to unplug and then replay the router so it notices that there is in fact internet for it to broadcast.