HomeKit Would buying a Homepod Mini help connect with August lock?

[iHavequestions]

I have a August lock that works perfectly with the August app when I am controlling it from another location. But it works intermittently with homekit in the same scenario. Just wondering if it's due to a weak Apple specific connection and if getting a homepod for the purpose of a hub and putting it nearby the door would improve this situation.

 

[cynics]

I have a August lock that works perfectly with the August app when I am controlling it from another location. But it works intermittently with homekit in the same scenario. Just wondering if it's due to a weak Apple specific connection and if getting a homepod for the purpose of a hub and putting it nearby the door would improve this situation.

Apple proprietary protocol is HAP (HomeKit Accessory Protocol). Its uses a transport layer over IP (wifi) and BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) so it has the same range as Wifi and BLE. In the case of the August lock it uses BLE, this is because its battery powered and BLE is more battery friendly. Problem with HAP over BLE is the range isn't as good as HAP over IP especially considering only an Apple HomeHub can communicate with it.

I'm assuming you are using the August Bridge plugged into the wall now correct? The August app uses your wifi router to communicate with the August Bridge which then communicates with the lock via BLE. This is why its reliable.

Conversely, HomeKit does not use that bridge (its not HomeKit compatible, just the lock is). It tries to communicate directly to the lock via BLE. If the Apple HomeHub isn't in good BLE range of the August lock it will have difficulty communicating reliably. This is why its less reliable.

So yes, adding another HomeHub closer to the lock will improve its reliability with HomeKit. Basically it will replace the August Bridge, put that Bridge back in the box once you have a HomeHub, it will no longer be needed. The BLE communication will be handled by the HomeHub within range of the August lock which will be communicating with your iPhone via the much more reliable Wifi. When you are home your iPhone can communicate with the August Lock directly however if you are at the other end of the house/property it will just use the HomeHub again. For me....for me...it works really really well.

It doesn't need to be terribly close either. I have a HomePod about 20' line of sight from my August lock and its 100% reliable.

However, before you go spending money on something just move your current Apple HomeHub closer to the lock when you leave your house for the day. Keep checking on it throughout the day to verify HomeKit is working.

 

[iHavequestions]

Wow what a great answer!

 

[nicolasmertens]

Apple proprietary protocol is HAP (HomeKit Accessory Protocol). Its uses a transport layer over IP (wifi) and BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) so it has the same range as Wifi and BLE. In the case of the August lock it uses BLE, this is because its battery powered and BLE is more battery friendly. Problem with HAP over BLE is the range isn't as good as HAP over IP especially considering only an Apple HomeHub can communicate with it.

I'm assuming you are using the August Bridge plugged into the wall now correct? The August app uses your wifi router to communicate with the August Bridge which then communicates with the lock via BLE. This is why its reliable.

Conversely, HomeKit does not use that bridge (its not HomeKit compatible, just the lock is). It tries to communicate directly to the lock via BLE. If the Apple HomeHub isn't in good BLE range of the August lock it will have difficulty communicating reliably. This is why its less reliable.

So yes, adding another HomeHub closer to the lock will improve its reliability with HomeKit. Basically it will replace the August Bridge, put that Bridge back in the box once you have a HomeHub, it will no longer be needed. The BLE communication will be handled by the HomeHub within range of the August lock which will be communicating with your iPhone via the much more reliable Wifi. When you are home your iPhone can communicate with the August Lock directly however if you are at the other end of the house/property it will just use the HomeHub again. For me....for me...it works really really well.

It doesn't need to be terribly close either. I have a HomePod about 20' line of sight from my August lock and its 100% reliable.

However, before you go spending money on something just move your current Apple HomeHub closer to the lock when you leave your house for the day. Keep checking on it throughout the day to verify HomeKit is working.

Thanks for this!

I wanted to clarify before buying anything. In your experience I could add my "August Smart Lock Gen 3 with Bluetooth - Silver" to Apple Home buying a "HomePod (mini)" rather than the "August WiFi Bridge".

 

[HDJulie]

Apple proprietary protocol is HAP (HomeKit Accessory Protocol). Its uses a transport layer over IP (wifi) and BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) so it has the same range as Wifi and BLE. In the case of the August lock it uses BLE, this is because its battery powered and BLE is more battery friendly. Problem with HAP over BLE is the range isn't as good as HAP over IP especially considering only an Apple HomeHub can communicate with it.

I'm assuming you are using the August Bridge plugged into the wall now correct? The August app uses your wifi router to communicate with the August Bridge which then communicates with the lock via BLE. This is why its reliable.

Conversely, HomeKit does not use that bridge (its not HomeKit compatible, just the lock is). It tries to communicate directly to the lock via BLE. If the Apple HomeHub isn't in good BLE range of the August lock it will have difficulty communicating reliably. This is why its less reliable.

So yes, adding another HomeHub closer to the lock will improve its reliability with HomeKit. Basically it will replace the August Bridge, put that Bridge back in the box once you have a HomeHub, it will no longer be needed. The BLE communication will be handled by the HomeHub within range of the August lock which will be communicating with your iPhone via the much more reliable Wifi. When you are home your iPhone can communicate with the August Lock directly however if you are at the other end of the house/property it will just use the HomeHub again. For me....for me...it works really really well.

It doesn't need to be terribly close either. I have a HomePod about 20' line of sight from my August lock and its 100% reliable.

However, before you go spending money on something just move your current Apple HomeHub closer to the lock when you leave your house for the day. Keep checking on it throughout the day to verify HomeKit is working.

Great explanation. If the August bridge is removed, doesn't the lock stop communicating with the August app?