Internet problems: Automatically restart repeater with Home Assistant

Estimated reading time: 4 minutes

Do you know this? Your Internet jerks, the connection drops out and it takes a restart of the repeater to get everything back on track. The problem: You don't always remember to restart your repeater regularly. The good news: With Home Assistant, you can automate this process and give your network more stability - without any manual intervention.

In this article, I'll show you how to create a simple but effective automation that regularly restarts your repeaters as soon as you leave your home.

For detailed instructions and an explanation of all configuration options, I recommend the YouTube video linked below. In this video, every single setting is explained in detail so that you receive comprehensive instructions for the exact setup. You can find any code from the video in this article so that you can use it directly without having to type it in.

Why restart the repeater regularly?

Repeaters are real helpers when it comes to expanding your Wi-Fi. However, they can also cause problems, whether due to overload, software errors or cache problems. A restart resets them and ensures that they work properly again. By automating the reboot, you increase the stability of your network without having to think about it yourself.

What do you need for this?

• Home AssistantYour central control for smart home devices.
• Repeater with restart functionIn our example, we are using FRITZ! repeaters that offer this option.
• Location monitoringHome Assistant tracks your presence via your smartphone.
• A little timeAutomation is quickly set up.

AVM Fritz! repeater 1200 AX (Wi-Fi 6 repeater with two radio units: 5 GHz band (up to 2,400 MBit/s), 2.4 GHz band (up to 600 MBit/s), German-language version)*.

by AVM

Price: € 80.48 Buy now on Amazon* Price incl. VAT, Excl. shipping

Amazon

TP-Link RE500X WiFi 6 WLAN Repeater AX1500(Dualband 1200MBit/s 5GHz + 300MBit/s 2.4GHz, Tri-Core 1.5 GHz CPU, Gigabit Port, maximum coverage, compatible with all WLAN routers)white*

by TP-Link

Price: € 43.11 Buy now on Amazon* Price incl. VAT, Excl. shipping

Amazon

TP-Link RE700X WiFi 6 WLAN amplifier repeater AX3000, dual band 2402MBit/s 5GHz + 574MBit/s 2.4GHz, MU-MIMO, Gigabit port, recommended with WiFi 6 router, ideal for apartments*

by TP-Link

Price: € 50.89 Buy now on Amazon* Price incl. VAT, Excl. shipping

Amazon

Last updated on 18. December 2024 at 02:22 - Image source: Amazon Affiliate Program. All statements without guarantee.

Step-by-step instructions

1. Create a new automation in Home Assistant. Give it a meaningful name, e.g. "Repeater restart".
2. Add the triggerSelect your presence as the trigger. The automation starts as soon as you leave the house.
3. Define the conditionHome Assistant uses your repeater's uptime sensor to check whether more than three days have passed since the last restart.
4. Set the actionSelect the restart buttons of your repeaters as target devices.
5. Save and test the automationby leaving the house (or manually simulating your location in Home Assistant).

Automation: Repeater restart with Home Assistant

This Home Assistant automation ensures that your repeaters are restarted regularly to minimize possible connection problems and increase the stability of your network. The automation starts when certain conditions are met. Here is a step-by-step explanation:

Function and purpose

Repeaters can work more reliably with regular restarts. This automation checks whether at least three days have passed since the last restart and automatically carries out the restart as soon as the "dad" person leaves the house.

Procedure

1. TriggerDad" leaves the home zone.
   • The automation starts when the "Dad" person leaves the home zone
2. ConditionAt least three days have passed since the last restart.
   • The status of the sensor sensor.fritz_repeater_1200_ax_device_uptime_2 indicates how long the repeater has been in operation.
   • A template condition ensures that the automation is only executed if this period has been exceeded.
3. Actions:
   • Time delayAfter leaving the house, the system waits two minutes before continuing.
   • Safety checkThe system checks once again that "Dad" is not at home. Only then is the restart carried out.
   • Restarting the repeaters: The repeaters are activated by pressing the buttons button.fritz_repeater_1200_ax_reboot_2 and button.fritz_repeater_1200_ax_reboot restarted.

Advantages of automation

• Network stabilityRegular restarts can prevent connection problems.
• Automatic managementNo manual intervention necessary as everything runs automatically.
• FlexibilityThe condition that "Dad" does not have to be at home does not interfere with the use of the network.

This automation is particularly useful if repeaters in your network occasionally cause problems or need to be restarted in order to function optimally. By adjusting the trigger and conditions, you can also use it for other people or devices.

YouTube video implementation

Conclusion

With this automation, Internet problems are a thing of the past. You ensure a stable network without having to do anything yourself. Home Assistant is your reliable helper that ensures your Wi-Fi always works optimally. Try it out and enjoy a stress-free, stable Internet!

Interested, but lack time or knowledge?

No problem. Contact me and we will discuss your requirements. No matter if business or private.