FAQ: What is HubNet?

HubNet is PDK’s Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) network that connects Wireless Locks to a group of Hubs, providing fast and reliable communication back to the Cloud Node. Unlike a typical Controller Connection, which ties a Device to a single Controller, HubNet operates more like a Wi-Fi network. Just as a phone or laptop will connect to the strongest Wi-Fi access point within a network, a Wireless Lock will automatically connect to the strongest available Hub within its HubNet. 

Robust HubNets are constructed so that each Hub is located in a central position relative to the Wireless Locks it is intended to connect to. Overlap in coverage (20-40%) is desirable because it provides redundancy in the event of a Hub failure.

A Hub is added to the system in the same way as a Red Controller, using Discovery. The Hub communicates with the Cloud Node through a hard-wired Ethernet connection, while the Wireless Locks connect to the Hub through HubNet.

Unlike PDK’s WiMAC network, which uses a Mesh network, HubNet is a direct BLE connection between the Wireless Lock and the Hub. The connection is designed to be dynamic. Wireless Locks automatically search for the strongest available Hub signal and connect to it. If interference occurs, the Wireless Lock will switch to a better connection within the HubNet to maintain reliable performance. During this time, you may see a brief Communication Loss to the Lock; access should not be affected if the database synced previously.

When multiple Cloud Nodes are present at a site, Wireless Locks remain tied to their assigned HubNet and cannot be moved between HubNets. Once a Wireless Lock is added to a HubNet, it will communicate only with that HubNet. If a Wireless Lock needs to be moved to a different HubNet, it must first be removed from its current HubNet before being moved to another Cloud Node.

HubNet is used to communicate Access Rules, System Events, Auto Opens, Commands, Status, and Software Updates. To view a Wireless Lock’s Hub Connection and Signal Strength, navigate to the HubNet section in States.