A smart doorbell combines the features of a traditional doorbell with those of a network camera, allowing users to view the area in front of their door remotely, no matter where they are. Once installed, the smart doorbell can transmits real-time footage to the user’s phone or tablet via a wireless network. This enables users to monitor visitors at their door in real time and even communicate and interact with them instantly.
Customer Background and Challenges
In the case we’re sharing, the client is a smart doorbell manufacturer that recently received a surge of consumer complaints. These issues can be summarized as follows:
- Network connectivity issues: unstable signals, connection failures, audio and video delays
- Motion detection anomalies: frequent false alarms or missed alerts
- Battery life concerns: rapid power drain, frequent recharging needed
- Matter compatibility: interoperability issues with wireless access points, Matter border routers, and mobile OS platforms
- Stability problems: the doorbell disconnects after prolonged use and requires manual reset to restore operation
Figure 1: Real-time monitoring screen freeze of the smart doorbell
After receiving these complaints, the client conducted an internal investigation but was unable to pinpoint the root causes due to the following limitations:
- Lack of a professional wireless testing environment to accurately reproduce the issues
- Inadequate simulation of real user scenarios and interactions between the doorbell and other devices
- Inability to comprehensively evaluate wireless network performance and its impact on the product’s real-world usage
- Difficulty understanding the interactions between the doorbell, smartphones, ecosystem apps, smart home devices, and networking equipment
As they were unable to carry out a complete validation, the client turned to Allion, the expert team that previously helped them obtain Matter certification.
Allion’s Wireless Performance Solution
Step 1 – Understanding Client Needs and Technical Consultation
During a review meeting of the product validation plan, Allion’s Smart Home Ecosystem Consulting Team not only explained the key factors affecting smart doorbell performance but also pointed out aspects that had been overlooked, including:
- Diverse home network setups among users
- Actual installation locations of smart doorbells
- Distance between the doorbell and the wireless router
- Building materials used for interior walls
- Interference from surrounding wireless devices
- Compatibility between the smart doorbell, wireless APs, mobile OS platforms, and various Matter ecosystem components
Step 2 – Test Planning and Issue Verification
Allion’s consulting team offered comprehensive wireless performance services and advised the client to prioritize testing the product’s network-related performance, focusing on:
- RF validation tests
When smart doorbells and other wireless devices operate in the same environment, various onsite factors may cause interference, resulting in issues like delayed or interrupted video/audio.
- Real-home scenario testing
Since smart doorbells are typically installed outside the door at some distance from the router, with walls of varying materials in between, these factors can significantly affect connectivity and overall application performance.
Step 3 – Problem Analysis
The client asked Allion to prioritize testing one major complaint: video feed freezing, delays, and frame skipping.
Observed issues included:
- Screen freeze
- Video interruption
- Frame skipping
Step 4 – Optimization Recommendations
With years of wireless performance analysis experience, Allion’s consulting team successfully identified the root cause and provided actionable optimization suggestions:
- Issue analysis:
Onsite environmental interference led to reduced throughput and shorter transmission range, resulting in poor wireless performance stability.
- Optimization suggestions:
Improve the product’s RF performance to enhance wireless connection quality, reduce customer complaints, and strengthen user satisfaction and brand trust.
Faster, Easier, Better! Allion Provides End-to-End Consulting Services for Your Products
As one of the first authorized Matter certification labs worldwide, Allion not only helps clients address potential wireless performance issues in smart doorbells but also offers standard certification services for Wi-Fi, Bluetooth®, Thread, and more.
With extensive wireless testing experience and professional equipment including protocol sniffers, wireless tools, and anechoic chambers, we are confident in delivering comprehensive validation and expert technical consulting for your products.
Faster – Accelerate Validation Process
- As an official authorized test lab of the Connectivity Standards Alliance (CSA), Allion offers Matter certification, testing, consulting, compatibility checks, and custom validation services for global clients — effectively accelerating product development and shortening time-to-market.
Easier – Simulated Field Testing
- Beyond regulatory certification standards, Allion has also established the Smart Application Simulation Center (SASC), which simulates real network and smart device deployments in actual buildings. This enables scenario-based testing crucial for wireless products, offering one-stop validation services to help clients manage complex certification requirements with ease.
Better – Optimize the Validation Process
- To ensure smooth operation across different brands and systems, Allion uses the latest wireless devices, including APs, routers, and smartphones (covering the latest iOS and Android systems), and continues to expand its device library to meet diverse testing needs. With deep expertise in user scenario testing, Allion is committed to delivering high-quality service and support.
To learn more about Matter certification or wireless performance validation services, feel free to contact Allion— your best partner for product testing and validation.
