New firmware will change internet connection type.

[nswfugitive]

Well, Tesla has now screwed up our ability to monitor our PW2 with the latest firmware update. They will now change via their code between wi-fi, ethernet and 3g networks. Looks like we will have to let Tesla know this isn't acceptable.

https://www.tesla.com/support/energy/own/powerwall/software-updates

Version 1.17

• Added dynamic network management to use best internet connection type (Ethernet, Wi-Fi or Cellular)

 

[zanary]

1.17 has been pushed out to only those Powerwall who need it around 2 months ago. It does break local monitoring with your own solution, but I think their concern is that no matter what they need to make sure that the Powerwall is always reporting to the Tesla NOC, so in order to increase the up-time, they've implemented this auto change between wifi, ethernet and carrier data network...

Not ideal for everyone, but I assume it allows them to have redundant connections into their NOC which for them is more important from a compliance perspective (ie, local utilities, and possible for ITC and SGIP (where needed) purposes).

 

[eml2]

I have been on 1.17.1 since May 18 and there is no problem for me monitoring it locally via ethernet.

 

[Shygar]

It would only potentially break it if you're not on Ethernet, or if you have spotty wifi (or your router/modem goes down), right? Doesn't sound too bad to me.

 

[BJReplay]

There are reports that it prefers 3G over strong Wi-Fi (Wi-Fi AP next to the PWs). That's not ideal, and it looks like the only solution to that is ethernet.

 

[nswfugitive]

It would only potentially break it if you're not on Ethernet, or if you have spotty wifi (or your router/modem goes down), right? Doesn't sound too bad to me.

So what will happen if your internet goes down? Ethernet won't help if your internet connection isn't available.

 

[cwied]

Has it been confirmed that the gateway actually disconnects from the ethernet if the Internet is down (vs. just using the other network connection to reach the server)?

 

[NuShrike]

There are reports that it prefers 3G over strong Wi-Fi (Wi-Fi AP next to the PWs). That's not ideal, and it looks like the only solution to that is ethernet.

Drop in a micro-WiFi router/bridge that feeds Ethernet to the PW. As long as you got one or two USB3 connectors nearby to power it.
https://www.tp-link.com/us/products/details/cat-9_TL-WR802N.html

 

[sashton]

I have been running 1.17.2 for a while now. I monitor the PW via ethernet and my broadband fails and recovers at least twice a day. I issue an http get for the basic metrics from the GW every 30 seconds and it has not failed to respond once.

 

[Shygar]

I just got 1.17.1 today. I was gonna test this by unplugging my cable modem

 

[Shygar]

I also tested this today. I unplugged my modem for 20 minutes. I checked halfway through via my cell and could still connect to my powerwall. After turning my modem back on, it uploaded all of the data so I wasn't missing anything.

 

[nswfugitive]

Maybe like TOU they will roll this out gradually or have the parameters so it will rarely switch over - trouble is we won't know until they do it but this firmware version gives them the option - not us.

 

[Artimis]

Drop in a micro-WiFi router/bridge that feeds Ethernet to the PW. As long as you got one or two USB3 connectors nearby to power it.
TL-WR802N | 300Mbps Wireless N Nano Router | TP-Link

Exactly!
I use one of these configured as a client bridge instead of the built-in wifi: N300 - WiFi Range Extender - Essentials Edition

Night and day difference.

Have had no issues connecting locally on 1.17.1 with Ethernet and Cellular both enabled.

 

[K-MTG]

Is the powerwall cat 5 or cat5E? Can I use it with 4 pairs of wire (I am using the other 4 on my IP cam).

 

[cwied]

Is the powerwall cat 5 or cat5E? Can I use it with 4 pairs of wire (I am using the other 4 on my IP cam).

I've connected mine to a 100 mbps switch, so 2 pairs should be fine (as should cat 5).