ZWave Network Performance has collapsed

My Zwave network has recently (for want of a better word) collapsed.
Devices going unreachable, packet errors in the log etc.
I am using an Aotec USB stick original gen 1 I think.
The only real change recently is the upgrade to 7.3.1
Hardware is all Australian/New Zealand Aotec.
Any ideas?
I have tried the optimise network command.

Sounds like your Z-Stick is in a really bad state or may be failing. In all my years with Indigo, I've never had more than one or two devices become unreachable and usually cutting power to the device for 10 or 15 seconds has righted things. I think I've only had one or two modules go bad in that time that I wasn't able to resurrect. I have found Z-Wave with Indigo to be exceptionally stable.

You might try shutting the server Mac down completely and see if that helps. Good luck!

I'm new to z-wave, but I had something like that happen recently. All modules stopped responding. What fixed it for me was to unplug the z-stick for a bit, then plug it back in. Everything automgically started working again. Probably worth a try.

Hi, yeah I am terrified that it is a dying stick because replacing it would be a logistical nightmare to physically visit all devices.
And that would be before setting up devices all new in Indigo and re-pointing all my logic to them.

Perform regular backups of the sticks - is that what you mean?
Unfortunately, AFAIK the gen 1 Aeotec stick cannot be backed up.

[matt (support)]

Have you tried unplugging it from your Mac for a minute and plugging it back in yet?

Yeah I am going to try and leave it cold for a minute to see if it calms the **** down!

And if there is a pathway to get the config to a new stick I am keen to pursue that as it is my single point of failure presently.

Update - so I did a cold boot (shutdown, for a few minutes then restart), plus removed my external USB hub.
The ZWave neet seems happier now.
When I get a chance I will re-connect the USB hub to see if that is a factor.
If it is then I will try a process of elimination to see if there is a specific device. is an issue.

I had a similar problem a few weeks ago. Description & solution here: https://forums.indigodomo.com/viewtopic.php?p=177386#p177386

I had a similar issue about a month ago. It wasn’t the Z-Stick at all but one of my devices causing havoc. I suspect that it was spewing messages and jamming my network.

I couldn’t work out which device it was so I eventually turned off power to the house (therefore ‘restarting’ all modules) and the problem went away.

I did this after multiple Z-Stick unplug/plugins, Indigo restarts and Mac restarts. I also initially turned off only the lighting circuit to the house but the issue wasn’t a lighting module.

To clarify, my device by device check will be USB device checking as my z-wave net is fine, I just suspect USB bus issues.

Update, so my zstick based network had basically got very upset and was essentially dysfunctional.
A cold boot without my USB hub has returned it to normal. I have subsequently plugged my USB hub back in and all remains good.
Mac Mini i5 with High Sierra 10.13.6
Happy days!

Thanks to all for your help!