Replace CC2531 for one with antenna

Hardware
1

In order to improve my range, I bought a CC2531 with antenna. Currently I’m using one without antenna. I am wondering what the best procedure would be to replace the USB devices. I was thinking:

  1. Disconnect the current USB stick … the zigbee network will be unavailable.
  2. Maybe wrap my new USB stick in tin foil, so it can’t connect while I am loading firmware?
  3. Flash the firmware as described in this subject: https://www.zigbee2mqtt.io/getting_started/flashing_the_cc2531.html
  4. Connect the USB again to my pi.

Then all devices should reconnect to my new USB sniffer, right?

2

Flash and replace. No need for tin foil or disconnecting the current one while flashing. Nothing can connect as long as the CC2531 is not connected to a computer running zigbee2mqtt.

Tip : after replacing, flash your old one with the router firmware.

3

Ok, that sounds really easy. Yes, I think I will flash the old one with router firmware and use that one in the attic.

4

Or keep what you already have and simply plug one or two IKEA bulbs or sonoff switch (they are very cheap and act as routers)…