Description: Powerful ZigBee Router based on the Sonoff Zigbee 3.0 USB Dongle Plus with preloaded "Router" firmware.Suitable for Home Assistant - zigbee2mqtt and ZHA integrations (thoroughly tested in both systems). Note, this is not a ZigBee Coordinator. This is a ZigBee Router (Extender, Repeater). What is the difference between a ZigBee Coordinator and a ZigBee Router?The Coordinator creates the ZigBee network, serving as its central point, and there can only be exactly one in the network.A Router is a device that extends the range of the ZigBee network. In the ZigBee network, we have three types of devices:Exactly one coordinatorRouters (typically powered continuously from the mains)End devices (usually battery-powered). All "Router" devices connect to each other in what is called a Mesh network, and "End devices" connect to the nearest router.Therefore, it is necessary to have enough strategically placed routers in the ZigBee network to create a strong, quality, and robust mesh network. As mentioned, most continuously powered devices (switches, bulbs, outlets) in the ZigBee network also function as routers. However, their performance is significantly limited by a very small antenna with a transmission power of 2-4 dB. The router we offer here is a dedicated device with a powerful and feature-rich SoC chip EFR32MG21 and a very strong antenna with a transmission power of 20 dB. Therefore, connecting one such powerful router significantly enhances the stability of the entire network. Support your network with several of these routers, placing them one by one in the farthest corners of your home. For a standard family home, it is suitable to use 2-4 dedicated routers. This eliminates all problems with network instability and disconnection of individual devices. Do not rely on the small integrated antennas of other routers (switches, bulbs, outlets), as their transmission power is usually insufficient. FAQs:Q: Which systems is this ZigBee router suitable for?A: This router has been thoroughly tested in Home Assistant with the zigbee2mqtt and ZHA integrations. We ourselves operate our Home Assistant with the zigbee2mqtt add-on, and currently, we have a total of 126 devices in the ZigBee network using 3 of these ZigBee routers. Q: Could I end up with too many routers in the network?A: Simply put, no. It is definitely better to have one extra than to be missing one. Q: What firmware will I get with this router?A: Before shipping, we load the currently most reliable firmware EFR32MG21_zb_ncp_6103 onto the router. Q: Why this version of the firmware? Aren’t there newer versions already?A: We consider ourselves experienced experts and are convinced that 6103 is the most reliable Router FW version for this specific dongle. For example, unlike other versions, the router is immediately in pairing mode after connection and is ready to connect to your ZigBee network. Similarly, when removed from the network in the standard way, it automatically switches back to pairing mode. Q: My network was very unstable. Adding this router has significantly improved it, but it's still not 100% reliable. What else can I do?A: First, make sure that your ZigBee network does not experience frequency interference with your Wi-Fi network. ZigBee and Wi-Fi interference is a serious and most common reason for most ZigBee network problems. By checking the settings of the Wi-Fi router or using a mobile app like Wi-Fi analyzer, you can find the Wi-Fi channel on which your Wi-Fi network is operating (as well as the surrounding networks of your neighbors). Always try to have the ZigBee network on the opposite side of the frequency spectrum. Many articles have been written on this topic – search for "ZigBee and Wi-Fi coexistence." In both zigbee2mqtt and ZHA, it is possible to set the ZigBee channel number, but usually, this means the need for re-pairing most devices on the network. Changing the Wi-Fi channel on your Wi-Fi router is easier and does not require re-pairing Wi-Fi clients. However, sometimes it is necessary to change the channels of both networks. If you have strictly separated ZigBee and Wi-Fi network frequencies and the ZigBee network is still not 100% reliable, add one more ZigBee router in a suitable location. Q: How can I power this ZigBee router?A: Any continuously powered USB port, such as in a TV, lamp, computer... Alternatively, any USB charger.Tip: If you are getting a new USB charger, look for one that has a USB output on the side so that the dongle does not protrude into the room but hugs the wall as close as possible. Q: How do I recognize that the dongle is in pairing mode?A: Through a small aperture around the antenna, you will see that the green and red LEDs are alternately blinking. Q: I need to pair the router with a different ZigBee network, and I didn't remove it correctly from the previous network. When I plug the dongle into USB charger now, it's not in pairing mode. How do I get the dongle back into pairing mode?A: You will have to disassemble it (two screws on one side). Hold down the Reset button while powering it up. The red LED needs to be blinking. Q: Why should I buy it from you? Other sellers offer this dongle at a lower price.A: First and foremost, be cautious if other sellers provide this dongle with preinstalled Router FW. They usually sell it with the stock Coordinator FW. Additionally, it's important to note that we are not just re-sellers. We have been involved in ZigBee for several years and consider ourselves experts in this field. We test hundreds of ZigBee, WiFi, Z-Wave, Bluetooth, RF... devices and know what is best for our customers.
Price: 24.99 USD
Location: Saint Augustine, Florida
End Time: 2024-09-23T04:32:48.000Z
Shipping Cost: 0 USD
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Item Specifics
Return shipping will be paid by: Buyer
All returns accepted: Returns Accepted
Item must be returned within: 14 Days
Refund will be given as: Money back or replacement (buyer's choice)
Return policy details:
Brand: Sonoff
Type: USB ZigBee Router
Unit Type: Unit
Manufacturer Warranty: 1 Year
Connectivity: ZigBee
Year Manufactured: 2023
Compatible Product: Home Assistant
Unit Quantity: 1
Country/Region of Manufacture: China
Smart Home Protocol: ZigBee
Smart Home Compatibility: Home Assistant