Options for Open Thread Border Router

I want to get started with Thread, so naturally, I am evaluating which is the best option for a Thread Border Router. My tendency goes strongly into using my HAOS machine as an Open Thread Border Router, and thus I need a Thread radio.

 

Build a Thread Network (Espressif)  - ESP-IDF

Build a Thread Network (Nordic)      - nRF52840

Build a Thread Network (Silicon Labs) - EFR32MG21 (here)

Build a Thread Network (Telink)          - Telink B91 Development Kit

Build a Thread Network ( HA Yellow)   - 

detail:https://openthread.io/codelabs/silabs-openthread-hardware#1

 

 

Options for OpenTread Border Router

All Thread devices to be used will be Matter-over-Thread.There are mainly four options overall:

 

1.OTBR on HAOS machine by using the official HA Connect ZBT-1 (formerly SkyConnect) radio. My expectation would be that this runs relatively stable and is a solid solution.

2.OTBR on HAOS machine with a third-party radio (e.g., Smlight SLZB-06M). Those offer advanced features (bigger antennas, easier placing through PoE, etc.), but I wonder whether the firmware interacts nicely with HA and I fear lacking support.

3.A third-party device that includes a Thread Border Router (e.g., something like an Apple Homepod, Alexa hardware, etc.). 

HomePods mini, so I just use them. The main perk is that they make commissioning easy with Apple Home, but like others (e.g. Google, Alexa) they hide the credentials so make it complex to use other apps (e.g. HA) for commissioning

 

4.A dedicated third-party Thread Border Router (e.g., GL.iNet GL-S20), seems like a mixture of solutions 2 (but more independent) & solution 3 (but no unnecessary features).

 

1.HA Official Connect ZBT-1

Make Official HA Connect ZBT-1 as a Thread Border Router in Home Assistant as the preferred network

2.OTBR in HA machine with a third-party radio

esp32-h2

 I flashed a $5 esp32-h2 with RCP firmware, and setup OTBR docker container (an esp32-s3 also works).

SONOFF

- Matter Support On Sonoff ZBDongle-E

 

Make sure there is a Thread border router device present in your home network.

I have flashed my sonoff dongle-e with an openthread firmware (thread only).

 

 

3.A third-party device that includes a Thread Border Router（Apple）

You can also use external border routers like an Apple TV or Nest Hub. To retrive the credentials from them.

Apple

homepod

Make Apple TV 4K (3rd Gen) as a Thread Border Router in Home Assistant as the preferred network. 

 

https://community.home-assistant.io/t/apple-tv-as-thread-border-router-not-adding-to-preferred-network/847644) 

Amazon

 

Google

 

Philips

 

smarthings

 

4.A dedicated third-party Thread Border Router

 

 

Troubleshoot Thread Border Router on Linux

multiple Thread credentials in Companion app

multiple Thread credentials in Companion app：https://github.com/home-assistant/core/issues/125444