Part1 - Options for OpenTread Border Router

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.

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.Official HA Connect ZBT-1

 

2.OTBR on 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

homepod

 

 

 

Amazon

 

 

 

 

 

 

Google

 

 

Philips

 

4.A dedicated third-party Thread Border Router