SMLIGHT SLZB-06 Coordinator and New Zigbee Hub Feature

The world of smart homes is constantly evolving, along with the technologies driving it. One of the key elements in this field is Zigbee, a wireless protocol for IoT devices. With the recent release of Zigbee PRO 2023 and the introduction of advanced coordinators such as the SMLIGHT SLZB-06, new possibilities are opening up for users.

SMLIGHT SLZB-06: A Versatile Zigbee Coordinator

SMLIGHT SLZB-06 is a powerful Zigbee coordinator offering several advanced features:

• Based on the CC2652P chip from Texas Instruments with Cortex M4F 48 MHz processor and 88 kB RAM

• Supports Ethernet, USB, and WiFi connections

• Compatible with Zigbee2MQTT, Home Assistant, and ZHA

• Features its own web interface and system

• Can be powered via PoE or USB-C

This coordinator is designed to serve as a central point for a Zigbee network, enabling easy management and control of various smart devices.

Coordinator with Its Own System and Intelligence

A significant advantage is its proprietary web interface, newly branded as SMLIGHT OS ("operating system"). This allows for easy and quick device management, configuration, and updates. SMLIGHT is diligently working on introducing new features and supporting firmware updates for Zigbee and Thread. In the beta version of the latest firmware, an exciting innovation has been introduced: SMLIGHT SLZB-06 coordinators can now function independently as a Zigbee Hub!

Brand-New Zigbee Hub Functionality

The Zigbee Hub feature allows pairing compatible Zigbee devices directly to the antenna itself without requiring an additional overarching system like Home Assistant.

The coordinator can independently manage, monitor, and control these Zigbee devices. All you need is its web interface for complete oversight. This feature is particularly useful for minimalist installations such as garages, garden sheds, remote systems, etc. Simply connect PoE to the SMLIGHT SLZB-06, and no further equipment is needed—providing instant remote access to smart devices.

Demonstration of New Feature

First, update the coordinator to the latest beta version of Core firmware. Then, you will see the Zigbee Hub option available in the mode selection menu. In the Zigbee Hub tab, you will find several options: Overview, Devices, and Settings.

Pairing works similarly to other systems. Navigate to the Devices tab, activate pairing mode via the green plus button, and then set your Zigbee device into pairing mode.

Once paired successfully, you can immediately see if the connection was successful. The overview then provides options for controlling and managing individual devices.