I use a Home Assistant SkyConnect / Connect ZBT-1, which is connected directly to my HomeAssistant server. To improve wireless coverage in my flat, I would like to install a second Thread Border Router via Ethernet. I know that this is specified in the Thread protocol, but does it already work? What hardware can I use for this?
I don’t want the second TBR to open a second Thread network; it should join the existing Thread network.
I have several Google Nest devices as additional border routers. Though I must say I let HA import the Nest credentials, I do. ot know if you can force Google to join HA’s. I also hd a home built ESP based blrder router. I stopped using it because Updating the firmware was a bit of a hassle.
I have two HA instances, each with their own SkyConnect and they have been setup to use the same Thread dataset/credentials which means they are both on one Thread network. So yes it can be done in that way.
If you want to use a Google or Apple based TBR, then it is possible to do that too, you’ll just need your mobile device to join a device onto the Google/Apple TBR to get the Thread credentials, and then send those credentials to HA. This will then allow you in HA to pick the Google/Apple Thread network as the “preferred” network, and HA will then migrate/join the HA OTBR to that Google/Apple Thread network.