How does wall tablet, phone and pi4 tie in?

[TKO1]

I did google it and here’s my take on it.

1 install HA on Pi4 - to administrate
2 phone app - user level … switch a light
3 wall tablet - kiosk mode, user level, nice view,
keep itchy fingers away from admin level stuff

or am I missing the plot here.
Pi4 comes with Wffi and Bluetooth. Do I still need dongles?

Be kind to the newby, thanks

[tom_l]

@TKO1

Do I still need dongles?

If you want ZigBee and/or zwave, yes. You don’t use the Pi Wi-Fi . The connection to Wi-Fi devices comes via your wired network connection to your router and Wi-Fi access point(s). And it is recommended not to use the built in Bluetooth too.

The other misconception you have is that Home Assistant can only be administered from the Pi. This is not the case. It can be administered from anything with a web browser.

[TKO1]

Hi
Wow thanks for the quick response.
Ok, so web brouser can admin : understood

Pi would need to be ‘wired’ Lan? Can’t it connect to Wiffi but not directly to divices, conect through router?

If the dongle is in one spot in the house, how does it cover the entire house?

Any way you answered my initial Question.
Thanks

[LiQuid_cOOled (Not really a...)]

This will explain a bit about ZigBee and the mesh concept. The dongle doesn’t need to have the ability to cast a signal that covers your entire footprint. For example ZigBee creates a mesh network using non-battery powered devices to repeat the signal for devices that out of range of the dongle.

Is Zigbee right for you?

This topic is part of the community-driven cookbook where you can find other topics you might be interested in or might like to contribute to. What is this post for? More people are coming fresh to Home Assistant (and the Forum) after buying either a Yellow or a Green plus SkyConnect. When they want to add a few sensors, Zigbee seems the obvious choice - but it may not be the best option. Building a reliable Zigbee network can involve a considerable amount of time and expense, both of which …

This a great place to understand the How Does It Work?

[zoogara (Daryl)]

@TKO1

If the dongle is in one spot in the house, how does it cover the entire house?

Depends on the dongle. Bluetooth, use ESPHome Bluetooth Proxies, Zigbee, build a Zigbee mesh using bulbs and power outlets.

[tom_l]

@TKO1

Pi would need to be ‘wired’ Lan? Can’t it connect to Wiff

You should connect it via wired LAN. It can work via Wi-Fi but it is not recommended.