Is it possible to use a second esp32c6 as a dedicated thread RCP for an esp32 node?

ESPHome
1

Hi-

relatively new to HA/ESPHome & thread.

I'd like to make a combined bluetooth proxy & presence, thread FTD (to expand the mesh) and Wifi node.

My incomplete understanding is that there are hardware limitations (shared RF circuitry/antenna) on the C6 that make simultaneous thread, bluetooth, and WiFi impractical. As well, in reality there are so many bluetooth devices in most environments that thread doesn't have enough bandwidth to keep up with relaying all the bluetooth related notifications.

Is it possible to have a "main" ESP32 that is provisioned via esphome to have WiFi, bluetooth proxy and presence, and the thread software stack (or shim/proxy?) and connect a C6 configured as a thread radio (RCP) via UART direct connection?

I didn't see any mention in the ESPHome thread documentation to specify a UART to use, or anything re an external RCP.

If someone has a working example YAML file, and notes on setting up the C6 as a thread RCP, they'd be willing to share, that'd would be much appreciated! :wink:

(Note: in typing this out, I've just realized that I could just set them up as two separate devices - one BT/Wifi, the other just thread. Only downside would be extra nodes to manage in the ESPHome web interface.)

Thanks in advance!

Julian

2

You may find the convenience of having two separate dedicated devices to support, update independently, and troubleshoot a small price to pay. Think of them like building blocks, not a data centre.

3

Sorry, could not follow all of your thoughts, questions, but:

Here is a way but it doesn't use ESPHome (See step #2)

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