Just got my first Matter/Thread device from Santa

Configuration Matter/Thread
1

I just got an Aqara Door and Window Sensor P2, which has the Matter and Thread logo. I’d like to try it out, and I’m wondering what the best option is. When I tried to add the Aqara using the HA App, it just failed with no reason. When I tried to add it via Apple Home, it told me I needed a Thread Border Router.

I don’t have any Thread Border Routers around the house. I have an Apple TV 4K, but a first generation (the TBR was added in the second). I have two Google speakers, but they are even older – back when they were called Home speakers.

I am using a SkyConnect, but reluctant to try out the experimental firmware for a couple of reasons. First, almost everything on my network is Zigbee based, so losing that would be a bit of a disaster. (The downside risk is high.) Also, I’m using a container install, which isn’t recommended. I did spin up the Python Matter service as a container and (as far as I can tell without any devices) it seems to work.

So, either buy something (hopefully cheap) with a Thread Border Router or try setting one up myself, either with SkyConnect or something esp-home-like, maybe? What do you all recommend?

2

I found the matter on-boarding in the Google Home app and tried it, just in case one of my speakers is new enough. It also fails with no explanation.

3

You CANNOT add a Thread device to your network without a Thread Border Router. It is simply impossible. It would be like trying to add a Zigbee device to your network without a Zigbee coordinator.

To be clear - matter is the fancy shiny new protocol that everyone intends to speak for interoperability. Thread is the radio protocol that is being used for the actual communication.

4

I’m just getting started with my Matter device setup here so I’m just starting but it’s fun. I used the $60 Google Nest hub 2nd gen (on sale) as the Thread Border Router for a Debian Server running Home Assistant Supervised.

I was having issues adding Matter devices until I nuked (stopped it from running, it’s still on the computer) Avahi-daemon on all my Linux servers and now I can add Matter devices when before I was getting core-matter-server chip.DIS[126] ERROR Failed to parse mDNS query

systemctl mask avahi-daemon

5

Well, I know that, hence the question. I was hoping someone had a cheaper way for me to add a TBR to my network than buying a new Apple or Google device. I guess there isn’t one. The device might have to go into a drawer for a while, me thinks…

6

Hmm… That sounds, um, drastic. I like mDNS.

7

The Home Assistant Sky Connect is the cheapest (official) way- though I believe people have had success reflashing the Sonoff 3 Zigbee coordinator with the multiprotocol firmware (the same multiprotocol firmware Sky Connect uses).