I am new to Home Assistant and also to Matter/Thread. I have some Eve Matter/Thread devices and “had to buy” an Apple homepod mini (homeKit) to get started. Integration of actual Eve Matter/Thread in Home Assistant are o.k.
Unfortunately, some Matter/Thread devices should be placed fare away from the single Apple homepod mini TBR like the garden or at the basement flor or rooftop level. There is Wifi and also PoE is available.
As most TBR-devices are mostly too expensive, I wonder if OTBR GL-iNet GL-S20 used in PoE-mode could work to expand the Matter/Thread-Network. Is there any experience with GL-S20?
Just in case, you can extend the range with other intermediate Thread devices like smart bulbs, switches or plugs as long as they work as Thread routers. Devices don’t need direct connection to your TBR since they form a mesh.
I’m using the GL-S20 in a similar setup with Matter/Thread devices in a remote location. The GL-S20 is connected to the Ethernet network and provides a Thread network for the devices there. It works well overall, although the GL-S20 occasionally freezes, requiring a power cycle to restore functionality.
There’s a new beta firmware (version 2.0.1) that includes Home Assistant integration, but I haven’t tried it yet.