Hello,
first I need to say that Thread is a new topic for me. I have a Samsung TV with Thread Border Router. I have connected one lock to my Thread network. Now my question: How can I add the Tizen Border Router to my HA? It will be recognized by HA, but I´m not able to select the network. What are the requirements to run an external Thread Border Router?
It depends on what you want to be able to do.
If you want HA to be able to reset and change your Thread Border Routers’ radio channel, then that is only supported by routers running OpenThread Border Router (OTBR) software that also exposes a REST API for nerwork control (not all do). You have to know the IP address of the OTBR’s WiFi side (check the _meshcop service in the new zeroconf browser under system → network settings) and its REST API port number (default 8081) and enter in the three-dot menu “Add new OpenThread border router”.
If you want HA to be able to “natively” commission Matter-over-Thread devices, then you need to import the Thread credentials dataset and then make it the Preferred network. For TBRs that don’t meet the REST API requirement, this means either extracting the credentials TLV (long cryptic string) somehow, and manually entering it in HA, or more commonly, by using a mobile (iOS or Android) device that already knows the credentials and the “send credentials to HA” button in the HA companion app.
If you just want HA to be able control Matter-over-Thread devices, you don’t need any Thread in HA at all. You can use your TBR’s “native” app (e.g. SmartThings app or Apple Home app) to commission the device to the third-party Matter controller, then enable “pairing mode” to share that device with the HA Matter controller. You can remove the initial Matter controller if you want, and the device will be just like it was commissioned natively. Sure it’s an extra step, but it is far simpler and more reliable.
