Unable to configure either open-thread-border-router or Nest thread network on HA in container

Configuration Matter/Thread
1

I run Home Assistant in a TrueNAS container (from their app catalog), and in doing so, I’ve run in to several issues that I’ve had to solve. The latest, I’ve been trying to get Thread working, but can’t seem to cross the finish line.

There are two routes that I’ve tried taking:

  1. Set up open-thread-border-router in a container as a custom application and connect that (using the SkyConnect dongle). I’ve got that mostly working, it seems, but my Android [phone refuses to connect to that network, instead choosing the “NEST-PAN-XXXX” network generated by my wifi router. Ideally, I’d like to get the otbr version working, but in lieu of that…
  2. When I try to use the “NEST-PAN-XXXX” network, it says “No border routers found” below it. I’m not sure why.

I’ve tried force closing Google Play Services and the Google Home app, I’ve tried syncing thread credentials, but it always just wants to stick to that “NEST” network. In Android settings, when I go to “Thread” and find the network and tap on it, it says “Unavailable network. To access this network, set up this device with the manufacturer app you used to set up this network.”

Any help would be very appreciated, I’ve been trying to figure this out for days now.

2

Is this discussion relevant to your Android device?

3

I ended up giving up on the container route and just set up a VM with HAOS. It’s mostly working now, with one minor issue that I’ll have to open a separate thread for.

4

I’m suspecting that the Android issue will still exist there in that alternate setup also.

5

Nope, the SkyConnect just automatically joined the NEST network so it’s all good now