I’m wondering if there exists a wifi device that can sit on the network that can act as a Zigbee receiver that works with Home Assistant?
I am looking to get a Zigbee receiver to my server via USB. However I’m a bit afraid because they all look like USB devices with tiny antennas. The server sits in a soundproof heavy duty rack, so I worry about poor reception. Next to that I live in an old house with thick walls.
I do however have good wifi coverage with several unify AP’s. So something that connects to the wifi network might be a solution.
From everything I’ve read, using a USB Zigbee receiver is generally the better option.
Three tips for usb Zigbee receivers:
Use a usb extension cord to avoid rf interference
Built out your mesh with router devices (switches, lightbulds, etc)
Make sure your zigbee channel doesn’t overlap frequncy with your wifi channel(s).
That being said, I have the Sonoff Zigbee Wifi bridge (with Tasmota firmware installed) and it works fine now that I have plenty of zigbee router devices. I can tell you from experience that a zigbee/wifi bridge is not a replacement for building out the zigbee mesh with router devices.
There used to be a pretty good one called Wink but they don’t make ‘em anymore. There are others but I would also suggest a good Zigbee stick (i.e. Conbee2 or Nortek HUSBZB) and if you have interference issues, I have successfully run a zigbee mesh using one of those on the end of a 12’ usb extension cord so I could stick it in the attic.
There are however some wired options that aren’t crap.
I wouldn’t recommend a ConBee unless you’re using deCONZ, and I wouldn’t recommend the Nortek since both the Zigbee and Z-Wave chips in it are from the previous generation.
Another option in this scenario is an Rpi in a discrete location running ZHA or Zigbee2MQTT in a container reporting back to the main HA MQTT instance… Then you can pick whatever stick you want and more IMPORTANTLY position it in your home for best effectiveness.
I have a zzh USB Zigbee coordinator plugged in with a USB extension cable outside of the rack enclosure. I’ve then attached Ikea USB Zigbee Repeaters into the USB port in my WiFi Access Points around the house. Works well.
Ignore the garbage photo, it shows the USB wall charger that comes with it, and not the actual Zigbee repeater
I see good suggestions , I wish I know something like this last year .
One thing I learned the hard way is to actually think first of what sensors you want ,their cost and brands .
Then once you know that , you can focus on one good brand ( the guys can give good examples ) and just
buy one single hub that will take care of your devices .This is the most stable solution ( might not be the most flexible )
In my little experience , i have seen that Xaiomi gateway v3 is excellent and cost effective on the original firmware ( but only if the guys here tell you its okay and that the sensors you need are available ) .
