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Home Assistant SkyConnect

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description Home Assistant SkyConnect Overview

For the power user running Home Assistant, the SkyConnect acts as a dedicated, open-source Matter Thread Border Router. Its primary appeal is the deep integration with the Home Assistant platform, allowing users to expose and manage Thread devices through a highly customizable dashboard. It bypasses vendor lock-in, making it the preferred choice for those who want maximum control over their entire smart home stack.

help Home Assistant SkyConnect FAQ

Is Home Assistant SkyConnect now called Connect ZBT-1?

Yes. Home Assistant renamed SkyConnect to Home Assistant Connect ZBT-1 in June 2024, and the company says the hardware and capabilities are unchanged.

Can SkyConnect run Zigbee and Thread at the same time?

The hardware can be flashed for Zigbee or Thread, but Home Assistant found simultaneous multiprotocol operation inconsistent and does not recommend it as the stable setup. A dedicated radio for each network is the safer configuration.

Does SkyConnect make every Matter device work with Home Assistant?

No. SkyConnect can provide the Thread radio layer when configured appropriately, but Matter also requires Home Assistant's Matter integration and compatible commissioning infrastructure. Matter-over-Wi-Fi devices do not need a Thread radio at all.

Should I replace an existing SkyConnect with the newer Connect ZBT-2?

An existing SkyConnect, or ZBT-1, can remain a useful dedicated Zigbee or Thread adapter. The newer ZBT-2 is a different generation, so replacement makes the most sense when its radio improvements solve a specific range or reliability problem.

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