Home Assistant Connect ZBT-2 – Multi-protocol Zigbee 3.0 & Thread USB gateway

The Home Assistant Connect ZBT-2 is the second generation of the official, professional USB adapter, designed specifically to build a highly stable and high-performance smart home network. As the direct successor to the ZBT-1 (SkyConnect), it offers significant upgrades in terms of processing power, wireless range and connection stability.

The adapter enables the direct integration of all certified Zigbee 3.0 and Thread devices into your Home Assistant system. As all communication is processed locally, the system operates completely independently – without relying on external cloud services or an active internet connection.

Key benefits and technical features

• Quadrupled processing power: Latencies are minimised through the use of the modern Silicon Labs MG24 chipset in combination with a baud rate increased to 460,800 bps (predecessor: 115,200 bps). This results in a noticeably faster response time from end devices and error-free switching of large groups of devices.

• Optimised antenna design: The standalone, external antenna features an optimised base. This ensures increased range, improved reception of weak signals and higher network throughput. The vertical orientation also minimises destructive interference.

• Plug-and-play integration: The adapter is connected directly to the Home Assistant hub (Home Assistant Green, Yellow, Raspberry Pi or dedicated server infrastructure) via the supplied USB-C cable. Detection and setup are fully automatic via an intuitive software wizard.

• Seamless network migration: An integrated migration tool allows the ZBT-2 to be integrated into an existing network and configurations to be transferred. Existing links, entities and automations are fully retained.

• Open hardware architecture: The housing has been designed for easy maintenance and can be dismantled without clips or adhesive. Exposed pins and debug contacts offer developers and advanced users direct modification options.

Technical Specifications

Compatibility and software integration

The gateway is fully compatible with established open-source architectures:

• ZHA (Zigbee Home Automation): Native solution integrated directly into Home Assistant.

• Zigbee2MQTT: Full support as a coordinator for maximum flexibility and advanced device management.

• OpenThread Border Router: For native deployment and management of Thread networks.

Thanks to standardised protocols, thousands of certified Zigbee and Matter-over-Thread components from well-known manufacturers are supported, including Philips Hue, IKEA Trådfri, Aqara, Sonoff, Innr and Tuya.

Installation and migration guide for Home Assistant Connect ZBT-2

Initial configuration:

1. Position the adapter vertically in a location with as clear a line of sight as possible.

2. Connect the device to your Home Assistant host system using a USB cable.

3. Follow the instructions of the setup wizard that launches automatically in the user interface.

4. Define the operating mode (either Zigbee or Thread).

Migration from an existing adapter:

1. Leave the old coordinator in the system for the time being.

2. Navigate to: Settings -> Devices & Services -> Zigbee Home Automation.

3. Select the “Migrate adapter” option and follow the instructions.

4. Connect the ZBT-2 when prompted by the system. The Zigbee mesh network will be transferred automatically.

Technical comparison: Home Assistant Connect ZBT-2 vs. predecessor vs. SMLIGHT SLZB-06

The following comparison highlights the technical differences between the new generation, the predecessor and the Ethernet-based SMLIGHT SLZB-06 coordinator:

Important operating instructions

• Exclusive protocol mode: The ZBT-2’s wireless chipset can be configured via software either for a pure Zigbee network OR for a pure Thread network. Simultaneous parallel operation of both protocols on a single physical chip is not supported. Two separate adapters are required for the simultaneous operation of both networks.

• Environmental conditions and placement: Only operate the device in dry, not excessively dusty environments to avoid hardware damage. Protect the unit from direct sunlight and do not position it in the immediate vicinity of heat sources to prevent overheating.

• Factors affecting wireless range: The actual wireless range depends heavily on the structural conditions on site (e.g. thickness and material of walls/ceilings) as well as the specific installation location.

• Minimising interference: The device operates in the heavily congested 2.4 GHz frequency band. To avoid packet loss and connection drops caused by Wi-Fi networks or peripheral devices, the adapter must be operated using the supplied 1.5-metre USB extension cable and placed at a sufficient distance from Wi-Fi routers or other sources of interference.