Hardware: ZIGBEE DONGLE

HARDWARE: ZIGBEE HUB

Another protocol (or basically the standard) that I use in my Smart Home is zigbee. It is widely used, for example, in the Philips Hue ecosystem. I offer, like z-wave, a mesh network (i.e. each device is also a network extender) and quite a good range at 868MHz, 915MHZ and 2.4GHz.

The first idea with this protocol was to plug and integrate all zigbee devices into the Philips Hue gateway that I use. Unfortunately, it was not a good idea - not all devices could be added (e.g. gas sensor) and some, despite adding to the network and proper communication, were not visible (e.g. IKEA remotes). 

To solve this problem, I decided to separate the Hue system from the rest of the zigbee network. I left the lights and remotes and the Philips motion sensor on the Hue bridge (more on this in the post) and the rest: IKEA remotes, Heiman sensors and the rest I connected to a separate zigbee gate.

I found a lot of possibilities on the Internet, but I focused on compatibility with the Home Assistant. After a short research, I decided to use the Dresden Electronics Conbee2 hub.

The choice was based on compatibility with Home Assistant and previous experiences with Dresden Electronik equipment. Additionally - it can work locally and does not need a cloud to operate. The price is quite decent - now you can buy less than 50€.

The device landed in the USB hub I wrote about in the previous post.

The configuration and integration will be described once we have the system up and running.

LINKS AND EXTERNAL RESOURCES

• Conbee2
• Zigbee protocol

A bit about the project.

On this blog you will find a description of my struggles with the smart-home system. It will be completely subjective, based on my personal experiences and conclusions.

I have been working with smart home for several years and I decided to help people like me who are at the beginning of their adventure with such systems. 

More and more manufacturers are placing "agitated" devices on the market. Not all of them are polished, not all are suitable for real use. And here you will find information on what and how to use.

The current state is already a working Home Assistant, but it is preparing to move to a new home, where I will do everything from scratch, using the experience from previous years. 

After several years of working with Home Assistant (and smart-systems), I know _ a little_ which are suitable for use, what errors to avoid and what is a good solution. 

Below are a few graphics so that you know what solutions I use (but these are not all - I try to constantly expand the system).

Home Assistant as an aggregator and control center. Also as a point of contact with Google Assistant and Alexa.

Lights, bulbs and switches

Communication protocol for devices - used by eg Fibaro

Communication protocol for devices. Used e.g. by Philips Hue but also by Aquara and IKEA.

Voice assistant. Unfortunately, he doesn't speak Polish at all. 

Asus is the manufacturer of the Wifi routers I use. It integrates well with the Home Assistant but also provides a very stable Wifi network - both in the 2.4MHz, 5MHz band and in the new 6MHz standard

Printer and scanner in one. In Home Assist, for example, I can see the level of toner consumption.

USB Dongle and Drivers for LED strips running on Zigbee

The entire ecosystem based on z-Wave

Cameras

Voice assistant. He can speak Polish (but only on tablets / phones). Dedicated devices do not work in our language yet

Great multi-room audio system. He talks to the Home Assistant.

Cameras with recognition of people / animals and vehicles.

Xiaomi is what everyone can see. Provides lights (yeelight) and the Aqara system