SMLight Zigbee Coordinators
A Zigbee coordinator is a device for linking Zigbee based devices to a central hub. The use of a Zigbee coordinator to combine and control devices from different manufacturers can seen daunting to some, at first with some people never taking the step to combine to a single coordinator and instead opting to keep multiple Zigbee hubs for different companies to control a handful of devices each. The new SLZB-06 range from SMLight aims to change that.
The SMLIGHT SLZB-06, SLZB-06M, and SLZB-07 are three Zigbee-based devices designed for smart home enthusiasts. These products focus on enhancing the functionality of existing smart home systems by acting as gateways or enhancing network connectivity. Zigbee Coordinators are used to communicate between ZigBee devices made by different manufacturers in a consolidated manner. This allows for devices to be controlled and monitored form a central location and to reduce the need for having multiple hubs and gateways from each manufacturer. This sounds great in theory but some manufactures do make it so that although their devices use the ZigBee protocol, they make it so that devices will only work with their hubs. This creates a closed eco system and locks the user in to only using that manufactures products. This should be avoided.
The SMLight Zigbee Coordinators are a beacon of light in the smart home world. The devices in their very nature stand for what a smart home should strive to be. Their Zigbee Coordinators are the device which should bind all devices together and allow for a joined approach to smart home device management.
Before looking at the products themselves lets take a quick look at the company as many of you may not have heard of SMLight before. SMLight is a company operating out of Ukraine, with manufacturing of products in China. The company is super active and now has a large array of products in their ZigBee coordinator range. The company has done really well to continue to grow and evolve in a country that has been at the heart of war zone. It is inspirational to see that even through the hardest situations like war, people find the effort to put time into a company and develop products to make the world of smart homes better for all the enthusiast out there.
Lets dive in the products now and see how each device stacks up. Below is an in-depth review of each device, covering their features, performance, and use cases.
1. SMLIGHT SLZB-06: In-Depth Analysis
Design & Build Quality
The SMLIGHT SLZB-06 is designed with practicality in mind. It features a compact, plug-and-play form factor, its sleek, narrow design with a prominent external antenna follows the trend SMLight have set with all of their coordinators in the range. This form makes it a versatile device that can be plugged into either a USB-C power adaptor or can be powered over ethernet if your network switch supports it. alternatively a power over ethernet injector can be used to power the devices too. Its minimalist design allows it to blend seamlessly into most smart home setups without drawing attention but delivering a vast range of functionality and features which we will explore later in the review.
Technical Specifications
Chipset: Based on the CC2652P Zigbee chip, which is known for its efficient power consumption, high performance, and robust wireless capabilities. This chip is also perfect for using with Zigbee2MQTT in Home assistant.
Antenna: The external antenna design significantly boosts range and signal stability, making it particularly useful for larger homes or areas with thick walls.
Zigbee Version: Supports Zigbee 3.0, which is backward compatible with older Zigbee versions (1.2 and 2.0), ensuring you can integrate both older and newer Zigbee devices into your smart home.
Frequency Range: Operates in the 2.4 GHz frequency, standard for Zigbee communications, and ensures minimal interference with Wi-Fi networks that share the same frequency.
Has optoelectronic isolation: between Ethernet and USB so you can securely connect both RJ45 and type-C at the same time if you with to use data other ethernet and power the Coordinator using USB-C.
Compatibility: If you are already using or want to use Zigbee2MQTT with Home Assistant then this is the coordinator for you. The CC2652P chipset is well supported by Zigbee2MQTT.
Performance
The SLZB-06’s performance is characterized by its robust wireless range and its ability to maintain a stable connection across multiple Zigbee devices. Thanks to its external antenna and the high-quality CC2652P chipset, the device can cover an area of 100-150 meters indoors (depending on wall material and structure) and up to 300 meters in open space. The coordinator’s communication speed is also commendable, supporting the fast pairing and control of smart devices without noticeable lag. One great feather of the SLZB Coordinators is that they can be used as high power repeaters or extenders for your Zigbee network meaning that you can set up one Coordinator as the gateway and then use others to extend the reach of you Zigbee network to ensure that every inch of your home is covered.
Platform Compatibility
The SLZB-06 is highly compatible with many popular smart home platforms, including:
Home Assistant: Integration is straightforward through the Zigbee Home Automation (ZHA) or Zigbee2MQTT add-ons.
Zigbee2MQTT: For users who prefer managing their Zigbee devices through MQTT, the SLZB-06 is an excellent choice due to its full support for this open-source platform.
Domoticz, OpenHAB, ioBroker: The device also works seamlessly with other smart home hubs, giving users flexibility to choose their preferred platform.
Pros
Stable and Extended Range: The extended range makes it suitable for larger homes or environments with thick walls or other potential signal obstacles.
Zigbee 3.0 Compatibility: Ensures compatibility with the latest devices while maintaining backward compatibility with older Zigbee devices.
Plug-and-Play Design: Simple setup process, making it ideal for beginners and advanced users alike.
Cons
Its really difficult to come up with any negatives for these products. If i was being really picky i would say that it would be good to see a more square design to the case which would allow for a more the coordinator to be more stable if sat on a shelf. the narrow, longer design used currently works great for mounting to a wall but can be unstable if sat on a flat surface with the antenna at 90 degrees to the device.
Comparison with Competitors
Compared to other Zigbee coordinators like the ConBee II or SONOFF Zigbee 3.0 USB Dongle, the SLZB-06 excels in range and stability, particularly due to its external antenna and feature set.
Use Cases
Large-Scale Zigbee Networks: If you have 50+ Zigbee devices across multiple rooms or floors, the SLZB-06 can handle the load and maintain communication without causing network congestion or device drop-offs.
Professional Smart Home Installations: It’s an excellent choice for professional installations where the network stability of clients’ devices is a top priority.
2. SMLIGHT SLZB-06M and SLZB 06p10: In-Depth Analysis
Design & Build Quality
The SMLIGHT SLZB-06M and SLZB-06p10 are Zigbee coordinators similar in design to the SLZB-06, designed to be compact and unobtrusive. Its small plug-in design allows it to be placed in any room where there may be signal issues, making it highly adaptable. The repeater’s construction is durable, with heat management features that ensure it can operate for extended periods without overheating. This coordinator is very similar in design to the SLZB-06 but uses a different chipset. The SLZB-06p10 uses the CC2674P10 chipset whereas the SLZB-06M uses EFR32. SMLIGHT provide a solid breakdown of each chip set used on their website here. I have included the information on the chips at the end of this segment as well.
Technical Specifications
Chipset: SLZB-06p10 uses the CC2674P10 chipset and the SLZB-06M uses the EFR32MG21 Zigbee 3.0 chip, ensuring efficient and secure communication with minimal latency.
Power Source: Typically powered either via USB from standard wall outlet, or via Power over Ethernet (POE)
Connectivity: The SLZB-06M and SLZB-06p10 support USB, LAN and WIFI connectivity so is highly versatile and has a connectivity solution for all situations.
Compatibility: If you are already using or want to use ZHA with Home Assistant then pick up the SLZB-06M. The EFR32 chipset is well supported by ZHA.
Performance
The performance of the SLZB-06M is where it truly shines. As a Zigbee router, it plays a crucial role in ensuring that even the most distant or isolated Zigbee devices in your home remain connected. By reinforcing the mesh network, the SLZB-06M can mitigate signal drops and enhance the responsiveness of devices far from the coordinator.
Users have reported significant improvements in network coverage after installing one or more of these coordinators in repeater mode. The device is also known for its consistent performance, handling heavy traffic (i.e., multiple devices routing through it) without a noticeable impact on latency or network speed.
Platform Compatibility
The SLZB-06M and SLZB-06p10 work seamlessly with the same platforms as the SLZB-06:
Home Assistant, Zigbee2MQTT, Domoticz: It integrates smoothly into these platforms, acting as a reliable repeater that extends the overall mesh network and improves communication between devices and the main Zigbee coordinator.
Benefits
Effective Range Extension: It significantly improves the range of your Zigbee network, especially in larger homes or multi-floor setups.
Energy Efficient: As a low-power device, it won’t add significantly to your energy bill.
Plug-and-Play Setup: Easy to set up and deploy, requiring no special configuration beyond joining the Zigbee network.
Use Cases
Signal Dead Zones: Ideal for homes with dead zones where devices struggle to stay connected to the coordinator, such as basements or garages.
Mesh Network Expansion: Suitable for users who need to extend their Zigbee network into a new wing of their home or across multiple floors.
3. SMLIGHT SLZB-07p7: In-Depth Analysis
Design & Build Quality
The SMLIGHT SLZB-07p7 takes the design and functionality of the SLZB-06 to a new format. Like the SLZB-06, it comes in a sleek format, but it is more compact design, dropping the Ethernet connectivity for a direct USB connection, capable of handling medium Zigbee networks without compromising stability or performance. This device is great if you are looking to directly connect the coordinator to your computer running home assistant.
Technical Specifications
Chipset: Features the same CC2652P7 chip but with enhanced optimizations for handling more devices.
Device Capacity: Capable of managing up to 200 devices (depending on the platform and network load), making it a superior option for users with large-scale Zigbee ecosystems.
Antenna: A high-gain external antenna allows for better range, making it the perfect choice for users with large properties or complex smart home setups.
Firmware Upgrades: Supports OTA firmware updates, ensuring you always have the latest features and security patches.
Plug and Play: As easy as plugging in the device into the USB port and adding it to Home Assistant and your up and running.
Performance
The SLZB-07p7 is designed for users who need exceptional network performance. It handles a large number of devices with ease, and thanks to its powerful antenna, it can cover large properties or even outdoor areas. The SLZB-07p7 is particularly notable for its ability to maintain high responsiveness in smart devices, even when the network is heavily populated with sensors, lights, and other IoT devices.
Platform Compatibility
Like the SLZB-06, the SLZB-07 is compatible with major smart home platforms such as:
Home Assistant, Zigbee2MQTT, Domoticz: The integration is straightforward, and it is often preferred by advanced users who run large, complex Zigbee networks.
Pros
Handles Large Networks: Ideal for users with 100+ devices, offering stable and responsive control across the board.
Use Cases
Compact Smart Home Systems: Best suited for more compact centralized smart home setups as the devices is connected directly to the USB port on the server.
Security-Conscious Users: Ideal for users who prioritize enhanced security features in their smart home network.
Future-Proofing: Great for users who plan to continue expanding their Zigbee network over time.
4. SMLIGHT Firmware Features: In-Depth Analysis
The SMLight SLZB-06 range of Zigbee coordinators use a comprehensive web interface on the device to deliver a feature rich web interface for managing Zigbee networks and devices. Here’s a summary of its key features:
Network Overview: Provides a comprehensive view of the Zigbee network, including connected devices, network topology, and signal strength.
Device Management: Allows users to add, remove, and configure Zigbee devices such as lights, sensors, and switches. It supports device pairing and troubleshooting.
Group Control: Users can create and manage device groups, enabling synchronized control of multiple devices with a single command.
Scene and Automation Setup: Facilitates the creation of scenes and automation rules, allowing users to define specific actions or lighting scenarios based on time, events, or sensor triggers.
Real-Time Monitoring: Offers real-time updates on device status, network performance, and operational metrics, helping users to monitor and troubleshoot their Zigbee network effectively.
Firmware Updates: Provides the ability to update the firmware of Zigbee devices and the coordinator itself, ensuring that all components are running the latest features and security patches.
User Management: Includes options for managing user access and permissions, ensuring secure and controlled interaction with the system.
Logs and Diagnostics: Features logging and diagnostic tools to help with troubleshooting issues within the Zigbee network and devices.
Customization and Configuration: Allows users to customize settings and configurations for both individual devices and the overall network, catering to specific needs and preferences.
Integration Support: Offers integration capabilities with other home automation systems and platforms, enhancing interoperability and expanding functionality.
The SMLight Zigbee coordinator web interface is designed to provide a centralized, user-friendly platform for managing and optimizing Zigbee networks, making it easier to maintain and control a smart home environment.
One of the key features which i have never seen on a coordinator before is the ability to set up a VPN to the device. This is a great idea if you are managing multiple locations like a your home and remote office or holiday home. Being able to set up a VPN to the remote coordinator means that you can control the devices in the remote location as if the your on your local network.
This seems to be a unique feature in the smart home world for SMLIGHT devices and really gives the devices a lead in the comparisons.
4. Chipsets
SMLIGHT provide a great breakdown of the chips used in their devices on their website. This can be found here. This breakdown for the chips described in the four coordinators above is here as well:
CC2652P - As used in the SLZB-06
“CC2652P (48Mhz, 88Kb RAM) is the Top 1 on our list. Reliability has been tested over the years and by many users. CC2652* chips are fully supported in Zigbee2MQTT (EFR32 has an “experimental” support status), and are also fully supported in ZHA. That is, it is a universal coordinator for both ZHA and Zigbee2MQTT. Zigbee firmware supports up to 200 end devices. Even with the maximum number of Zigbee devices, the chip parameters (processor 48Mhz and 88Kb RAM) are not even close to the maximum, so there is no difference in speed compared to other chips in the series (CC2652P7: 48Mhz+152Kb RAM, CC2674P10: 48Mhz+264Kb RAM). So, CC2652P is #1.” - https://smlight.tech
EFR32MG21 - As used in the SLZB-06M
“The EFR32MG21 (80Mhz + 96Kb RAM) does not differ significantly from the CC2652P chips in terms of technical characteristics. However, there are a few things that the user should know: (1) This chip is ideal for working with ZHA (since the native Home Assistant coordinator is built on the same chip), but it is listed in the “experimental” section for Zigbee2MQTT. In practice, these chips show more stable operation than CC26** in Zigbee coordinator mode. In addition, although both EFR32MG21 and CC2652P chips have a +20dB amplifier, EFR32 chips usually show higher LQI with end devices. We put this chip on the 1st place along with the CC2652P chip in our rating.” - https://smlight.tech
CC2674P10 - As used in the SLZB-06p10
“The CC2674P10 (48Mhz + 264Kb RAM) has the same processor (48Mhz) as the CC2652P and CC2652P7 chips, but a slightly larger amount of RAM – 264Kb (CC2652P: 88Kb, CC2652P: 152Kb,). At the same time, neither the processor nor the memory is used even by 30% when the chip is operating in coordinator mode with the maximum possible number of connected end devices. Therefore, this chip is more of a marketing ploy. In addition, the firmware for this chip is in test mode. As of February 2024, we recommend that you buy these coordinators at your own risk, or if you are a firmware developer and you need a test device on this chip. Our recommendation is to pay attention to the CC2652P. It is cheaper, more reliable (as it has been tested by a large number of users), and supports +20 dB of gain at the firmware level.” - https://smlight.tech
CC2652P7 - As used in the SLZB07p7
“The CC2652P7 (48Mhz + 152 Kb RAM) has the same processor (48Mhz) as the CC2652P chips, but a slightly larger amount of RAM – 152Kb (CC2652P: 88Kb). At the same time, neither the processor nor the memory is used even by 30% when the chip is operating in coordinator mode with the maximum possible number of connected end devices. Therefore, this chip is more of a marketing ploy. Our recommendation is to pay attention to CC2652P. It is cheaper, more reliable (because it has been tested by a large number of users), and supports +20dB of gain at the firmware level.” - https://smlight.tech
Conclusion
All our devices—the SMLIGHT SLZB-06, SLZB-06M, SLZB-06p10, and SLZB-07p7—offer excellent performance and are valuable additions to any Zigbee-based smart home network.
SLZB-06 range is an excellent choice for most users, providing solid performance and compatibility at a reasonable cost. These are essential for those with larger homes or signal issues, ensuring that your entire network remains connected and stable.
SLZB-07 is a great option for centralized smart homes with Zigbee repeaters already in place, ideal for more extensive setups or those starting out, those who need to connect a number of devices, or users who want the added security features.
Overall, these devices cater to different needs within the smart home ecosystem, and choosing the right one will depend on your specific requirements and the size of your Zigbee network. However all the devices tested here work really well individually or having one as a coordinator and then using the others as repeaters. There are also very few Zigbee repeaters on the market that have POE so again, SMLight have found a niche in the market with that feature as well.
All the co coordinators have the ability to be setup to use a VPN as well. This is a feature not seen on other Zigbee Coordinators on the market and allows for linking of multiple sites to a single network so that devices can be controlled easily and securely without the need to link to a cloud base service or open up ports on your firewalls. A unique feature that will have significant benefit to some smart home makers out there.
If you are looking for a Zigbee coordinator or looking to strengthen you Zigbee network SMLIGHT have your back with this amazing Zigbee coordinator range, you can pick one up from their website. each of the featured devices is linked below:
SMLIGHT SLZB-06
- Worldwide store
- UK Store
SMLIGHT SLZB-06M
- Worldwide store
- UK Store
SMLIGHT SLZB-06p10
- Worldwide store
SMLIGHT SLZB-07p7
- Worldwide store
- UK Store
