As I delve into the world of smart home automation, I’ve found myself at a crossroads when it comes to choosing the right wireless protocol for my setup. My current setup includes a Raspberry Pi 5 running Home Assistant, paired with a Hue Bridge, Shelly devices, and HMIP systems. While I’ve been happy with the stability and performance of Zigbee via the Hue Bridge, I’m now looking to expand my network with new devices, specifically Aquara smart plugs. This has led me to explore the possibility of adding a second Zigbee network using Zigbee2MQTT or upgrading to the newer Matter protocol.
The idea of setting up a second Zigbee network using Zigbee2MQTT with a Sonoff Stick or the Home Assistant Connect ZBT-1 is intriguing. It would allow me to maintain my existing Hue network while experimenting with new devices. However, I’m also curious about the benefits of transitioning to Matter, which promises broader compatibility and a more unified ecosystem. I’m eager to hear from the community about their experiences with these technologies—whether they’ve successfully integrated multiple Zigbee networks or made the switch to Matter. Your insights and recommendations would be invaluable as I navigate this decision. Let’s discuss!