SMLIGHT SLZB-MR5U – adapter, Zigbee, Matter over Thread, Ethernet, Wi-Fi, PoE, USB (EFR32MG24+EFR32MG24)

The SMLIGHT SLZB-MR5U is a dual-radio Zigbee 3.0 coordinator and Thread Border Router with Ethernet, Wi-Fi, and USB connectivity.

The device contains two separate Silicon Labs EFR32MG24 wireless system-on-chips. One radio can be used as a Zigbee coordinator or router, while the other can operate as a Thread Border Router. This allows the Zigbee and Thread networks to run simultaneously on separate radios and separate channels. Both radios support transmit power of up to +20 dBm and are equipped with their own adjustable 5 dBi external antenna.

The SLZB-MR5U is primarily designed for Home Assistant, Zigbee2MQTT and ZHA integrations, as well as for building Matter over Thread networks. It can connect to the host system through Ethernet, Wi-Fi, or USB. Power can be supplied through IEEE 802.3af PoE or the USB-C port, while optoelectronic isolation manages the simultaneous connection of both power sources.

The built-in USB-A host port can be used to make supported USB-to-serial adapters accessible over the network. SLZB-OS supports devices based on CP210x, PL2303, CH340, CH341, and CH9102 controller chips, allowing, for example, a USB Z-Wave adapter to be accessed remotely through a TCP/IP connection. The device is supplied with the SLZB-OS system pre-installed and supports a local web interface, OTA updates, diagnostic functions, and the installation of alternative firmware.

About SMLIGHT

SMLIGHT develops Zigbee and Thread coordinators, Ethernet and USB adapters, PoE-compatible gateways, LED controllers, and other system integration devices for smart home systems. Its product range includes single-radio and multi-radio coordinators, as well as devices accessible over a local network through a web-based management interface.

SMLIGHT coordinators are primarily designed for Home Assistant, Zigbee2MQTT, ZHA, OpenThread Border Router, and other open-source systems. These devices are intended for DIY users and system integrators, with technical support available mainly through manufacturer documentation and community resources.

Key Product Features

• Two EFR32MG24 radios: The device contains two identical Silicon Labs wireless system-on-chips that can be assigned independent network roles.
• Simultaneous Zigbee and Thread operation: Zigbee and Thread networks can be managed at the same time using separate radio channels.
• Zigbee coordinator and router: The radio can be configured to create a Zigbee network or operate as a router in an existing network.
• Thread Border Router: In the OpenThread Border Router role, it connects the Thread network to the local IP network and enables communication for Matter over Thread devices.
• Ethernet and PoE: A single Ethernet cable can provide both the network connection and power in accordance with the IEEE 802.3af standard.
• USB-C power supply: The device can also be powered through its USB-C port.
• Network forwarding of USB adapters: The built-in USB-A host port can make CP210x- and CH340-based serial adapters accessible over the network.
• Two external antennas: Each radio uses a separate three-axis adjustable external antenna with 5 dBi gain.
• Local web interface: Radio settings, network connections, firmware, and diagnostic functions can be configured from a web browser.
• Pre-installed firmware: The device is supplied with the SLZB-OS system installed and tested at the factory.

Smart Home Protocols and Platform Compatibility

• Zigbee 3.0: The SLZB-MR5U can create a new Zigbee network as a coordinator or operate as a Zigbee router with suitable firmware.
• Thread 1.3: The second EFR32MG24 radio can be configured for Thread network communication.
• Matter over Thread: In the OpenThread Border Router role, it manages the IP-based network connection of Matter over Thread devices.
• Home Assistant: Can be used with Zigbee2MQTT, ZHA, OpenThread Border Router, and SMLIGHT's own Home Assistant integration.
• Zigbee2MQTT: The coordinator can connect to Zigbee2MQTT through Ethernet, Wi-Fi, or a serial USB connection.
• ZHA: Can be used as a network-based Zigbee coordinator with the Home Assistant Zigbee Home Automation integration.
• OpenThread Border Router: The Thread radio can be connected to the Home Assistant Thread environment through the OTBR service.
• MQTT: SLZB-OS supports MQTT-based status and integration functions. MQTT communication for Zigbee devices is handled by Zigbee2MQTT.
• ESPHome: ESPHome firmware can be installed using the factory web flasher, supporting YAML-based configuration and basic radio adapter functions.
• Tasmota and community firmware: Compatible community firmware can be installed on the ESP32-S3 controller through the built-in web flasher.
• Open-source firmware: SMLIGHT also provides lightweight MIT-licensed open-source base firmware for the device.

Smart and System Management Functions

• Parallel Zigbee and Thread operation: The two radios can operate simultaneously, so there is no need to switch firmware or radio mode between the two network types.
• Local configuration: Network, radio, and system settings are available through the local web interface.
• Radio firmware updates: The firmware of both EFR32MG24 radios can be updated through the web interface without connecting a physical programmer.
• SLZB-OS OTA updates: The central ESP32-S3 firmware can be updated wirelessly.
• One-click firmware switching: SLZB-OS, ESPHome, and supported community firmware can be installed from the management interface.
• Factory reset: The device can be restored to its default settings using the physical button.
• Hardware diagnostics: The local interface displays radio, network, PoE, and system status data.
• Debug logs: SLZB-OS provides detailed system and communication logs.
• Protected web access: The local web interface can be protected with user authentication.
• WireGuard: The built-in VPN function can be used for secure access to a coordinator located on a remote network.
• DDNS: Dynamic DNS support allows remote access even when the external IP address changes.
• USB passthrough: A connected supported USB-to-serial adapter can be accessed through a TCP/IP network connection.
• PoE control: SLZB-OS also manages status and control functions related to PoE power.
• LED indication: Six status LEDs indicate the state of the radios, PoE, network connection, and data traffic, among other functions.

Connections and Power Supply

• Ethernet: 10/100 Mbps RJ45 network connection using a WIZnet W5500 controller.
• PoE: IEEE 802.3af-compliant 48 V Power over Ethernet.
• PoE isolation: The built-in isolated transformer separates the PoE and USB-C power circuits.
• USB-C: Can be used for power supply and serial USB communication.
• USB-A host: Designed for connecting adapters that use CP210x- or CH340-based USB-to-serial converters.
• Wi-Fi: Can be used as a wireless local network connection instead of Ethernet.
• Dual power supply: PoE and USB-C power sources can be connected simultaneously.

Technical Specifications

• Product name: SLZB-MR5U
• Product series: SLZB-MRxU
• Product type: Ethernet multi-radio Zigbee coordinator and Thread Border Router
• Main controller: ESP32-S3, dual-core, 2 × 240 MHz
• First wireless system-on-chip: Silicon Labs EFR32MG24
• Second wireless system-on-chip: Silicon Labs EFR32MG24
• Supported wireless protocols: Zigbee 3.0, Thread 1.3, Matter over Thread
• Simultaneous radio operation: Two radios operating in parallel on separate channels
• Radio transmit power: Up to +20 dBm on both radios
• Antennas: 2 external adjustable L-I-type antennas
• Antenna gain: 5 dBi per antenna
• Ethernet controller: WIZnet W5500
• Ethernet speed: 10/100 Mbps
• PoE standard: IEEE 802.3af
• PoE voltage: 48 V
• Power connector: USB-C
• Additional USB port: USB-A host for USB passthrough
• Firmware: SLZB-OS
• Alternative firmware: ESPHome, Tasmota-compatible, and other community ESP32-S3 firmware
• Status indicators: 6 LEDs
• Control: 1 physical push button
• Dimensions: 160 × 24 × 28 mm
• Net weight: 86 g