SMLIGHT SLZB-MR1U Dual-Radio Zigbee and Thread CoordinatorOne adapter for both Zigbee and Thread: the SMLIGHT SLZB-MR1U combines two independent radios in one housing. The proven Texas Instruments CC2652P powers your Zigbee 3.0 network, while the Silicon Labs EFR32MG21 runs in parallel as a Thread Border Router for Matter devices. Both protocols operate simultaneously, fully locally, and without cloud dependency, connected via Ethernet, Wi-Fi, or USB-C to Home Assistant. Plug in, pair, done.Chipsets and HardwareThe SLZB-MR1U runs on three specialized chips: the Texas Instruments CC2652P handles the Zigbee 3.0 radio with +20 dB output gain, the Silicon Labs EFR32MG21 processes Thread and Matter-over-Thread, and the ESP32 manages all network and configuration functions via SLZB-OS. The included external SMA antenna (+5 dB, rotatable) ensures stable range. Four status LEDs on the PCB provide direct feedback on connection and status.Connectivity and PowerThe SLZB-MR1U supports Ethernet (10/100 Mbit/s via RJ45), Wi-Fi (2.4 GHz), and USB Type-C as connectivity options. Power is supplied via USB-C (5V) or Power over Ethernet (IEEE 802.3af, 48V PoE); both can be connected simultaneously thanks to optoelectronic isolation. When using Wi-Fi, pay attention to channel selection: Zigbee, Thread, and Wi-Fi share the 2.4 GHz band and can interfere with each other if channels overlap. Ethernet is the recommended connection method for maximum stability.USB PassthroughThe SLZB-MR1U (the U version) features a USB passthrough function: connect a third USB dongle to the extra USB port and use that dongle over the network as if it were directly connected to your server. This works with commonly used USB-to-UART chips such as CP210x, CH340, and CH9102. With PoE power, the USB port also supplies power to the connected dongle. The SLZB-MR1 without U does not have this feature; please check the model number carefully before purchase. Also check out our other Zigbee USB coordinators for alternatives.SLZB-OS and Firmware ModesThe SLZB-MR1U comes with SLZB-OS: SMLIGHT's proprietary operating system with a built-in web interface for configuration, one-click firmware updates for the ESP32 core and both radios (CC2652P and EFR32MG21), WireGuard VPN, DDNS, OTA updates, and hardware diagnostics. The two radios are fully independently configurable: the CC2652P runs as a Zigbee Coordinator (ZHA/Zigbee2MQTT) or Zigbee Router, the EFR32MG21 runs as a Thread/Matter Border Router (OTBR). ESPHome firmware is also supported for use as a Bluetooth proxy.Home AssistantThe SLZB-MR1U works via Zigbee2MQTT and ZHA for the Zigbee network (CC2652P) and via the OpenThread Border Router add-on for the Thread/Matter network (EFR32MG21), fully locally without the cloud. The official SMLIGHT SLZB integration in Home Assistant provides direct monitoring, diagnostics, and firmware updates from the HA dashboard for both radios. Local control is confirmed; the cloud is not required after pairing.Pairing Procedure Zigbee via Ethernet and Zigbee2MQTT Connect the SLZB-MR1U via Ethernet to your router; power via PoE or USB-C. Open the SLZB-OS web interface via the IP address (visible in your router) or via mDNS: Confirm that the CC2652P radio is active as a Zigbee Coordinator; note the IP address and port (default 6638). In HA, go to Zigbee2MQTT > Settings > Serial and choose Network device; enter as tcp://[ip-address]:6638. Zigbee2MQTT recognizes the CC2652P as a ZNP coordinator; the Zigbee network is immediately operational. Pairing Procedure Thread/Matter via OpenThread Border Router Enable the EFR32MG21 as a Thread OTBR radio via SLZB-OS. Install the OpenThread Border Router add-on in Home Assistant. Select the SLZB-MR1U as the network border router via the IP address and port for Thread (default 8080 or 6638 on a separate channel; check SLZB-OS). The Thread integration will automatically appear in HA; Matter devices can be paired directly via the Matter integration in HA. Pairing Procedure via ZHA In HA, go to Settings > Devices & services > ZHA > Add integration. Choose Network device and enter socket://[ip-address]:6638. ZHA will automatically detect the CC2652P; the Zigbee network will be active within seconds. Other PlatformsThe SLZB-MR1U works on any platform with ZNP support (Zigbee) or OTBR support (Thread) via Ethernet, Wi-Fi, or USB: Home Assistant, ioBroker, openHAB, HomeSeer, and Node-RED. Drivers are available for Windows, Linux, macOS, and Raspberry Pi OS.Automation ExamplesExample 1 – Monitoring Zigbee and Matter in parallel and reporting outages Install the official SMLIGHT SLZB integration in Home Assistant. Trigger: status of the SLZB-MR1U Zigbee or Thread radio becomes unavailable and persists for more than 3 minutes. Action 1: restart the affected add-on (Zigbee2MQTT or OpenThread Border Router) via service hassio.addon_restart. Action 2: send a push notification stating which radio has failed and that recovery has
