Sonoff Zigbee Bridge Ultra, Wi-Fi + Ethernet cloud hub, Zigbee gateway, Matter hub

SONOFF Zigbee Bridge Ultra

Overview

The SONOFF Zigbee Bridge Ultra is an advanced Zigbee gateway designed to seamlessly integrate Zigbee sub-devices into the Matter ecosystem. Equipped with the powerful EFR32MG21 chip, this bridge offers enhanced processing capabilities, featuring a dual-core CPU running at 1.5GHz, 1GB DDR4 RAM, and 8GB eMMC storage. This ensures robust performance and smooth operation. It supports up to 256 Zigbee sub-devices and boasts a communication range of up to 200 meters in Turbo Mode, ensuring wide coverage and reliable connectivity throughout your home.

What is Zigbee?

Most Sonoff products use Wi-Fi and RF as communication modes, which allow for more affordable products than other smart home technologies, but are not specifically IoT standards. In contrast, Zigbee is specifically designed as an ideal communication solution for low-power devices where there is not a large amount of data transfer, but where the lowest possible time latency is important.
Zigbee is a good choice for battery-powered sensors or remote controls, for example, where Zigbee offers multiple uptimes compared to WiFi. Zigbee sensors cannot be used on their own, they need a Zigbee gateway to connect them to your home/office network. Examples are the Sonoff Zigbee Bridge and the Sonoff Zigbee Bridge Pro. The Zigbee Bridge Ultra is a Zigbee 3.0 supported Matter compatible gateway and uses the same eWeLink application as the other Sonoff products, allowing Zigbee devices connected to the Zigbee Bridge to be connected to each other and even to other devices such as Wifi devices in an automation system.

Of course, the so-called mesh network topology is also available here, so the range, which is not small by default, can easily be increased by connecting Zigbee devices powered by 230V, typically with Zigbee light switches and Zigbee relays. In other words, if a Zigbee sensor is placed in a remote corner of the home that is already out of range of the Zigbee Bridge, but a Sonoff ZBMini or similar device is operating between the two, the transmission will be ensured.

Key Features

• Seamless Matter Integration: Effortlessly integrates Zigbee devices with the Matter ecosystem, supporting both SONOFF and eWeLink devices for enhanced smart home automation.
• Enhanced Performance: With a high-performance 1.5GHz dual-core CPU, 1GB DDR4 RAM, and 8GB eMMC storage, the bridge ensures fast and reliable operation.
• Extensive Device Support: Capable of managing up to 256 Zigbee sub-devices, making it ideal for large smart home setups.
• Long Communication Range: In Turbo Mode, the bridge offers a communication range of up to 200 meters in open areas, providing extensive coverage.
• Flexible Connectivity Options: Supports both Ethernet RJ45 and Wi-Fi connectivity for stable and reliable performance.
• Smart Home Security: Functions as an alarm system that can be activated via NFC, wireless button, or the eWeLink app, enhancing home security.
  
  

Advanced Capabilities

• Dual-Mode Connectivity: Choose between Ethernet and Wi-Fi for optimal network stability and performance.
• High Capacity: With the ability to support a large number of devices, it ensures all your smart home devices are connected and managed efficiently.
• Future-Proof Design: Compatible with the latest Matter protocol, ensuring your smart home system is up-to-date with the newest technology standards.
• User-Friendly Setup: Easy to set up and manage through the intuitive eWeLink app, providing a seamless user experience.
  

Integration and Compatibility

The SONOFF Zigbee Bridge Ultra seamlessly integrates with various smart home systems, allowing you to incorporate Zigbee devices into your existing automation network. It supports a wide range of devices and is compatible with major smart home platforms such as Apple Home, Amazon Alexa, and Google Home through the Matter bridge, providing a versatile and comprehensive smart home experience.

Comparison with SONOFF iHost

While the SONOFF iHost focuses on localized data storage and privacy, the Zigbee Bridge Ultra leverages cloud connectivity for broader compatibility and convenience. This makes it ideal for users who prioritize extensive device integration and ease of use.