Zigbee and Matter: Integrating New Devices with FritzBox for Seamless Smart Home Connectivity

1. Fritzbox selection for Zigbee

With a current Fritzbox top model (approximately 7690, 5690 Pro and 6670 Cable) you have significantly more selection with smart home devices.

Because these routers have in addition to the usual one in Fritzboxing DECT ULE Also the continued standard Zigbee My antil table.

This enables numerous devices, including from Philips Hue (Lamps, LED strips, sockets and switches), IKEA TRADFRI, Ledvance Smart+, Officery, Müller-Licht Tint, Paulmann, Sonoff, EcoDim as well as Schneider Electric Connect.

The supported models can be found in the overview https://fritz.com/service/zigbee/.

Christoph Hoffmann

2. Alternatively: Ciguee’s most climbing

If you use a Fritzbox without a cigbee function, then you can use your home network with the separately Fritz Smart Gateway to expand to ZigBee.

This means that all ZigBee functions of the top router models are available.

Fritz

3. Smart Gateway im Mesh

So that you have devices about the Fritz Smart Gateway In the Mesh overview of the FritzBox under “Home Network> Mesh” with a mesh symbol, the gateway must be displayed.

If this is not the case with you, follow the workshops from point 5.

Christoph Hoffmann

4. Registration with Zigbee

Regardless of whether Fritzbox with a cigbee or with a gateway, the registration of Zigbee devices always runs identical.

If the device was already connected to a different base station, bridge or radio center, separate it in the corresponding control menu.

Philips

Alternatively, put the device back into the delivery state (reset). The procedure can be found in the operating instructions of the device.

5. Add device

In the FRITZBOX menu, click “Register” on “Smart Home> Devices and Groups” and then click “Register” ZigBee device.

Christoph Hoffmann

6. Find devices from a different smart home base

Select “Register new device”. If your device is not found in the further course, try again with “Device is registered with a different smart home basis”.

Christoph Hoffmann

7. Find devices via Mac address

Does the manufacturer of your smart home device work with installation codes or MAC addresses? In this case, activate “Use Installation Code”. Enter the code or address of the device. If in doubt, google the device name and Fritz Smart Gateway.

Christoph Hoffmann

8. Wait search time

Fritz-OS 8.xx is now looking for new Zigbee devices.

Christoph Hoffmann

9. Set up device

Click on “Set up the device now”.

Christoph Hoffmann

10.

Finally, give a name and make further settings (light, circuit).

Christoph Hoffmann

Use Matter-Bridge

Matter is an important standard when it comes to smart home compatibility. Fritz-OS 8.xx turns fritz boxes with Smart Gateway a Matter-Bridge.

This allows you to remote control of the devices connected to your Fritzbox via a matter controller such as Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant or Apple Home, for example by voice command.

Make the link with clicks on “Smart Home> Devices and Groups> Matter Networks> Link Matter Network”.

What steps should you take if a Matter device isn’t responding through your FritzBox?

Understanding the Smart Home Landscape: Zigbee, Matter, and Your FritzBox

The modern smart home relies on interconnected devices, and choosing the right dialog protocol is crucial. Two prominent contenders are Zigbee and the newer Matter standard.AVM’s FritzBox routers are increasingly becoming central hubs for these technologies, offering robust control and integration. This article dives deep into how to leverage your FritzBox for seamless smart home connectivity using both Zigbee devices and the evolving Matter protocol. We’ll cover compatibility, setup, troubleshooting, and future-proofing your setup.

What is zigbee and Why Use It?

Zigbee is a low-power, low-data rate wireless communication protocol designed specifically for IoT devices (Internet of Things). It creates a mesh network, meaning devices can communicate with each other, extending the range and reliability of your smart home network.

Here’s why Zigbee remains popular:

* Low Power Consumption: Ideal for battery-powered sensors and devices.

* Mesh Networking: Increased range and resilience – if one device fails, others can route signals.

* Wide Device Support: A vast ecosystem of Zigbee compatible devices exists, from lights and sensors to thermostats and locks.

* Security: Zigbee utilizes encryption for secure communication.

FritzBox as a Zigbee Hub: Compatibility and Setup

Many newer FritzBox models (specifically those with a USB port and compatible firmware) support Zigbee directly, eliminating the need for a separate hub. Check AVM’s compatibility list for your specific model.

Setting up Zigbee with your fritzbox:

1. Firmware Update: Ensure your FritzBox has the latest firmware. This is critical for Matter and Zigbee support.
2. Zigbee USB Adapter (if required): Plug in the compatible USB adapter.
3. Access FritzBox Interface: Log into your FritzBox web interface (typically via fritz.box).
4. Smart Home Settings: Navigate to “Smart Home” then “Devices”.
5. Add Device: Select “Add Device” and choose “Zigbee”.
6. Pairing Mode: Put your Zigbee device into pairing mode (refer to the device’s manual).
7. Follow On-Screen Instructions: The FritzBox will search for and connect to the device.

Introducing Matter: The Future of Smart Home Interoperability

Matter is a new, open-source connectivity standard aiming to solve the fragmentation problem in the smart home. It promises seamless interoperability between devices from different manufacturers,irrespective of the underlying protocol (Wi-Fi,Thread,or Ethernet). Matter over Thread is gaining traction, offering a robust and secure alternative to Wi-Fi for smart home automation.

fritzbox and Matter: Early Adoption and Current Status

AVM has been actively implementing Matter support in its fritzbox routers. Currently,Matter devices can connect to a FritzBox via Wi-Fi and,increasingly,via Thread (requiring a Thread Border Router function within the FritzBox).

Key Considerations for Matter on FritzBox:

* Thread Border Router: To fully utilize Matter’s benefits, especially with low-power devices, your FritzBox needs to act as a Thread Border Router. Check your model’s specifications.

* Matter Device Compatibility: Ensure your Matter devices are certified and compatible with the FritzBox.

* Firmware updates: Matter is still evolving, so regular firmware updates are essential for optimal performance and compatibility.

Integrating Zigbee and Matter Devices with Your FritzBox

The beauty of a modern FritzBox is its ability to handle both Zigbee and Matter devices simultaneously. This allows you to leverage the strengths of each protocol.

Here’s how to approach integration:

* Prioritize Reliability: Use Zigbee for critical devices like security sensors where a mesh network provides redundancy.

* Embrace Interoperability: Utilize Matter for devices where cross-platform compatibility is paramount (e.g., smart lights, plugs).

* Centralized Control: The fritzbox Smart Home interface provides a single point of control for all your connected devices, regardless of protocol.

* Smart Home Scenes: Create automated scenes that combine Zigbee and Matter devices for complex automation routines. For example, a motion sensor (Zigbee) triggering a Matter-enabled smart bulb.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

* Device Pairing Failures: Ensure the device is in pairing mode and within range of the FritzBox. Restart both the device and the FritzBox.

* Connectivity Problems: Check the signal strength and interference. Consider relocating devices or adding a Zigbee repeater.

* Matter Device Not Responding: Verify the device is online and connected to