All the 'Matters'

[johnjces]

With all the Matters, I guess only a couple really, I have two stupid questions which I am just unclear about.

UDI is coming out with a pretty major upgrade in early 2025 for our eisys and it includes, "...Link WiFi-based Matter switches/plugins directly."

1). What does this mean, "Link...directly"?

2). Do I need to purchase the ZMatter USB dongle to utilize WiFi/IP based Matter devices? Such as those Matter based WiFi light bulbs and more, that hook up to your WiFI network, not a wireless connection from the dongle.

Thanks!

John

[Guy Lavoie]

Well the text says:

• Link WiFi-based Matter switches/plugins directly.
• Link Thread-based Matter switches/plugins through the Nest Hub (2nd Gen) or Apple HomePod.
• All through UD Mobile!

I'm guessing that for the wifi based devices, the Zmatter dongle shouldn't be needed. For the thread based devices, it's not as clear. Thread is a wireless communications standard that requires a controller that acts as a router. It's like an extension to wifi, allowing a mesh network between devices, and using low power, which is important for battery powered devices. I'm guessing that the dongle will play a role here, though the mention of the Nest Hub or HomePod seems to imply that either one of those devices is also needed, or that it might be an alternative to the dongle. That should certainly all be cleared up soon enough for us. But your question is a good one: is the dongle necessary for Matter to work?

[johnjces]

Thanks Guy!

I am hoping for an accurate answer to my query as well as the unknowns you mentioned. Maybe one of the UDI folks will respond after the Holidays... or sooner!

John

[Guy Lavoie]

Yes, I hope they give out a few more details of how it works, what's needed, etc. A teaser screen shot of the new admin console wouldn't hurt

 

[Goose66]

I believe the point of calling these features out is that they specifically don’t need the ZMatter dongle. The ZMatter dongle will allow the eisy to communicate directly with Thread-based devices.  But Matter is supported on other networks besides Thread, such as Wi-fi. Thus Wi-Fi direct to Matter devices (what I’m waiting for) and wi-fi through hub/bridge to Thread devices can all be implemented in eisy by software update alone, requiring no Thread hardware (ZMatter dongle).

[johnjces]

@Goose66

This too is what I am hoping for as, for right now, I have no need of zmatter/zigbee stuff and desiring direct wifi to matter. And a dongle, IMHO, just adds another layer of complexity, if it were to be required.

I must give kudos to the UDI team for working on all of this so diligently! I think the wait will be worth it! 

John

[oskrypuch]

Personally, I would much prefer to use devices that stay off WiFi. I do isolate IOTs on a subnet, but they still take up bandwidth, are generally less well behaved given their simple firmware and even occasionally malicious.

* Orest

Edited December 28, 2024 by oskrypuch

[johnjces]

Since I upgraded my eisy to the latest OS and IOX and having a look around UDM, I have to ask a few more questions about Matter on WiFi. I am a bit confused about WiFi Matter vs ZWave Matter, which I 'think' uses the RF ZWave dongle.

I was looking through the UDM and found where one can add a Matter device. When trying to enable it to see what might happen next, it pretty much told me that I have to have the ZWave dongle or hardware or something attached.

Is this true? Must I have the ZWave dongle to use WiFi Matter? Just some WiFi Matter compatible light bulbs. I have no reason not to by a dongle or two, but when I am slowly learning, I don't want to have hardware that I may not use since I am 99% Insteon... so far.

OR, is there a full wiki yet or "how to" somewhere on how to enable WiFi Matter devices and create a node and exactly what is needed?

Thanks again for all your help and information.

John

Edited Tuesday at 03:22 AM by johnjces
Correct my horrendous spelling and grammer

[Techman]

The UD Zwave/Matter dongle supports Zwave, Zigbee and Matter. You need the dongle if you want Matter support.  

Being that Matter is just being implemented on the eisy and the polisy the matter devices supported is somewhat liimited., i.e. a work in progress.

ZMatter USB: Z-Wave+, Zigbee, and Matter Module for eisy (Z-Wave+ Certified - Long Range)i - Universal Devices

 

[Guy Lavoie]

The "need" for the Zmatter dongle hasn't really been made clear yet. In principle, it should be needed (or an option) for Thread devices, though the 5.9.1 release announcement doesn't mention it, and instead indicates that Thread could be done through "border routers". As announced:

- Matter

Initial support for light bulbs and plugin modules:
-- WiFi direct.
-- WiFi through a Border Router such as Google Nest Hub or Apple HomePod.
-- Thread through a Border Router

I'm guessing that ultimately, the dongle would be an alternative to the border router.