Again, please forgive my newbieness when it comes to Matter and right now Matter over WiFi and the devices that the eisy supports well right now. I was going to order some Kasa Matter wifi plugs then in further research saw a node server for Kasa devices. Is a node server needed for these Kasa devices? What Matter over ethernet on/off plugs work with eisy? What would you recommend i get to start my learning?

Would the Tapo devices, plugs, need a node server too or will they install and work without a node server? I noted there is no specific node server for Tapo devices, but this stuff confuses me.

And it is my understanding that no dongle is needed for Matter over ethernet devices.

I want to learn and want to play with some of this stuff but information is all over the place and i cannot find what Matter over ethernet devices will work with the current March 2026 furmware. And when would a node server be needed for Matter stuff? I am so confused...argh!

Thanks so much for setting me on the right path!

John

"Node servers" and "matter" are separate options for control of your devices. If you choose to go with matter, then a node server would not be needed. In my experience, there is some risk with either (node server or matter) approach. For me, matter has been unreliable at best. On the other hand, support for node servers can cease and one might find that a particular device may not be supported or become orphaned if the manufacturer updates the device.

I understand also that matter over wifi does not need the dongle but it needs a matter capable hub such as a hub from google, Alexa, apple hub, Aqara, etc... One must first add a matter device to one of these hubs then share it with EISY. I have found the node servers to be reliable options when they support a given device, but that there is a bit of a learning curve to making them work. Based on my experience so far, my recommendation for you would be to use the KASA node server. There is no direct cost to trying it out and, if successful, you will more likely have reliable control over your devices.

I have no experience with Tapo devices. For outlets and plugs, I use zwave and Insteon.