SLZB-MR1U USB Zigbee and Thread Adapter

SMLIGHT SLZB-MR1U USB Zigbee and Thread Adapter

The SMLIGHT SLZB-MR1U is a multi-radio Zigbee and Thread adapter designed for flexible smart home and home automation setups. It combines a Texas Instruments CC2652P7 radio with a Silicon Labs EFR32MG21 radio, allowing Zigbee and Thread networks to operate simultaneously on separate radios and channels.

With Ethernet, Wi-Fi, USB and PoE connectivity, the SLZB-MR1U can be positioned where your wireless mesh needs it rather than directly beside your Home Assistant server. It is designed to work with Zigbee2MQTT, ZHA, Home Assistant and Matter-over-Thread setups, while the built-in ESP32-S3 runs SMLIGHT's SLZB-OS management platform.

Dual-Radio Zigbee and Thread Connectivity

The SLZB-MR1U uses two dedicated radio SoCs: CC2652P7 and EFR32MG21. This dual-radio architecture supports simultaneous Zigbee and Thread operation, making it suitable for smart homes that use both Zigbee devices and Matter-over-Thread devices.

• Radio 1: Texas Instruments CC2652P7
• Radio 2: Silicon Labs EFR32MG21
• Protocols: Zigbee 3.0, Thread 1.3 and Matter-over-Thread
• Simultaneous operation: Zigbee and Thread can operate concurrently on separate channels
• Transmit power: Up to +20 dBm for both radios
• Antennas: 2 external, rotatable L-I antennas, +5 dBi

Ethernet, Wi-Fi, USB and PoE

The SLZB-MR1U is built around an Ethernet-first design while retaining Wi-Fi and USB connectivity. Ethernet provides a convenient way to locate the coordinator away from the main smart home server, while PoE can provide both network connectivity and power over a single Ethernet cable.

• Ethernet: 10/100 Mbps via WIZnet W5500
• Wi-Fi: Available as a network connection option
• PoE: IEEE 802.3af
• USB-C: Power and USB connectivity
• USB-A: USB passthrough for supported serial USB devices

USB Passthrough

The USB-A port can be used for USB passthrough, allowing compatible USB serial devices to be exposed over the network. SMLIGHT documents support for devices such as CP210x and CH340 based adapters. The manufacturer also documents tested use of the ZWA-2 Z-Wave USB stick with the SLZB-MR1U when using compatible SLZB-OS firmware.

Home Assistant, Zigbee2MQTT and ZHA Support

The SLZB-MR1U is designed for modern open smart home platforms. It can operate as a Zigbee coordinator or router and can be used with Zigbee2MQTT and ZHA. For Thread-based Matter setups, it can function as a Matter-over-Thread border router through the supported SMLIGHT software stack.

SLZB-OS and Firmware Flexibility

The device ships with SLZB-OS, SMLIGHT's web-managed operating system for its SLZB hardware. The web interface provides configuration, diagnostics and firmware management. SMLIGHT also supports switching to ESPHome through its built-in web flasher, giving advanced users additional firmware flexibility.

Compact Network-Ready Design

The SLZB-MR1U measures approximately 160 × 24 × 28 mm and weighs approximately 86 g. Its compact form factor and Ethernet/PoE connectivity make it suitable for installation in locations where placing a USB coordinator directly next to the Home Assistant server is impractical.

What's Included

• 1 × SMLIGHT SLZB-MR1U
• 2 × rotatable +5 dBi antennas
• 2 × screws
• 2 × adhesive pads
• 1 × 3 mm hex wrench
• 1 × QR-code manual card

Key Benefits

• Run Zigbee and Thread networks simultaneously using two dedicated radio chips.
• Use Ethernet to position the adapter away from the Home Assistant server for better coordinator placement.
• Use IEEE 802.3af PoE for convenient single-cable power and networking.
• Connect supported USB serial devices through network USB passthrough.
• Integrate with Home Assistant through ZHA, Zigbee2MQTT and supported SMLIGHT integrations.
• Use SLZB-OS for browser-based configuration, updates and diagnostics.
• Maintain firmware flexibility with support for ESPHome and community firmware options.

Technical Specifications

Note: Product specifications and included accessories should be kept aligned with the manufacturer's current documentation. In particular, the current SMLIGHT product information lists the MR1U package as the device, two antennas, mount kit, hex wrench and QR-code manual card.