SMLIGHT SLZB-MR2U Zigbee & Thread Adapter

The SMLIGHT SLZB-MR2U is an Ethernet-based multi-radio coordinator designed for smart home systems that need both Zigbee and Thread connectivity. It combines a Texas Instruments CC2652P radio with a Silicon Labs EFR32MG21 radio, allowing Zigbee and Thread networks to operate simultaneously on separate radio chips.

The SLZB-MR2U works with popular smart home platforms and software including Home Assistant, Zigbee2MQTT, ZHA and OpenThread. Its network-based design allows the coordinator to be positioned where it provides the best radio coverage instead of being tied directly to the computer or server running your smart home software.

Key Features

• Dual-radio design with CC2652P and EFR32MG21 SoCs
• Simultaneous Zigbee and Thread operation using separate radio chips
• Zigbee 3.0 and Thread 1.3 support
• Matter-over-Thread border router capability
• Compatible with Zigbee2MQTT and ZHA
• Home Assistant compatible
• Ethernet connectivity through the integrated W5500 controller
• Wi-Fi connectivity available as a fallback
• Power through PoE or USB Type-C
• USB passthrough for supported external USB adapters
• Pre-flashed with SMLIGHT SLZB-OS
• Remote firmware updates for the radio chips and ESP32-S3 core
• Two external rotatable +5 dBi antennas
• Six status LEDs and a physical control button
• Compact 160 × 24 × 28 mm enclosure

Dual-Radio Zigbee and Thread Architecture

The SLZB-MR2U uses two independent radio SoCs rather than relying on a single radio for both networks. The CC2652P is supplied by Texas Instruments and the EFR32MG21 is supplied by Silicon Labs. This architecture allows Zigbee and Thread to run concurrently on separate radio hardware.

Zigbee Support

Use the SLZB-MR2U as a Zigbee coordinator or router with compatible smart home software. It supports Zigbee 3.0 and integrates with Zigbee2MQTT and ZHA, making it suitable for building and managing a Zigbee smart home network.

Thread and Matter-over-Thread

The second radio provides Thread connectivity and can be used for Matter-over-Thread applications. The SLZB-MR2U can operate Zigbee and Thread simultaneously, with each protocol assigned to its own radio SoC.

Network Connectivity

The Ethernet-first design lets you place the coordinator away from the main smart home server. The device uses a W5500 Ethernet controller and also provides Wi-Fi as a fallback connection option. This makes it possible to position the adapter where radio placement is more convenient.

Power Options

The SLZB-MR2U supports Power over Ethernet (PoE) as well as USB Type-C power. PoE can simplify installation by allowing network connectivity and power to be supplied through a single Ethernet connection.

USB Passthrough

The built-in USB passthrough feature can expose supported external USB adapters over the network. SMLIGHT documents support for common CP210x and CH340 based USB devices.

SLZB-OS Firmware

The SLZB-MR2U ships pre-flashed with SMLIGHT's SLZB-OS. The web interface provides configuration and management features, including OTA firmware updates, Zigbee functions, OpenThread Border Router functionality, USB passthrough and network features such as WireGuard and DDNS.

Remote Firmware Updates

The radio firmware for the CC2652P and EFR32MG21 can be updated through the device's web interface. The ESP32-S3 core firmware can also be updated remotely, reducing the need for physical access during routine firmware maintenance.

Antennas and Installation

The adapter includes two external rotatable antennas, one for each radio, with +5 dBi antenna gain. The compact enclosure can be installed using the included mounting hardware or adhesive pads.

Hardware Specifications

• Radio 1: Texas Instruments CC2652P
• Radio 2: Silicon Labs EFR32MG21
• Core processor: Espressif ESP32-S3, dual-core up to 240 MHz
• Ethernet controller: WIZnet W5500
• Protocols: Zigbee 3.0, Thread 1.3, Matter-over-Thread
• Simultaneous Zigbee + Thread: Yes
• Radio transmit power: Up to +20 dBm
• Antennas: 2 × external rotatable +5 dBi antennas
• Power: PoE 802.3af or USB Type-C
• Dimensions: 160 × 24 × 28 mm
• Device weight: 86 g
• Operating temperature: +5 °C to +35 °C
• Operating humidity: less than 60%

Compatibility

The SLZB-MR2U is designed for use with Home Assistant and supports Zigbee2MQTT, ZHA and OpenThread-based smart home setups. It can also be used with other compatible home automation systems that support network-based Zigbee or Thread adapters.

What's Included

• 1 × SMLIGHT SLZB-MR2U adapter
• 2 × external +5 dBi antennas
• 2 × screws
• 2 × adhesive mounting pads
• 3 mm hex wrench
• QR-code manual card

Who Is the SLZB-MR2U For?

The SLZB-MR2U is suitable for smart home users, Home Assistant users, installers and DIY enthusiasts who need a network-connected Zigbee and Thread coordinator with independent radio hardware. It is particularly useful when the coordinator needs to be positioned separately from the server or computer running the smart home system.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the SLZB-MR2U run Zigbee and Thread at the same time?

Yes. The SLZB-MR2U has two independent radio SoCs, allowing Zigbee and Thread to operate concurrently on separate radios.

Which Zigbee software does the SLZB-MR2U support?

It supports Zigbee2MQTT and ZHA, including use with Home Assistant.

Does the SLZB-MR2U support Matter?

It supports Matter-over-Thread through its Thread radio and Border Router functionality. Matter is an application protocol that can operate over Thread; the device is not a general-purpose Matter hub for every Matter transport.

How can the SLZB-MR2U be powered?

The adapter can be powered through Power over Ethernet (PoE) or USB Type-C.

Can I place the coordinator away from my Home Assistant server?

Yes. Its Ethernet-based architecture allows the adapter to be positioned elsewhere on the network, which can help with radio placement and coverage.

Does it support Wi-Fi?

Yes. Wi-Fi is available as a fallback connectivity option alongside Ethernet.

Does it need a flashing cable?

No. The device is pre-flashed and supports remote firmware updates through its web interface.

Can the firmware be changed?

Yes. SMLIGHT supports alternative firmware such as ESPHome for the ESP32-S3 core, while the device can also be returned to SLZB-OS.

How many antennas are included?

Two external rotatable +5 dBi antennas are included, with one antenna associated with each radio.

What is the model number?

The model is SLZB-MR2U.

Product Support

For the latest specifications, firmware information and documentation, refer to the official SMLIGHT product documentation for the SLZB-MR2U.