SLZB-06x/MRx/MRxU/Ultima series


SLZB Series Overview

Executive summary:

More Detailed Summary

SLZB-06 Series

Triple radio:
  • SoC1: CC26XX or EFR32XX
    • Zigbee / Thread
  • ESP32:
    • Wi-Fi
    • Bluetooth
Includes 1 external 5 dB and 1 internal 2 dB antenna.
Based on CC26XX (TI) and EFR32XX (Silicon Labs) SoCs.
Silicon Labs models support Zigbee + Thread via Multiprotocol firmware, but this is not recommended by Home Assistant (see FAQ).
Powered by SLZB-OS with full feature set including web UI, VPN, OTA, scripting, and native Home Assistant integration.		 SLZB-06 Series

SLZB-MR Series

Quadruple radio:
  • SoC1: EFR32XX
    • Thread / Zigbee
  • SoC2: CC26XX
    • Zigbee / Thread
  • ESP32:
    • Wi-Fi
    • Bluetooth
Includes 2× external 5 dB and 1× internal 2 dB antenna.
Supports true simultaneous Zigbee and Thread operation on separate SoCs (e.g., ZHA + Zigbee2MQTT or dual Thread networks).
Powered by SLZB-OS with full feature set identical to SLZB-06 series.		 SLZB-MR Series

SLZB-07 Series

Supercompact USB-based coordinator with 1 radio SoC (TI or Silicon Labs).
Designed for low power, plug-and-play setups (Raspberry Pi, miniPC, etc.).
Benefits from full SLZB firmware stack with preconfigured compatibility.		 SLZB-07 Series

SLZB Series – Tech Details

HIGH LEVEL OVERVIEW of SLZB Series

Feature / Model Series SLZB-06 Series SLZB-MR Series SLZB-07 Series
Models in Series 5 models (06, 06M, 06p7, 06p10, 06Mg24) 3 models (MR1, MR2, MR3) 4 models (07, 07p7, 07p10, 07Mg24)
Zigbee Support ✅ ✅ ✅
Thread Support ✅ ✅ Native on separate SoC ✅
Wi-Fi Support ✅ ✅ ❌
Bluetooth Support ✅ ✅ ❌
Radio SoC 1 (Zigbee/Thread) CC26XX or EFR32XX Series EFR32XX Series CC26XX or EFR32XX Series
Radio SoC 2 (Thread/Zigbee) ❌ CC26XX Series ❌
Radio SoC 3 (Wi-Fi/Bluetooth) ✅ ESP32 2×240 MHz ✅ ESP32 2×240 MHz ❌
Radio Count Triple (Zigbee or Thread + Wi-Fi + Bluetooth) ✅ Quadraple (Zigbee + Thread + Wi-Fi + Bluetooth) Single (Zigbee or Thread)
Ethernet Support ✅ ✅ ❌
Ethernet-to-Wi-Fi bridge mode ✅ ✅ ❌
PoE Support ✅ Active / 802.3af 48V ✅ Active / 802.3af 48V ❌
USB Connectivity ✅ ✅ ✅
Form Factor Compact with 1x Antenna Compact with 2x Antennas Ultra-Compact USB with 1x Antenna
Antenna Count 2 Antennas 3 Antennas 1 Antenna
Antenna Type External 5dB (Zigbee/Thread) + Internal (Wi-Fi/Bluetooth) 2× External 5dB (Zigbee and Thread) + Internal (Wi-Fi/Bluetooth) External 3dB (Zigbee/Thread)
Target Use Case General & Industrial Advanced / Multi-mesh Plug-and-play USB
Multi-Network Support ❌ ✅ ❌
Max Device Scalability ~150–400 devices, depending on model ~300–750 devices, depending on model ~150–400 devices, depending on model
Zigbee2MQTT Compatible ✅ Plug-and-Play ✅ Plug-and-Play ✅ Plug-and-Play
Home Assistant ZHA Compatible ✅ Plug-and-Play ✅ Plug-and-Play ✅ Plug-and-Play
Open Thread Border Router Compatible ✅ Plug-and-Play ✅ Plug-and-Play ✅ Plug-and-Play
Some EFR32-based models support Zigbee + Thread via Multiprotocol firmware, but this is not recommended by Home Assistant, see FAQ section here

U series devices

U series devices are complete analogues of the regular SLZB-06x/MRx devices but with an updated SoC and PCB.
Full list of HW updates:

What dongles (USB sticks) can be connected to U series USB host?

The new U series coordinators support connecting any serial devices on the following chipsets:

Compatibility with other chipsets is not guaranteed!
To find out which chipset your dongle uses, please contact USB dongle manufacturer's support.

SLZB-06 Models

The SLZB-06 series is a versatile line of PoE-enabled Zigbee and Thread coordinators built for reliability, performance, and advanced integration scenarios. Featuring USB, Ethernet, and 802.3af PoE connectivity options, these models are ideal for both residential smart homes and industrial environments.

Each SLZB-06 model includes a powerful Zigbee/Thread radio (based on either Texas Instruments CC26XX or Silicon Labs EFR32MG SoCs) and an onboard ESP32 that runs SLZB-OS - a secure operating system with web-based configuration, OTA updates, scripting, Home Assistant support, and VPN capabilities.

Use the table below to compare models based on SoC type, wireless protocol support, maximum Zigbee device capacity, and recommended integration method.

Feature SLZB-06 SLZB-06M SLZB-06MG24 SLZB-06P7 SLZB-06P10
Radio 1 – SoC Type CC2652P EFR32MG21 EFR32MG24 CC2652P7 CC2674P10
Radio 1 – Manufacturer Texas Instruments Silicon Labs Silicon Labs Texas Instruments Texas Instruments
Maximum Connected End Devices up to 200 up to 200 up to 350 up to 300 ✅ up to 400
Best for Zigbee2MQTT ZHA ZHA Zigbee2MQTT Zigbee2MQTT
Good with ZHA Zigbee2MQTT Zigbee2MQTT ZHA ZHA
Zigbee Support ✅ All models nativelly support Zigbee
Thread Support ✅ Supported on all models nativelly
Wi-Fi Support ✅ Native support 2.4 GHz, including Ethernet-to-Wi-Fi Bridge mode
Bluetooth ESPHome Support ✅ All models support BLE via ESP32 and ESPHome integration
Powered by SLZB-OS ✅ Yes, out of the box
Multiprotocol No Yes Yes No No
Note Multiprotocol mode is not recommended by Home Assistant. See FAQ item: "What is the current state of multiprotocol support?" .

SLZB-MR Models

The SLZB-MR series represents the most advanced line of Zigbee and Thread coordinators available on the market. These devices feature quad-radio configurations, enabling simultaneous operation of multiple Zigbee networks or parallel Zigbee and Thread infrastructures on physically separated chips.

Each model includes two independent radio SoCs (one from Texas Instruments and second from Silicon Labs), along with an onboard ESP32 running SLZB-OS. This architecture eliminates the limitations of multiprotocol firmware by physically separating the protocols across dedicated chips - resulting in superior reliability and performance. Advanced user can also utilize to run both ZHA and Zigbee2MQTT at the same time ont he same device.

The table below compares SLZB-MR models by radio generation, supported protocols, maximum device count, and recommended use cases such as ZHA + Zigbee2MQTT or Matter over Thread.

Feature SLZB-MR1 SLZB-MR2 SLZB-MR3
Radio 1 – SoC Type EFR32MG21 EFR32MG21 EFR32MG24
Radio 1 – Manufacturer Silicon Labs Silicon Labs Silicon Labs
Radio 2 – SoC Type CC2652P7 CC2652P CC2674P10
Radio 2 – Manufacturer Texas Instruments Texas Instruments Texas Instruments
Maximum Connected End Devices up to 500 (200+300) up to 400 (200+200) ✅ up to 750 (350+400)
Best for ✅ Native on all protocols on different chips (dual Zigbee or Zigbee+Thread)
Zigbee Support ✅ Native on all models (via first SoC)
Thread Support ✅ Native on all models (via second SoC)
Multiple Zigbee Network Support ✅ Native on all models (can run ZHA and Z2M, or 2x Z2M)
Wi-Fi Support ✅ 2.4 GHz via ESP32 with SLZB-OS; includes Ethernet-to-Wi-Fi Bridge
Bluetooth ESPHome Support ✅ Supported via ESP32 (BLE + ESPHome integration)
Powered by SLZB-OS ✅ Yes, all Features are Available!
Multiprotocol ❌ Not needed – Zigbee and Thread run on separate dedicated SoCs
Note SLZB-MR devices use dedicated chips for Zigbee and Thread, ensuring superior stability and performance.

SLZB-07 Models

The SLZB-07 series offers a compact and energy-efficient alternative to full-featured Ethernet-based coordinators. Designed primarily for USB-powered use, these models integrate a high-performance Zigbee / Thread radio SoC into a minimalistic form factor - ideal for plug-and-play setups on PCs, Raspberry Pi, or miniPC.

All SLZB-07 devices are preflashed and support native integration with popular home automation platforms such as Home Assistant (ZHA, Zigbee2MQTT) and Matter (on Thread-capable models). While the SLZB-07 series lacks an onboard ESP32 and web UI, it offers excellent performance and cost-efficiency for focused applications.

Use the table below to compare the key features of each SLZB-07 model, including SoC generation, multiprotocol support, and preferred usage.

Feature SLZB-07 SLZB-07P7 SLZB-07P10 SLZB-07MG24
Radio 1 – SoC Type EFR32MG21 CC2652P7 CC2674P10 EFR32MG24
Radio 1 – Manufacturer Silicon Labs Texas Instruments Texas Instruments Silicon Labs
Maximum Connected End Devices up to 200 up to 250 ✅ up to 400 up to 350
Best for ZHA Zigbee2MQTT Zigbee2MQTT ZHA / Thread
Good with Zigbee2MQTT ZHA ZHA Zigbee2MQTT
Zigbee Support ✅ Native Zigbee support on all models
Thread Support ✅ Supported on all models nativelly
Multiprotocol Yes No No Yes
Note Multiprotocol mode is not recommended by Home Assistant. See FAQ item: "What is the current state of multiprotocol support?" .

SLZB-OS Feature Overview

SLZB-OS is a firmware preinstalled on all SLZB-06 and MR series devices with. It provides a powerful local web interface, configuration tools, scripting, and network utilities - making your coordinator more than just a coordinator.

The table below outlines key features included in SLZB-OS. These are designed to support both beginners and advanced users by simplifying smart home integrations, increasing network visibility, and adding flexibility without requiring third-party tools.


 Feature Description
???? Web UI Access configuration and diagnostics via local web interface.
???? OTA Firmware Updates Update both Zigbee SoC and ESP32 firmware via web interface.
???? Built-in VPN (WireGuard) Secure remote access via integrated VPN client.
???? Ethernet-to-Wi-Fi Bridge Use the device to bridge wired Ethernet to 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi network.
???? Zigbee2MQTT & ZHA Config Generator Auto-generates config snippets for quick integration into popular coordinators.
???? Home Assistant Integration Works natively with Home Assistant (ZHA & Zigbee2MQTT), no extra steps needed.
???? Home Assistant Autodiscovery Enables seamless device detection and setup in Home Assistant.
???? mDNS Autodiscovery Broadcasts device presence on local network using mDNS.
???? Standalone Zigbee Hub Operates without a separate Zigbee2MQTT or Home Assistant instance.
???? Local Scripting Write custom automations using embedded scripting engine.
???? Multi-language Support Available in over 20 languages with automatic detection.
???? IEEE Address Management Change Zigbee MAC/IEEE address via web interface.
???? Security & Firewall Password protection, IP filtering, and system hardening enabled by default.

SLZB-xxU and ZWA-2

✅ Using ZWA-2 Z-Wave Dongle with SLZB-MR1U via USB Passthrough

SLZB-MR1U-and-ZWA-2-connection.jpg

Overview

Many users asked whether the ZWA-2 Z-Wave USB stick can be used with the SLZB-MR1U using its USB passthrough over Ethernet feature.

Until recently, we couldn’t confirm, as it hadn’t been tested in-house.

We have now completed testing and can confirm:

✅ ZWA-2 works with SLZB-MR1U using USB passthrough.

Requirements

Why SLZB-OS v3.0.0?

Firmware v3.0.0 (released 29 August 2025) is required because it:

✅ Resolves USB passthrough instability
✅ Fixes EFR32 firmware update failures
✅ Improves overall SLZB-MR1U reliability

You can update via:

Setup Instructions

  1. Flash SLZB-MR1U with SLZB-OS v3.0.0

  2. Enable USB passthrough option (Go to http://slzb-mr1u.local/usb)

     

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  3. Plug the ZWA-2 USB stick into the USB-A port - right out of the box.

  4. Open Z-Wave JS UI on your smart home host

  5. Go to Settings -> Z-Wave -> Serial port and Set the serial port to:

    tcp://<SLZB-MR1U-IP>:8638 where <SLZB-MR1U-IP> is an actual IP address of your SLZB-MR1 in your network.

  6. Save settings and restart the service, if asked.

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  7. Pair Z-Wave devices as usual (we did it via Z-Wave integration).

⚠️ Notes & Best Practices

Troubleshooting

Problem Solution
ZWA-2 not detected Confirm IP and port, check firmware is v3.0.0 or newer
Devices won’t pair Restart Z-Wave JS UI after configuring the serial port
Unstable USB connection Use a shorter or higher-quality USB cable (or powered USB hub)

SLZB-Ultima

SLZB-Ultima

Install addons on SLZB-Ultima

Microphone addon

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Z-Wave, POE, 4G/LTE

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SLZB-Ultima

Opening the case

How to open device

Prepare a flat, thin tool. This can be a small screwdriver.

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Insert the tool from above, between the Type-C port and the case.

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Carefully pull the top cover forward using the tool, leaning against the Type-C

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Carefully pull off the top and bottom covers

Snaps locations

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ESPHome firmware for Ultima and xU Series

SLZB ESPHome Firmware Flashing Guide for SLZB-Ultima, MRxU and 06xU

  1. Open SLZB-ESPHome repository: https://github.com/smlight-tech/slzb-esphome

  2. Download the firmware file that matches your device:

    • SLZB-Ultima → ultima-r1-04xx

    • SLZB-MRxU series → MRxU-r1-73xx (only for models with U)

    • SLZB-06xU series → 06xU-r1-73xx (only for models with U)
      Make sure you select the correct file for your product.

  3. Connect your SLZB device to your computer using a USB cable.

  4. Download and open the flashing tool (easiest one is here: https://github.com/Jason2866/ESP_Flasher/releases/tag/v3.2.0).

  5. In the flasher tool, select the firmware file you downloaded and start flashing.

  6. If flashing does not start, unplug the device, press and hold the button on the device (on SLZB-Ultima, this is the first button from the left), keep it pressed, plug the USB cable back in, and try flashing again.

  7. Wait until flashing finishes.

  8. Open Home Assistant. Your device should appear automatically. If it does not, add it manually in the ESPHome integration using the device’s IP address.

Ports for Z2M/ZHA/OTBR/ZWavejSUI configs:

Ultima:

SLZB-MRxU

SLZB-06xU

Remarks:

Moving back from ESPHome:

To flash the SLZB-OS to the device, please use the official flasher https://smlight.tech/flasher/#SLZB-06U-MRxU.

If flashing does not start, unplug the device, press and hold the button on the device (on SLZB-Ultima, this is the first button from the left), keep it pressed, plug the USB cable back in, and try flashing again. This is because your USB port could be in Host mode, and the button forces ESP to be in Flash mode.

Thread setup (network and USB connection)

Thread setup for Home Assistant: two options

SLZB devices support two ways to run a Thread network with Home Assistant:

slzb-06-thread-otbr.jpg

Prerequisites

Additional: 

Step 1 - Choose your setup option

Option A: “Thread to remote OTBR” (OTBR add-on/app runs on Home Assistant)

Choose this if you want OTBR to run on Home Assistant or other smart home systems. SLZB acts as a Thread RCP (radio only). This is the traditional setup, and supports USB or network connection.

Option B: “Thread + OTBR running on device” (OTBR runs on SLZB)

Choose this if you want OTBR to run directly on the SLZB device. Home Assistant connects via network API (http://device-ip:8080), and you don’t need the OTBR add-on in HA.

Note: this is an initial (beta) integration and may have limitations or unexpected behavior.

Step 2 - Set SLZB mode / firmware

Option A (Thread to remote OTBR): Flash / select Thread RCP mode

Option B (Thread + OTBR on device): Enable OTBR on the device

Step 3 - Home Assistant software setup

3.1 Install and start Matter Server (required for both options)

  1. In Home Assistant go to Settings → Devices & Services.
  2. Click Add integration and search for Matter.
  3. Keep Use the official Matter Server Supervisor add-on enabled and click Submit.
  4. Wait until Matter Integration and Matter Server add-on are installed.
  5. Go to Settings → Add-ons → Matter Server and click Start. Recommended: enable Start on boot and Watchdog.

Step 4 - Thread / OTBR setup in Home Assistant

Option A: OTBR add-on on Home Assistant

Install the OpenThread Border Router add-on and connect it to the SLZB radio (USB or network).

  1. Go to Settings → Add-ons → Add-on Store.
  2. Search for OpenThread Border Router and click Install.
  3. Open the add-on and go to the Configure tab.

Option A - OTBR add-on with USB connection
  1. Switch the coordinator to USB connection mode (if applicable).
  2. Set OTBR add-on parameters:
  1. Go to Info tab and click Start.
  2. Recommended: enable Start on boot and Watchdog.
Option A - OTBR add-on with Network connection (Serial-over-IP)

Configure the OTBR add-on to connect to the SLZB network serial endpoint (example: 192.168.1.10:6638).

Setting Up the Thread Border Router Add-on (Network connection)

  1. OTBR config validation issues workarounds.
    If you have errors like the ones in the screenshots below:

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    Workarounds:
    - https://github.com/home-assistant/addons/issues/3993#issuecomment-3536041147 and https://github.com/home-assistant/addons/issues/4299#issuecomment-3771514634
    - Connect any USB-serial device

  2. Configure the addon according to the example below

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  1. Go back to the INFO tab and Start the OpenThread Border Router add-on. It may take a moment to initialize. We would suggest to activate both Start on boot and Watchdog.
  2. You can check logs, they should say that addon started, although they can contain some errors as Thread and Matter are still under development in Home Assistant.

Option B: OTBR runs on the SLZB device (no OTBR add-on needed)

In this option, you do not install/use the OTBR add-on in Home Assistant. OTBR is already running on the SLZB device.

Step 5 - Configure Home Assistant integrations (both options)

  1. Go to Settings → Devices & Services.
  2. Add (or confirm autodiscovery of) these integrations:

Notes:

In the Thread integration:

Step 6 - Reboot Home Assistant

  1. After installing and configuring Matter + Thread components, reboot your Home Assistant server.

Step 7 - Pre-set up your phone

  1. Install Home Assistant app on your phone.
  2. Install Google Home app (often required for Thread credential handling on Android).
  3. Open Home Assistant app and connect it to your Home Assistant server (same Wi-Fi network).
  4. In the app go to Settings → Companion app → Troubleshooting → Sync Thread Credentials.
  5. Repeat until you see: Home Assistant and this device use the same network.
  6. If it fails repeatedly, try resetting Google Play Services data (Android) and try again.

Step 8 - Add the Matter-over-Thread device

  1. Ensure Bluetooth is enabled on your phone.
  2. In Home Assistant app: Settings → Devices & Services → Devices.
  3. Tap + ADD DEVICE → Add Matter device.
  4. Scan the QR code (or enter the pairing code) and follow the on-screen steps.
  5. If prompted “Which app to open?”, choose Other → Home Assistant.

The pairing flow usually goes through:

Tips:

Step 9 - Verify connection and control

  1. After pairing, the device should appear in Home Assistant under Devices.
  2. Open it and confirm you can control it (e.g., switch on/off).

Congratulations! You’ve successfully connected a Matter-over-Thread device to Home Assistant.

TIP:
Home Assistant Thread documentation:  https://www.home-assistant.io/integrations/thread/

Zigbee network sniffing guide for SLZB-MRx and SLZB-06Mx adapters

Prerequisites

1. Coordinator

You will need coordinator with EFR32 radio module from Silicon Labs.
You can use radio module1 on SLZB-MR adapters or single-radio adapters with EFR32 only: SLZB-06M, 06Mg24, 06Mg26 and their U versions.

2. Host PC with internet access

Software preparation

1. Coordinator preparation

Go to "Mode" page and select "Zigbee Coordinator". Wait for the update to complete.

Make sure the coordinator radio module is not in use! Stop Z2M/ZHA before moving on to the next steps!

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2. Preparing the PC

You must have NodeJS installed. If you don't have it, please download and install it first from this link https://nodejs.org/en/download/current

Open CMD or terminal and run the command: npm install -g ember-zli and wait for install to complete.

To start configuring the sniffer, run the command: ember-zli sniff

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Note the "Data Folder", this is where the capture files will be saved.
Select "TCP"

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Answer n

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Enter the IP and port of your coordinator

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Wait for connection.
Select "Start sniffing"

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Select "Wireshark" for Wireshark server or select "PCAP file" if if you want to save to a capture file.