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Using SMHUB as Thread Border Router for Matter devices

This guide explains how to run an OpenThread Border Router (OTBR) on SMHUB and connect it to Home Assistant for Matter-over-Thread devices.

Requirements

Hardware

  • Any SMHUB model (Essential, Premium, Nano, etc.)

Firmware & apps (minimum versions)

  • smhub-os ≥ 0.3.7

  • smhub-services ≥ 0.2.5

  • smhub-web ≥ 0.2.18

  • OpenThread app ≥ 0.3.0-3

Important note about radios

  • SMHUB Essential/Premium:
    Use Radio 2 (EFR32MG21 / EFR32MG24) for Thread

  • CC26XX is not supported yet for Thread (support will be added later)

Prepare SMHUB for Thread

Flash Thread firmware to the radio

Do the following in the SMHUB Web UI:

  • Go to Settings → Radio

  • Select Radio mode: Thread

  • Select a Thread firmware version

  • Click Update

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✅ The radio is now prepared for Thread networks.

Install and start OpenThread Border Router on SMHUB

What to do

  • Go to Apps

  • Click Refresh

  • Install or upgrade Openthread Border Router

    • Latest version: 0.3.0-2

  • Enable Start on boot

  • Reboot the SMHUB device or press Stop, wa,it until it stops, and then Run buttons.

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After reboot or re-launching the app:

  • Go to Apps → Openthread

  • Verify that Status = Running

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Connect OpenThread Border Router to Home Assistant

Add the integration in Home Assistant

In Home Assistant:

  • Go to Settings → Devices & Integrations

  • Click Add Integration

  • Search for OpenThread Border Router

In the connection dialog, enter: tcp://SMHUB_IP:8081

Example: tcp://192.168.1.69:8081

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  • Confirm and wait for successful connection

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Verify Thread integration

  • Home Assistant should automatically install the Thread integration

  • If it does not:

    • Go to Settings → Devices & Integrations

    • Manually add Thread (no settings required)

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Result

  • SMHUB is running an OpenThread Border Router

  • Home Assistant is connected to it

  • Your system is ready for Matter-over-Thread devices

Pairing Matter-over-Thread devices

  • Use the Home Assistant mobile app on your phone

  • Start device pairing as usual

  • Matter-over-Thread devices will join via SMHUB automatically

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