Zigbee LAN POE Coordinator SMLIGHT SLZB-06U - supports Ethernet/USB/WiFi, works with Zigbee2MQTT/Home Assistant/ZHA (Alternative to the Home Assistant Connect ZBT-1/2)

Model Update:
This product is now supplied as the SLZB-06U, the updated successor to the popular SLZB-06 Zigbee Ethernet coordinator. The SLZB-06U introduces minor hardware and firmware refinements while remaining a direct, drop-in replacement fully compatible with existing SLZB-06 setups.

The SMLIGHT SLZB-06U is a Zigbee 3.0 Ethernet coordinator designed for Home Assistant and Zigbee2MQTT, offering a significantly more stable and flexible alternative to traditional USB Zigbee dongles.

By running Zigbee over Ethernet (with optional Power over Ethernet), the SLZB-06U allows the coordinator to be placed in the optimal physical location for Zigbee coverage — rather than being limited to the location of your Home Assistant host. This makes it especially well suited to larger homes, rack-mounted servers, virtual machines, and installations where USB interference or reliability is a concern.

Why choose an Ethernet-based Zigbee coordinator?

USB Zigbee coordinators are commonly affected by:

• USB 2.0 interference

• Host system reboots

• VM and container passthrough instability

• Poor placement near metal racks, servers, or networking equipment

The SLZB-06U addresses these issues by operating as an independent network device, remaining online even when your Home Assistant host restarts. With PoE support, it can be powered and networked using a single Ethernet cable, enabling clean, professional installations and optimal coordinator placement for Zigbee mesh performance.

This approach is why the SLZB-06 series has become a widely recommended solution within the Home Assistant and Zigbee2MQTT community.

Compatibility & Software

The SLZB-06U integrates cleanly with:

• Home Assistant (native support)

• Zigbee2MQTT

• ZHA

• Docker, VM, and bare-metal Home Assistant installations

Configuration is handled via a built-in web interface, allowing straightforward setup, firmware updates, and network configuration. It is suitable for both new Zigbee networks and migrations from existing USB coordinators.

Hardware & Networking Overview

• Zigbee 3.0 compliant coordinator

• Ethernet connectivity (RJ45)

• Power over Ethernet (PoE, 802.3af) support

• External antenna for improved range and flexibility

• Designed for continuous 24/7 operation

• Ideal for server, rack, or remote Zigbee placement

Technical Specifications

• Model: SMLIGHT SLZB-06U

• Zigbee Protocol: Zigbee 3.0

• Zigbee Chipset: CC2652 series

• Coordinator Type: Ethernet-based Zigbee coordinator

• Network Interface: Ethernet (RJ45)

• Power Options:

  • Power over Ethernet (PoE, 802.3af)

  • USB (power only, where applicable)

• Antenna: External SMA antenna

• Configuration Interface: Web-based UI

• Firmware: Pre-installed, user-upgradable

• Operating Mode: Standalone network device

• Intended Use: Continuous 24/7 operation