Schematics and open questions

[jwillmer]

The following image is linked in the readme:

I guess a more detailed schematic looks like this?

[Generic MQTT gateway] <-> [Linux with zigbee2mqtt software] <-> [CC2531 dongle] <-> [Zigbee device 1-N]

• I have the dongle as Zigbee connector
• This software interacts with the dongle and runs on Linux
• The software needs a MQTT gateway address to send/receive data

My open questions are:

1. Does it need to be the CC2531 dongle or can the software work with any dongle?
2. Why does the CC2531 need a custom firmware? Is this firmware part of the project / what does it change?
3. Is my assumption correct that I can use a Raspberry Pi Zero together with this software and the CC2531 dongle to get a Zigbee to MQTT bridge?
4. Can I have the setup described in 3 multiple times to cover my whole house? - What happens if they overlap?
5. Is there a cheaper/less power consumption way to cover my whole house?

[Koenkk]

1. zigbee2mqtt uses zigbee-shepherd which only supports the CC2530 and CC2531.
2. To use the CC2531 as a coordinator
3. Yes
4. Zigbee is a mesh network: http://www.rfwireless-world.com/images/zigbee-mesh-network.jpg, so just add more routers if you need to increase the range. https://www.silabs.com/community/wireless/zigbee-and-thread/knowledge-base.entry.html/2012/07/02/what_is_the_differen-IYze
5. see 4

[jwillmer]

Ah O.K. of course it supports mesh. The router part is interesting. Does any of the supported hardware have this functionality? Is there an easy way to know which devices work as router?

[Koenkk]

I haven't found out how to check this, but I assume that most of the devices without battery act as a router. (E.G. Tradfri bulbs)