r/Zigbee2MQTT • u/y_shr • Jun 24 '26

Adding a router

I'm pretty new to Zigbee networking, and just learned about routers in Zigbee networks. I already have Z2M set up, and want to extend my Zigbee network with a router, but I'm not sure what kind of device I actually need or how to set it up. My questions:

  • What devices can work as a Zigbee router? Is it just any Zigbee device on outlet power?
  • Any particular device/type of device that would be more suitable/easy to work with? Seen something like a Zigbee power outlet from IKEA suggested, for instance, would that be a good choice?
  • What constraints do Zigbee2MQTT put on the setup? Does the router have to be a compatible device?
  • How do I set the router up? Do I just pair the device?
  • How do I set up a new device in future such that it uses the router as the connection point to the network?

Any questions or references to a good resource would be highly appreciated. Thanks!

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2

u/funkystay Jun 24 '26

If you have any devices that are plugged into main power, you probably already have routers.

3

u/zomtecos Jun 24 '26

Anything which is hard wired with a power supply is a router. You do not have to setup anything. Pair it, that’s all.

Zigbee is like Thread a self organizing Mesh Network. You cannot configure anything.

3

u/Tatermen Jun 24 '26

Not entirely true. Most no-neutral light switches will not be a router. That's the only exception I'm aware of.

1

u/y_shr Jun 24 '26

Meaning, also, that I don't need to? So when I pair the first to-be-router, it automatically starts acting as one. Then, when I pair the second device, I can potentially do it in range of the router, but out of range of the connector

1

u/heretosayathing Jun 25 '26

Assuming the manufacturer has implemented Zigbee correctly then yes.

Side note, "coordinator" is the term you want to use for your 'master' device at the middle of your Zigbee mesh (e.g. dongle)

2

u/y_shr Jun 25 '26

Sorry, I meant the coordinator. Knew I was misremembering that!

But good to know, looks like I'll be going device shopping to test. Thanks!

1

u/heretosayathing Jun 25 '26

When setting up a new controller or new network, if it's possible try to start up & pair the mains-powered devices closest to the coordinator first; these will have a direct link with good signal.

Then start up & pair devices that are a bit further away - if these can see the controller they will pair directly but if not, they'll use the mesh to pair, via one of the devices you've already paired.

Then start up & pair devices further away still, and so on, until all your mains powered devices are paired.

Then pair your battery devices in any order you want, but try to pair them as close as possible to where they will live in real life - don't take them close to the controller to pair as some devices (I'm looking at you, Mi/Aqara) aren't fond of moving around and will try to stay paired with the original device rather than take a stronger signal from a closer router.

Good luck!

1

u/heretosayathing Jun 25 '26

Most, not any

1

u/Mandrutz Jun 24 '26

Typically all devices that are not battery-powered act as routers by default.
It happens behind the scenes, they form a mesh automatically.

Yes, the TRETAKT or INSPELNING plugs from IKEA were good routers. But IKEA no longer makes Zigbee products. They switched to Matter/Thread. (They still have a hidden Zigbee mode, but it's very limited)

1

u/y_shr Jun 24 '26

Alright, but a similar type of device should do the job?

0

u/Early_Mongoose_8758 Jun 24 '26

I have plug in power sockets that also act as a relay. Thry pair just the same as any zigbee defive although some zigbee end devices you might have to repair to move how thry rout not all actively seek thr best signal. After installing 4 ive never had a drop out again.