SMLIGHT SLZB-06MG24U Zigbee Ethernet Coordinator with EFR32MG24, PoE and USB Passthrough

SMLIGHT SLZB-06MG24U Zigbee Ethernet Coordinator with EFR32MG24

A Zigbee coordinator that you don't need to connect to your server but can place anywhere in your home: the SMLIGHT SLZB-06MG24U connects your Zigbee and Thread network via Ethernet, Wi-Fi or USB to Home Assistant. The powerful EFR32MG24 chip from Silicon Labs, combined with a built-in +20 dB amplifier and a +5 dB external antenna, ensures stable coverage over large areas. Pre-flashed and ready to use: plug in, connect to the network and get started.

Chipsets and hardware

The SLZB-06MG24U runs on three specialized chips: the Silicon Labs EFR32MG24 handles the Zigbee and Thread radio with an output gain of +20 dB, the ESP32-S3 (dual-core, 240 MHz) processes all network and management functions via SLZB-OS, and the WIZnet W5500 provides a stable 10/100 Mbit/s Ethernet connection. The +5 dB L-I-shaped external antenna (Baishi) is rotatable for optimal positioning. The PCB also features an integrated 2 dB Wi-Fi and Bluetooth antenna.

Connectivity options and power supply

The SLZB-06MG24U supports Ethernet (10/100 Mbit/s), Wi-Fi (2.4 GHz) and USB Type-C as connection options. Power is supplied via USB Type-C or via Power over Ethernet (IEEE 802.3af, 48V PoE); both can be connected simultaneously thanks to optoelectronic isolation. Power consumption is 1 to 1.5 W. Note: Wi-Fi, Zigbee and Thread all share the 2.4 GHz band; when using Wi-Fi, pay attention to channel selection to avoid interference.

USB passthrough

The SLZB-06MG24U (the U-version) has a unique USB passthrough function: connect a second USB adapter to the USB port of the SLZB-06MG24U and use that adapter over the network, as if it were connected directly to your server. This works with common USB-to-UART chips such as CP210x, CH340 and CH9102. When powered by PoE, the USB port also supplies power to the connected USB adapter. Also check out the SMLIGHT SLZB-07 series if you are looking exclusively for a USB coordinator without a network connection.

SLZB-OS and firmware modes

The SLZB-06MG24U comes with SLZB-OS: SMLIGHT's own operating system with a built-in web interface for configuration, one-click firmware updates for both the ESP32-S3 and the EFR32MG24 radio, WireGuard VPN, DDNS, OTA and hardware diagnostics. Via the web interface, you can switch between firmware modes with one click: Zigbee Coordinator (ZHA/Zigbee2MQTT), Zigbee Router, Matter-over-Thread Border Router (OTBR) and MultiPAN (simultaneous Zigbee and Thread). ESPHome firmware is also supported for use as a Bluetooth proxy, but then temporarily replaces SLZB-OS.

Home Assistant

The SLZB-06MG24U works via Zigbee2MQTT and ZHA, completely locally without the cloud. In addition, an official SMLIGHT SLZB integration is available in Home Assistant for direct monitoring and firmware updates from the HA dashboard. Local control is confirmed; cloud is not required.

Pairing procedure via Ethernet and Zigbee2MQTT

• Connect the SLZB-06MG24U with an Ethernet cable to your router; power via PoE or USB-C.
• Open the SLZB-OS web interface via the adapter's IP address (visible in your router or via mDNS: slzb-06.local).
• Confirm that Zigbee Coordinator mode is active; note the IP address and port (default 6638).
• In HA, go to Zigbee2MQTT > Settings > Serial and choose Network device; enter the IP address and port 6638.
• Zigbee2MQTT recognizes the EFR32MG24 as an EZSP coordinator; the network is immediately operational.

Pairing procedure via Ethernet and ZHA

• Connect the SLZB-06MG24U via Ethernet and note the IP address.
• In HA, go to Settings > Devices & services > ZHA > Add integration.
• Choose Network for the connection type and enter the adapter's IP address.
• ZHA automatically detects the EFR32MG24; the Zigbee network is active within seconds.

Matter-over-Thread Border Router

• Switch to the Thread/OTBR firmware with one click via the SLZB-OS web interface.
• Install the OpenThread Border Router add-on in Home Assistant.
• Select the SLZB-06MG24U as the network border router via the IP address.
• The Thread integration automatically appears in HA; Matter devices can be connected directly via the Matter integration.

Other platforms

The SLZB-06MG24U works on any platform with EZSP support via Ethernet, Wi-Fi or USB: Home Assistant (ZHA and Zigbee2MQTT), ioBroker, openHAB, HomeSeer and Node-RED. Drivers are available for Windows, Linux, macOS and Raspberry Pi OS.

Automation examples

Example 1 – Remotely monitor and report on coordinator

• Install the official SMLIGHT SLZB integration in Home Assistant.
• Trigger: sensor.slzb_06mg24u_connection_status becomes unavailable.
• Condition: the status lasts longer than 3 minutes.
• Action: send push notification "SLZB-06MG24U unreachable, check network" and automatically restart the Zigbee2MQTT add-on.

Example 2 – Automatically perform and confirm firmware updates

• Use the update entities of the SMLIGHT SLZB integration in HA.
• Trigger: update.slzb_06mg24u_radio_firmware shows an available update.
• Condition: time is between 03:00 and 04:00 (low Zigbee activity).
• Action: perform the firmware update via the service update.install and send a confirmation message "SLZB-06MG24U radio firmware updated to version X.X.X."

Points of attention

• The SLZB-06MG24U (with U) has USB passthrough; the SLZB-06MG24 (without U) does not have this function. Check the model number before purchasing.
• Wi-Fi, Zigbee and Thread all operate on 2.4 GHz; when using Wi-Fi, pay attention to channel selection to avoid interference. Ethernet is the recommended connection method for maximum stability.
• PoE standard IEEE 802.3af (48V) required; check if your switch or injector supports this standard.
• Zigbee Hub mode (direct control without Home Assistant) is exclusively available on TI chip models (SLZB-06, 06P7, 06P10); not on the EFR32MG24 version.
• ESPHome Bluetooth proxy firmware temporarily replaces SLZB-OS; restoring to SLZB-OS is done via the built-in web interface.

Contents of the box

• 1x SMLIGHT SLZB-06MG24U network adapter
• 1x +5 dB external L-I-shaped SMA antenna (rotatable)
• 1x user manual / QR code card

Compatibility

Compatible with Home Assistant (ZHA, Zigbee2MQTT and official SMLIGHT SLZB integration), ioBroker, openHAB, HomeSeer and Node-RED. Connection via Ethernet, Wi-Fi (2.4 GHz) or USB. Supports all Zigbee 3.0 sensors, switches, smart plugs and other Zigbee 3.0 devices in our range.

Specifications

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between the SLZB-06MG24U and the SLZB-06MG24 (without U)?

The only difference is the USB passthrough function. The SLZB-06MG24U (with U) has an extra USB port that allows you to connect a second USB adapter and make it available over the network. The SLZB-06MG24 (without U) does not have this port. All other specifications (chipsets, firmware modes, connectivity) are identical. Check the model number carefully before purchasing.

Can I also use the SLZB-06MG24U wirelessly via Wi-Fi?

Yes, the SLZB-06MG24U supports Wi-Fi (2.4 GHz). Please note that Wi-Fi, Zigbee and Thread all operate on 2.4 GHz. Plan your Wi-Fi and Zigbee channels carefully to avoid interference. Ethernet is the recommended connection method for maximum stability.

Can I use the SLZB-06MG24U as a Thread Border Router for Matter?

Yes, via the SLZB-OS web interface, you can switch to the Thread OTBR firmware with one click. Then install the OpenThread Border Router add-on in Home Assistant. With MultiPAN firmware, Zigbee and Thread run simultaneously on the same adapter.

How do I perform firmware updates?

Updates for both the ESP32-S3 core and the EFR32MG24 radio can be performed via the built-in SLZB-OS web interface with one click, without removing the adapter. Home Assistant users can also perform updates directly via the official SMLIGHT SLZB integration in the HA dashboard.

Does the SLZB-06MG24U work with Homey?

No, the SLZB-06MG24U is a Zigbee network adapter for platforms such as Home Assistant, ioBroker and openHAB. Homey has its own built-in Zigbee radio and does not work with external coordinators. For a Homey setup, you do not need a separate coordinator.

Does USB passthrough also work if the adapter is powered via PoE?

Yes. When powered by PoE, the USB port of the SLZB-06MG24U also supplies power to the connected USB adapter. So you don't need a separate USB power source for the connected dongle. USB passthrough works with most common USB-to-UART chips: CP210x, CH340 and CH9102.

✅ slimhuisje.nl — Directly available and pre-flashed ready for use. Place your coordinator exactly where the signal is strongest and manage your entire Zigbee network remotely via Ethernet or Wi-Fi.