SONOFF Dongle-MZG23 | Z-Wave 800 PoE Dongle Max

SONOFF Z-Wave 800 PoE Dongle Max | Dongle-MZG23

Stable Z-Wave expansion without cloud dependency

For those who want to set up or expand a Z-Wave network without relying on a cloud connection, the Dongle-MZG23 offers a dongle that works completely locally via Home Assistant, openHAB, or Z-Wave JS. The dual chip, consisting of an EFR32ZG23 and an ESP32D0WDR2, handles Z-Wave S2 secure communication and network connectivity simultaneously, resulting in fast local response and good resistance to interference.

Power and connectivity

The dongle offers three connection options: Ethernet with PoE power via the RJ45 port, Wi-Fi (IEEE 802.11b/g/n, 2.4 GHz), or a direct USB connection via the included Type-C to USB cable. For power, 5V/1A via the Type-C port, or 48V/0.25A when the PoE port is used. This flexibility allows the dongle to be placed where the Z-Wave signal performs best, even in a basement or outbuilding far from the router.

Functionality & settings

The dongle supports Z-Wave Long Range (ZWLR), enabling point-to-point connections up to several hundred meters for devices such as a garage door opener or garden sensor outside the regular mesh range. Two 3dBi gain antennas, which are 360-degree adjustable, provide wireless range within the Z-Wave mesh network. Via a local web console on the LAN, the status of connected devices can be viewed, settings can be adjusted, and firmware can be updated, completely without external software or a cloud account.

Expansion & accessories

The Dongle-MZG23 works with Z-Wave devices as well as Zigbee solutions in the same Home Assistant system, making it possible to combine Home Assistant hardware with sensors from the sensor collection or door and window sensors from the door/window sensor collection. For those who also want to control Zigbee devices, a separate Zigbee controller from the Zigbee dongle collection offers an addition without conflicting with the Z-Wave connection.

Safety & reliability

Communication between the dongle and Z-Wave devices occurs via the S2 security protocol, the current Z-Wave standard for encrypted data communication. The aluminum casing has been tested for 24-hour salt mist resistance, which prevents corrosion in humid environments such as basements and improves heat dissipation. All data remains stored locally on the device itself, without mandatory cloud coupling for basic operation.

Home Assistant

The Dongle-MZG23 integrates into Home Assistant via the Z-Wave JS integration, with support for S2 security when pairing compatible devices. Pairing is done by adding the "Z-Wave" integration in Settings > Devices & services, then scanning a QR code or manually entering the network key to activate S2 security. After pairing, the dongle appears as a controller entity, after which individual Z-Wave devices are added as their own entities within the same integration. Local control is confirmed by default without cloud dependency, although the dongle can also display data on the Home Assistant dashboard via MQTT for additional monitoring.

⚠️ Note: two Z-Wave adapters cannot run via the same integration instance. For two dongles simultaneously, a second integration is needed, such as Z-Wave JS UI.

Homey

For Homey users, Z-Wave support is standard on Homey Pro, without the need for or support of an external dongle like the Dongle-MZG23, as Homey Pro uses its own built-in Z-Wave radio. This dongle is therefore primarily intended for Home Assistant, openHAB, and Z-Wave JS-based systems, not for Homey.

Other platforms

In addition to Home Assistant and openHAB, the dongle also supports Z-Wave JS as separate controller software, offering compatibility with various open-source smart home platforms. For closed ecosystems such as Apple Home, Google Home, or Amazon Alexa, there is no direct support; coupling then occurs only indirectly via Home Assistant as a bridge.

Automation examples

A Z-Wave switch paired via the Dongle-MZG23 is automatically turned off every evening at 10:00 PM with a time-based automation in Home Assistant, set via Settings > Automations > New automation, trigger "Time", action "Turn off entity" on the relevant switch entity.

A Z-Wave door sensor paired via the dongle detects an open door for longer than 5 minutes while the outdoor temperature, measured via a separate temperature sensor, is below 5 degrees, after which a push notification is sent to the Home Assistant app with the condition "temperature < 5℃" and "door open longer than 300 seconds" as a trigger for the notification action.

Points of attention

Firmware flashing is only possible with firmware provided by SONOFF itself; custom third-party firmware is not supported. The dongle requires a separately downloadable Home Assistant integration for Z-Wave (Z-Wave JS), and does not work without a running Home Assistant, openHAB, or Z-Wave JS system as the underlying platform.

Box contents

• SONOFF Z-Wave 800 PoE Dongle Max (Dongle-MZG23)
• USB Type-A to Type-C cable
• Mounting accessories for wall mounting

Compatibility

Compatible with Home Assistant via the Z-Wave JS integration, openHAB, and standalone Z-Wave JS software. Not supported on Homey, Apple Home, Google Home, or Amazon Alexa as a direct integration.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a hub to use the Dongle-MZG23?

No, the dongle itself acts as a Z-Wave controller, but a running Home Assistant, openHAB, or Z-Wave JS system is required as the underlying platform.

Can I pair this dongle with Home Assistant?

Yes, via the Z-Wave JS integration in Home Assistant, where pairing is done by scanning a QR code or manually entering the network key for S2 security.

Does the Dongle-MZG23 work with Homey?

No, Homey Pro has its own built-in Z-Wave radio and does not support external Z-Wave dongles like this one. For Zigbee devices, you can check the Homey collection.

Can I use two Z-Wave dongles simultaneously in Home Assistant?

Not within the same integration instance; for two dongles simultaneously, a second integration is needed, such as Z-Wave JS UI.

Can I combine this dongle with a Zigbee dongle?

Yes, a Z-Wave dongle and a Zigbee dongle can run simultaneously on the same Home Assistant system without conflict, for example with a controller from the Zigbee dongle collection.

Does the dongle support third-party firmware?

No, only firmware provided by SONOFF itself can be flashed on this device.

Are batteries included with this product?

No, the dongle does not require batteries; it is powered via USB-C, PoE, or Wi-Fi with external power.

✅ slimhuisje.nl Available now and compatible with your existing Z-Wave network.