Aeotec Smart Home Hub

One Hub for Zigbee, Z-Wave, Matter, Thread and Wi-Fi

What is the Aeotec Smart Home Hub?

The Aeotec Smart Home Hub is a multi-protocol smart home controller that works with the Samsung SmartThings platform. It supports Zigbee, Z-Wave, Matter, Thread and Wi-Fi devices, allowing compatible products from different manufacturers to be managed through a single SmartThings system.

The hub can connect up to 100 Zigbee-certified devices and up to 100 Z-Wave devices, supports Z-Wave S2 Security, works as a Matter controller, and acts as a Thread Border Router for supported Thread networks. It also connects to your home network over Wi-Fi and can run supported SmartThings Edge automations locally.

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Key Takeaways

• Supports Zigbee, Z-Wave, Matter, Thread and Wi-Fi
• Works as a Samsung SmartThings Hub
• Supports up to 100 Zigbee devices
• Supports up to 100 Z-Wave devices
• Z-Wave S2 Security support
• Built-in Matter controller support
• Works as a Thread Border Router
• SmartThings app for Android, iOS and iPadOS
• Alexa and Google Home integration through SmartThings
• Supports local SmartThings Edge automations
• Wi-Fi network connection
• Compatible with thousands of SmartThings-certified devices
• Designed for multi-brand smart homes

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Bring Multiple Smart Home Protocols Together

A modern smart home can quickly become fragmented.

One device may use Zigbee, another may use Z-Wave, newer products may rely on Matter or Thread, while other devices connect directly through Wi-Fi.

The Aeotec Smart Home Hub is designed to bring these technologies together under SmartThings.

Instead of using a separate hub for every protocol, the Aeotec hub can act as the central controller for compatible:

• Zigbee sensors
• Z-Wave switches
• Matter devices
• Thread accessories
• Wi-Fi smart devices
• Smart lights
• Door locks
• Thermostats
• Motion sensors
• Water leak detectors
• Smart plugs

SmartThings can then be used to monitor devices, create scenes, build routines and receive notifications from one app.

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Why Choose the Aeotec Smart Home Hub?

Zigbee Support

The Aeotec Smart Home Hub can connect up to 100 Zigbee-certified devices.

This makes it suitable for networks containing:

• Motion sensors
• Door and window sensors
• Smart plugs
• Zigbee switches
• Light bulbs
• Temperature sensors
• Water leak sensors
• Buttons
• Other supported Zigbee accessories

Aeotec positions the hub as a central Zigbee controller capable of working with devices from many different brands through the SmartThings ecosystem.

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Z-Wave Support

The hub also includes Z-Wave support and can connect up to 100 Z-Wave devices.

Aeotec specifically lists support for:

• Z-Wave
• Z-Wave Plus
• S2 Security

This is especially useful for users who already own Z-Wave locks, sensors, switches, relays or other compatible smart-home hardware.

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Matter Support

The Aeotec Smart Home Hub supports the Matter smart-home standard.

Matter is designed to improve interoperability between smart-home ecosystems and compatible devices. The hub can act as a Matter controller, allowing supported Matter accessories to be added through the SmartThings platform.

This gives the hub greater flexibility when adding newer devices that use Matter over:

• Wi-Fi
• Ethernet
• Thread

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Built-In Thread Border Router

The Aeotec Smart Home Hub also acts as a Thread Border Router.

Thread Border Routers connect Thread-based smart-home devices to the rest of the IP network, allowing supported Matter-over-Thread accessories to communicate with SmartThings.

This means you do not necessarily need a separate Thread Border Router when adding compatible Thread devices to a SmartThings setup based around the Aeotec hub.

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Works with SmartThings

The Aeotec Smart Home Hub runs on the Samsung SmartThings platform.

The SmartThings app is available for:

• Android
• iPhone
• iPad

Through the app you can:

• Add devices
• Control connected accessories
• Create scenes
• Create routines
• Monitor sensors
• Receive notifications
• Manage rooms
• Control devices remotely

Aeotec states that the SmartThings ecosystem supports thousands of certified products across many brands.

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SmartThings Edge Local Automations

Aeotec supports SmartThings Edge Drivers, which allow many compatible automations and device integrations to execute locally on the hub rather than depending entirely on the cloud.

This can improve:

• Response time
• Reliability
• Local device control
• Automation speed
• Operation during some internet outages

Aeotec specifically describes Edge as a local hub architecture for Zigbee, Z-Wave and LAN-connected devices.

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Works with Alexa and Google Home

The Aeotec Smart Home Hub integrates with:

• Amazon Alexa
• Google Home

through SmartThings.

Once connected, supported devices can be controlled using voice commands through compatible Alexa or Google Assistant devices.

For example:

• Turn off the living room lights
• Lock the front door
• Adjust the thermostat
• Turn on a smart plug
• Activate a SmartThings scene

Available commands depend on the connected device type.

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Smart Home Scenes and Routines

SmartThings allows you to combine multiple devices into a single routine or scene.

For example, a Good Morning routine could:

• Open compatible blinds
• Turn on selected lights
• Activate smart plugs
• Adjust the thermostat

An Away routine could:

• Turn off lighting
• Lock compatible doors
• Adjust heating or cooling
• Arm supported security devices

These routines can be triggered by:

• Time
• Sensors
• Device state
• Location
• Voice
• Manual controls

Aeotec specifically highlights SmartThings scenes and routines as a core use of the Smart Home Hub.

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Smart Home Security

The Aeotec Smart Home Hub can also bring compatible security devices into SmartThings.

This can include:

• Motion sensors
• Door sensors
• Water leak sensors
• Smart locks
• Sirens
• Cameras supported by SmartThings

For example, opening a monitored window can trigger a SmartThings push notification or activate another compatible device.

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Smart Lighting

The hub is well suited to multi-protocol smart lighting systems.

Compatible devices can include:

• Zigbee bulbs
• Zigbee switches
• Z-Wave dimmers
• Smart plugs
• Matter lighting
• Wi-Fi lights supported by SmartThings

You can then control multiple lights together through:

• SmartThings app
• Voice
• Scenes
• Automations
• Motion sensors

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Use Multiple Protocols in One Smart Home

One of the biggest advantages of the Aeotec Smart Home Hub is that you are not limited to one radio technology.

A single installation could include:

Zigbee

• Motion sensors
• Light bulbs
• Smart plugs

Z-Wave

• Door locks
• Switches
• Relays

Matter over Thread

• Newer sensors
• Smart plugs
• Matter accessories

Wi-Fi

• Cameras
• Appliances
• Cloud-connected devices

SmartThings then acts as the common control layer.

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Technical Specifications

Aeotec lists separate Z-Wave regional frequencies, so users should choose a hub intended for their region.

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Compatibility

The Aeotec Smart Home Hub is designed to operate as a SmartThings Hub, not as a generic Zigbee USB or network coordinator for Zigbee2MQTT or ZHA.

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SmartThings Without the Hub vs With the Hub

Some Wi-Fi devices can connect directly to SmartThings without requiring an Aeotec hub.

However, Aeotec states that devices using protocols such as:

• Zigbee
• Z-Wave
• Matter
• Thread

require hub functionality for direct local protocol support.

The Aeotec Smart Home Hub therefore becomes particularly useful when your smart home includes dedicated low-power radio devices rather than only Wi-Fi accessories.

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Does the Aeotec Smart Home Hub Work Without Internet?

Some local automations can continue operating when the internet connection is unavailable.

Aeotec notes that SmartThings Edge automations stored on the hub may continue running locally. However, internet access is generally still required for:

• Remote app control
• Cloud services
• Account access
• Firmware updates
• Some integrations
• Certain voice-assistant features

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Migrating from a Samsung SmartThings Hub

The Aeotec Smart Home Hub runs on the same SmartThings platform used by Samsung SmartThings hubs.

Aeotec states that migration from Samsung Hub versions 2 and 3 can support direct device transfer in supported situations. Other migration cases may require devices to be reset and added again.

If you are migrating an existing SmartThings network, review the current SmartThings migration process before resetting any devices.

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How to Set Up the Aeotec Smart Home Hub

Step 1: Power and Connect the Hub

Connect the Aeotec Smart Home Hub to power and make sure your smartphone is connected to your home network.

Step 2: Add the Hub in SmartThings

Open the SmartThings app and follow the setup process to connect the hub to your network.

Step 3: Add Your Smart Devices

Select Add Device in SmartThings and pair your compatible Zigbee, Z-Wave, Matter, Thread or supported Wi-Fi accessories.

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Smart Automation Ideas

Good Morning Routine

Automatically:

• Turn on selected lights
• Open compatible blinds
• Adjust the thermostat
• Activate a smart plug

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Leaving Home

Create a routine that:

• Turns off lights
• Locks supported doors
• Adjusts heating or cooling
• Checks contact sensors

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Motion-Activated Lighting

Use a Zigbee or Z-Wave motion sensor to automatically activate hallway or room lighting.

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Water Leak Protection

Connect a compatible water leak sensor and receive an immediate SmartThings notification when water is detected.

You can also combine it with a supported smart valve or shutoff device.

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Smart Heating

Combine temperature sensors with compatible thermostats, switches or heating controls to build more responsive climate automations.

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Zigbee vs Z-Wave on the Aeotec Hub

The Aeotec Smart Home Hub supports both Zigbee and Z-Wave, so you do not have to choose a single protocol for your entire smart home.

Zigbee is commonly used for:

• Sensors
• Bulbs
• Plugs
• Buttons
• Low-power devices

Z-Wave is commonly used for:

• Locks
• Switches
• Sensors
• Relays
• Security devices

Supporting both allows you to choose devices based on their features rather than being locked into one protocol.

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Matter and Thread Support

Matter and Thread help make the Aeotec Smart Home Hub more suitable for newer smart-home products.

The hub acts as both:

• A Matter controller
• A Thread Border Router

This allows compatible Matter-over-Wi-Fi and Matter-over-Thread devices to be added to SmartThings.

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Important Regional Note

Z-Wave uses different radio frequencies in different countries.

Aeotec lists the Smart Home Hub in regional versions including:

• USA: 908.4 MHz
• Europe: 868.4 MHz
• Australia: 921.4 MHz

Always use the correct regional version for your location and Z-Wave devices.

Zigbee, Thread and Wi-Fi are not affected by this same regional Z-Wave frequency requirement in the same way.

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Pros

• Supports Zigbee, Z-Wave, Matter, Thread and Wi-Fi
• Works directly with Samsung SmartThings
• Supports up to 100 Zigbee devices
• Supports up to 100 Z-Wave devices
• Z-Wave S2 Security
• Built-in Thread Border Router
• Matter controller functionality
• Alexa integration
• Google Home integration
• SmartThings Edge local automations
• Compatible with thousands of SmartThings devices
• Suitable for multi-brand smart homes
• Android and iOS app support
• Can combine several wireless protocols in one hub
• Local automations can continue in some internet-outage scenarios

Cons

• SmartThings account and app are central to operation
• Some functionality still depends on cloud services
• Not designed as a direct Zigbee2MQTT or ZHA coordinator
• Z-Wave models are region-specific
• Device compatibility still depends on SmartThings support

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Who Should Buy the Aeotec Smart Home Hub?

The Aeotec Smart Home Hub is particularly suitable for people who:

• Use Samsung SmartThings
• Own Zigbee devices
• Own Z-Wave devices
• Want Matter support
• Want a Thread Border Router
• Use Alexa or Google Home
• Want one hub for multiple smart-home protocols
• Are replacing an older Samsung SmartThings Hub
• Prefer a consumer-friendly hub rather than a DIY Zigbee coordinator
• Want SmartThings scenes and routines
• Need support for devices from multiple brands

It is less suitable for users whose main goal is to run Zigbee2MQTT or ZHA directly.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Aeotec Smart Home Hub?

The Aeotec Smart Home Hub is a multi-protocol smart-home controller that works with Samsung SmartThings and supports Zigbee, Z-Wave, Matter, Thread and Wi-Fi devices.

Who should buy the Aeotec Smart Home Hub?

The Aeotec Smart Home Hub is best suited to SmartThings users who want one controller for compatible Zigbee, Z-Wave, Matter, Thread and Wi-Fi smart-home devices.

How does the Aeotec Smart Home Hub work?

The hub connects compatible smart-home devices to the Samsung SmartThings platform. Users can then manage devices, create scenes, build routines and receive notifications through the SmartThings app.

How many Zigbee and Z-Wave devices can the Aeotec Smart Home Hub support?

Aeotec specifies support for up to 100 Zigbee-certified devices and up to 100 Z-Wave devices.

Does the Aeotec Smart Home Hub support Matter?

Yes. The Aeotec Smart Home Hub supports Matter and can act as a Matter controller for compatible devices.

Does the Aeotec Smart Home Hub support Thread?

Yes. The Aeotec Smart Home Hub acts as a Thread Border Router, allowing supported Thread devices to connect to the wider smart-home network.

Does the Aeotec Smart Home Hub work with Alexa and Google Home?

Yes. Alexa and Google Home can be integrated through the SmartThings platform, allowing supported connected devices to be controlled by voice.

Does the Aeotec Smart Home Hub work without internet?

Some locally stored SmartThings Edge automations can continue working without internet access. Remote app control, cloud services, updates and some integrations still require an internet connection.

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Why Buy the Aeotec Smart Home Hub?

The Aeotec Smart Home Hub is a strong choice for users who want to combine multiple smart-home technologies under one SmartThings system.

Its support for Zigbee, Z-Wave, Matter, Thread and Wi-Fi provides significantly more flexibility than a single-protocol gateway. It can manage up to 100 Zigbee devices and 100 Z-Wave devices while also acting as a Matter controller and Thread Border Router.

For households that use devices from multiple brands and want straightforward app control, scenes, routines, local SmartThings Edge automations and voice integration through Alexa or Google Home, the Aeotec Smart Home Hub provides a centralized smart-home platform without requiring separate hubs for every protocol.