Sonoff to release Zigbee/Thread PoE Dongle-M

Sonoff has submitted a new adapter, the Dongle-M (also called Dongle Max), for approval with the US Federal Communications Commission. The unit supports Zigbee and Thread radios in a single dongle-like device and adds Power over Ethernet (PoE) support alongside Wi-Fi connectivity.

What’s for?  

The Dongle-M is designed for developers and hobbyists who build open-source smart home gateways and Thread border routers. Existing Sonoff adapters have become a popular community option for projects such as Zigbee2MQTT, Zigbee Home Automation (ZHA), and the OpenThread border router (OTBR).

In home automation platforms like Home Assistant, a compatible adapter is required to establish local Zigbee and Thread networks and to integrate Matter-over-Thread devices in the absence of dedicated routers like the Apple HomePod mini or Nest devices. By adding PoE and Wi-Fi, the new dongle can be mounted away from a host computer or hub, allowing users to optimize radio placement for better coverage.

Specs breakdown 

At its core, the Dongle-M uses Silicon Labs’ MG24 dual-protocol radio chip. Which is an upgrade from Dongle-E’s MG21 chip in performance.

This component can also run both Zigbee and Thread stacks at the same time, with a performance compromise when both protocols operate concurrently.

An on-board ESP32-D0 microcontroller handles Ethernet and Wi-Fi functions. FCC filings and chip specs indicate the Wi-Fi interface supports only the 2.4 GHz access points.

The enclosure pairs a metal base with a two-tone plastic cover in Sonoff’s standard black and gray color scheme. Two detachable external antennas – one for Zigbee/Thread and another for Wi-Fi – extend the device’s range. There is also a Turbo Mode for enhanced signal strength.

Power options include a USB-C port (5 V/1 A) or PoE via an Ethernet connector. A wall-mount bracket is included, enabling vertical installation on walls or panels to place the radio where it performs best.

The device features a web-based console for device configuration and further user guides to complete the setup, accessible via an mDNS address. The user manual notes that you can configure Webhooks, eWeLink-Remote Gateways, MQTT, and VPN features.

However, running a full TBR may exceed its processing capacity, so you may still need an external device to run the TBR software with the dongle for wireless radio only.

Sonoff told Matter Alpha that Dongle-M may be available in Q3 this year.

(Source: FCC)