November 17, 2024, 7:42 am | Read time: 3 minutes
With the Smart Gateway, devices from other manufacturers can also be connected to AVM’s Fritzbox. Thanks to an update for Matter, this becomes even more versatile.
AVM introduced its own product line for the smart home several years ago. However, AVM decided to build its own ecosystem and based its devices (thermostats, sockets, etc.) on the DECT ULE standard. This is not a problem for those who are just starting to build a smart home. It’s more challenging for those who already use devices from other manufacturers that use the Zigbee transmission standard.
With the Fritz!Smart Gateway, AVM has also opened up to devices from other systems. And with a firmware update for the gateway, it has taken things a step further.
Overview
What is the Smart Gateway?
The Smart Gateway from AVM is a separately available accessory for all Fritzbox owners who want to control smart devices that use Zigbee. This expands the possibilities of controlling everything under one interface without having to invest time and money in third-party software. So, if you already have smart sockets from Ikea or Hue lights in use, you can also access them with the gateway in the Fritz!Box.
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Install Matter via Update
Matter is a transmission protocol for the smart home developed with the goal of enabling cross-manufacturer communication. Matter is supported by Google Home, Amazon Echo, and Apple’s HomePod, among others. These and other manufacturers are jointly advancing the development of Matter. This gives the system the best prospects of becoming a new standard. AVM took a step towards Matter in the summer of 2024 with a lab version of the firmware for its gateway. In early October, the official update to Fritz!OS 7.63 followed, making the Smart Gateway Matter-compatible.
The update particularly makes it possible to control devices managed by the Fritzbox through the gateway via voice with Alexa, Siri, or Hey Google. These can be smart speakers, but also radiator thermostats or similar devices.
Example: Pair Google Home and Fritz!Smart Gateway
Once the update is executed, the connection to a Matter network, such as those used by Google Home or Amazon with the Echo, can be established. Only a few steps are needed for pairing.
- Access the gateway’s interface in the browser (“https://fritz.smartgateway”) and enter the password.
- In the menu “Smart Home” and “Devices and Groups,” a “Matter Networks” tab is now available.
- Now, click on “Link Matter Network.”
- Then switch to the control app of the Matter network. In this case, Google Home.
- In the Home app, execute the commands “Devices,” “Add,” and “Matter-compatible device.”
- Now return to the gateway’s interface and click “Start registration process.”
- The gateway will then present a QR code, which must be scanned in the Home app within three minutes.
Read also: Which smart socket is right for me?
The app provides information about the progress of the connection and communication, which then also shows the control capabilities. This should already make it possible to control the devices connected to the gateway. However, it may be necessary for the app controlling the Matter network to perform a search. For example, the voice command “Find my devices” may need to be successfully executed first.