Frequently asked questions

• Does it work with Home Assistant?

  Yes — through Zigbee2MQTT (add-on plus an MQTT broker) or the ZHA integration. Note that the Zigbee2MQTT docs list the CC2531 as a deprecated platform and recommend modern coordinators for new, larger installs.
• How many devices can it handle?

  Around 20 directly connected — the limit comes from the CC2531 chip's small RAM. Zigbee routers (mains-powered plugs and relays) extend the network, but for 30+ devices pick a modern coordinator.
• Which firmware is pre-installed?

  CC2531ZNP-Prod from the Z-Stack Home 1.2 generation — exactly the firmware Zigbee2MQTT expects for the coordinator role. Nothing needs flashing before first start.
• Can I update the firmware over USB?

  No. The CC2531 has no USB bootloader: updates go through a CC Debugger programmer or a Raspberry Pi's GPIO pins wired to the debug header on the board.
• Will Zigbee 3.0 devices pair with it?

  Partially. Many Zigbee 3.0 devices work, but some recent models — especially those requiring an install code — will not join on the Home 1.2 firmware. Check your exact device in the Zigbee2MQTT database before buying.
• How is it different from the ZBDongle-P and ZBDongle-E?

  The ZBDongle-P (CC2652P) and ZBDongle-E (EFR32MG21) have modern chips, an external antenna, an aluminium case, full Zigbee 3.0 support and USB flashing. The CC2531 wins only on price and exposed IO pins — the lab option, not the production one.
• How do I use it as a packet sniffer?

  ITEAD's official page positions it as a Zigbee packet sniffer: with the sniffer firmware and Wireshark you capture the network's 2.4 GHz traffic and work out why a sensor keeps losing its link.
• What range does it have with no external antenna?

  The antenna is a printed PCB trace, so range is modest: in a flat with concrete walls expect one or two rooms. Move the dongle away from a metal case with a USB extension lead and grow the network with Zigbee routers.