Matter is the new smart home connectivity standard that enables compatibility between devices from different brands. As Matter devices start hitting the market, you'll see them refer to "hubs" and "bridges". What exactly is the difference between these two terms?

 

What is a Matter Hub?

A Matter hub is a central device that controllers connect to and communicate through. Hubs help manage the various devices on the network. They allow you to control connected devices from a single access point in one location. A Matter hub is required if you want to add, control, and manage various Matter smart home devices in one single platform.

Some Common Matter hubs include:

- Amazon Echo/Alexa devices

- Google Home/Nest Hub products

- Apple HomePod

eWeLink-supported Matter Hub:

-SONOFF NSPanel Pro

Sonoff's NSPanel Pro is the eWeLink-supported Matter hub (Public Beta), with which you can add the Matter smart home devices to eWeLink. Please note that the NSPanel Pro firmware(version 2.0.0 or later) is required if you want to add it to serve as a Matter hub. SONOFF iHost will also function as a Matter hub in the future.

What is a Matter Bridge?

A Matter bridge is a device that can bring non-Matter products into the Matter ecosystem. It acts as an intermediary between Matter and non-Matter devices. For example, if you have an older Zigbee plug, a Matter bridge could connect it to your Matter network. The bridge translates between the two protocols allowing compatibility.

Bridges help integrate your existing smart home tech with new Matter devices. They bring legacy products into the new standard. Right now, if you don't have the budget for Matter-compatible devices, consider the Matter bridge to transform your non-Matter devices into Matter-enabled ones. For example, you can connect your Zigbee, Z-Wave and Bluetooth devices to Matter network.

eWeLink-supported Matter Bridge:

-SONOFF iHost 

iHost is not only a local smart home server, but also functions as a Matter bridge. To unlock this capability, please make sure you have updated the firmware to version 1.8.0. Please be advised that upgrading your NSPanel Pro to version 2.4 or later is necessary before adding Matter Bridge in the eWeLink app.

Key Differences:

- Hubs are the main access point for Matter networks while bridges connect to other protocols.

- Hubs enable remote control and automation while bridges focus on translation and compatibility.

- You only need one hub for a Matter setup but can have multiple bridges for translation.

In summary, hubs are central controllers while bridges act as translators to other standards. Both will play an important role in the new Matter smart home ecosystem.

 

Conclusion:

As Matter revolutionizes smart home connectivity, hubs and bridges will serve distinct purposes. Hubs provide centralized control while bridges integrate older devices. With this guide, you can decide if you need a hub, bridge, or both to build out your ideal Matter-compatible smart home in eWeLink!