A gateway, or hub, is one of the main components of a smart home. Its main task is to keep in touch with sensors and devices that work under the ZigBee protocol and execute scripts with their participation. If you do not have a gateway, many devices, such as a wireless button, temperature sensor, and others, simply will not be able to connect on the Mi Home app.
Just a couple of years ago, in the Smart House Xiaomi was available only one gateway, now they are already 6. Learn more about each in this article.
Xiaomi Multifunctional Gateway
The first version of the Gateway for the Smart House Xiaomi. It was sold at the end of 2014 as part of the smart Home Kit Automation Kit. With the advent of this gateway, the system has become possible to operate devices using the ZIGBEE protocol.
In addition to the main function (connecting devices by ZigBee protocol), the gateway has led bulbs and can perform the backlight function. The speaker can be used in an alarm or doorbell scenario.
Served faithfully to its owners until mid-2016, when the gateway ceased to connect to the Mi Home program. Developer’s official response: Buy the second version gateway. This very disappointing system owners and arose a fair question: every year to change the gateways? But over time, all became quiet, were bought the gateways of the second version and so far no such problems are observed. At the moment the gateway is not relevant.
Xiaomi Smart Home Gateway 2
The second version was released in the beginning of 2016 and at the moment it is the most popular gateway in the system (according to the poll on the Forum 4PDA). In fact, this is an extended version of the first gateway.
On the front side is the Mijia logo, although the first games were produced with the MI logo.
The distinguishing feature, from the first version, is the presence of the Internet radio function.
The characteristics and description of the device can be read in the Gateway 2 overview
Aqara Air Conditioning Companion
It was released in autumn 2016. The main purpose of the gateway is to connect and control the air conditioner, so instead of highlighting as in the previous gateways, it has IR LEDs.
I want to pay attention, because the gateway is designed for a current of 16 amps, the pins of his fork is wider than the usual type I, and in the branded extension cords Xiaomi it is not fit.
In general, the gateway is not relevant for Russia. First, you need a suitable socket to connect the gateway itself. Second, you need air conditioning, with a Chinese fork (for energy analysis). Can be used as an IR remote to control the equipment, but for these purposes is better suited Xiaomi IR remote Controller.
Aqara Air Conditioning Companion 2
Aqara Air Conditioning Companion 2 to simplify, this gateway exactly repeats the functionality and characteristics of the Aqara Air Conditioning Companion first version. The difference is only in the shape of the case, which received more rounded shapes and in the model number (KTBL02LM). Which of these two gateways better fit into the interior-you decide.
Aqara Smart Camera Gateway Edition
And here is the gateway, built into the camera from the company Aqara. A great solution if you don’t want to buy 2 separate devices.
In general, it turned out to be inexpensive and practical gateway, it will definitely occupy its niche. More in Camera overview.
Eigenstone Gateway
Information about this gateway appeared on the official website of EigenStone.com, and it is still difficult to say whether this gateway is different from the Gateway 2 than that except the logo. Recall that the devices under the brand Eigenstone, presumably, will be produced for the European market. For this brand will be a separate, Russified application, but also to the MiHome device can also be connected.
Which Xiaomi gateway to choose?
Everyone will decide for themselves which Gateway is most fully satisfy the needs and ideas. And no one forbids the use of multiple gateways at the same time, and in case you have more than 30 ZigBee sensors, it is just necessary. But you can say for sure, the number of gateways will increase, for example under the brand Eigenstone must exit the USB gateway.