The Fritzbox routers have typically been considered average smart home centers due to the limited controllable components offered by AVM. However, AVM has now introduced a gateway that integrates numerous smart home devices using the Zigbee wireless standard, primarily switch sockets and lights. In the c’t uplink podcast, the hosts discuss the implications of the FRITZ!Smart Gateway for the Fritzbox.
Firstly, Dusan and Sven, smart home experts at c’t, evaluate the capabilities of the Fritzbox router. Currently, it utilizes the DECT-ULE radio standard and AVM primarily offers switch sockets, heating thermostats, and an E27 lamp compatible with this standard. Nevertheless, DECT-ULE has not gained widespread acceptance as a manufacturer-independent standard. In contrast, Zigbee is a wireless standard used by many manufacturers for smart homes. AVM’s new gateway seamlessly integrates such components into the Fritzbox system. The hosts delve into the details of this integration and whether the gateway can also serve as a WLAN or DECT gateway (spoiler: no).
One advantage of the gateway is that Zigbee devices can be used in groups and automations, and they can also be controlled via DECT telephone, specifically with Fritzfons from AVM. However, one major drawback is that AVM does not enable all the functions of the Zigbee components, such as utilizing the power consumption measurement feature in switchable sockets.
The hosts then compare the expanded Fritzbox, with the addition of the gateway, to other smart home infrastructures. They discuss locally functioning infrastructures like NodeRed and ioBroker. The AVM solution stands out because it eliminates the need for additional hardware since the Fritzbox, which serves as an internet router, handles all smart home tasks. However, the component selection and complexity of control and regulation functions still have room for improvement. Alternatively, users can continue using gateways provided by the component manufacturers to access Zigbee components.
Furthermore, the hosts explore smart home controls through voice assistants from Amazon, Apple, and Google, and also touch upon the Matter standard, albeit with mainly speculative discussions. The podcast also features Dušan Živadinović and Sven Hansen as guest speakers, with Jörg Wirtgen as the host and Ralf Taschke responsible for ad production.
Please note that there are minor sound issues starting from 1:04:18 in the podcast. For more information, readers can refer to the articles in c’t 16/2023, available online and in select stores.
