Dongle for SONOFF Dongle-Max Home Automation Gateway

Designed for advanced home automation installations, the SONOFF Dongle-Max home gateway dongle combines an ESP32D0 microcontroller and an EFR32MG24 radio chip to run Zigbee and Thread protocols simultaneously via MultiPAN firmware. Compatible with Home Assistant, Zigbee2MQTT, and openHAB, it connects via Ethernet PoE, 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi, or USB-C depending on your setup, and is fully managed from a web interface without the need for a command line.

 

Simultaneous Zigbee and Thread, one-click firmware management, and flexible connectivity

Where most dongles require choosing a protocol, the SONOFF Dongle-Max home gateway dongle manages Zigbee and Thread in parallel thanks to its MultiPAN firmware, making it Matter-over-Thread compatible depending on the installed firmware. From the web interface accessible via an mDNS domain, you can switch between coordinator, router, or RCP modes, update the firmware, view logs, and activate features like Webhooks, MQTT, VPN, or Turbo Mode radio, all without disassembly or physical manipulation. The 802.3af PoE option allows powering and connecting the dongle via a single Ethernet cable, especially useful in areas where no power outlet is available near the router.

 

A robust, reliable home gateway dongle designed for large networks

The SONOFF Dongle-Max home gateway dongle's metal casing is salt spray tested for 24 hours and CE, FCC, and RoHS certified for long-term reliability in various environments. Its two adjustable 5 dBi external antennas ensure full 360° radio coverage, with one dedicated Zigbee/Thread antenna and a separate Wi-Fi antenna to avoid interference. Turbo Mode boosts radio range with a single click from the web interface. Compatible with MQTT and Webhooks, it integrates into complex and scalable home automation architectures, suitable for both DIY installations and professional environments. A wall mount is included for optimal placement.

 

FAQ

Does the Dongle-Max work with the SONOFF eWeLink app?

No, the Dongle-Max is optimized for local operation without the eWeLink cloud. It is designed for Home Assistant, Zigbee2MQTT, and openHAB, with indirect voice access via these platforms connected to Alexa, Google, or Siri.

Can the Dongle-Max be used only with Wi-Fi without Ethernet?

Yes, the Dongle-Max supports three independent connection modes: Ethernet PoE, 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi, and USB-C. Each can be used alone depending on your installation constraints, without sacrificing functionality.

Is the Dongle-Max compatible with Matter?

The hardware is ready for Matter-over-Thread depending on the installed firmware. Effective Matter compatibility therefore depends on the firmware version used and the associated home automation platform like Home Assistant.

Key Product Features

Chipset & Architecture

• ESP32D0 Microcontroller with Ethernet and Wi-Fi support
• EFR32MG24 radio chip for dual protocol operation Zigbee/Thread

Connectivity Options

• Ethernet (PoE)
• 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi
• USB-C (5V/1A)

Web Interface

• Web Console accessible via an mDNS domain for:
• firmware updates
• configuration
• log viewing

Turbo Mode

• One-click radio booster for improved coverage.

Robust Exterior

• Metal casing
• Two replaceable external antennas (one Wi-Fi, one Zigbee/Thread)
• Certified CE, FCC, RoHS

Home Automation Protocols & Platform Compatibility

Protocol Support

• Zigbee and Thread supported simultaneously via MultiPAN firmware

Control & Data Transfer

• Integration with multiple platforms thanks to Webhooks and MQTT

Supported Platforms

• Primarily designed for:
• Home Assistant
• Zigbee2MQTT
• openHAB
• VPN support allowing secure remote access

Matter Compatibility

• Hardware ready for Matter-over-Thread (depending on firmware)

Cloud Integration

• No native eWeLink service
• Optimized for local operation

Voice Control

• Indirect support via integrations (Home Assistant → Alexa/Google/Siri)

Smart Features

• Firmware change via Web
• Mode change (Coordinator / Router / RCP)
• Logs, status, debug on Web
• MQTT and Webhooks integration for automations
• VPN support for secure remote access
• Turbo Mode radio
• Suitable for large and scalable networks

Electrical Characteristics

• Power Supply : PoE (802.3af) or USB-C (5V/1A)
• Low power consumption via USB
• Two separate antennas : Zigbee/Thread + Wi-Fi
• No power measurement or switch input
• Functions only as a radio gateway

Additional Features

• Wall mount included for optimal placement
• Web interface + easy mDNS access
• Long-term reliability thanks to CE/FCC/RoHS certifications
• Future-proof hardware (ESP32 + EFR32MG24) facilitating updates

General

Brand
Sonoff

Manufacturer reference (Factory SKU ID)
Dongle-M

Smart Home Protocols

Bluetooth
no

Other features

Device power supply
5V, PoE (Power-over-Ethernet)

EAN code
6920075743227

IP rating
IP20

LAN mode
yes

MQTT support
yes, Zigbee2MQTT

Operating humidity range
5% – 95% RH

Operating temperature range
-10°C to 40°C

Plug&Play installation
yes

Supported protocols
Thread, Wi-Fi, Zigbee

Thread
yes

Type of the product
bridge / gateway / coordinator / hub
(gateway / coordinator / hub)

Web admin interface
yes

Wi-Fi
yes

Zigbee
yes

Power supply
5V⎓1A, PoE

Dimensions
16.0 × 2.0 × 17.5 cm