The SONOFF Dongle Max (Dongle-M) is the ultimate professional-grade smart home gateway designed for serious automation enthusiasts and integrators. Powered by the next-generation Silicon Labs EFR32MG24 and ESP32 dual chipset, this high-performance coordinator handles massive device loads with lightning-fast local execution. Offering unprecedented installation flexibility, it features true tri-mode connectivity—allowing deployment via stable Ethernet Power over Ethernet (PoE), wireless 2.4GHz Wi-Fi, or traditional plug-and-play USB-C. Complete with dual 5dBi high-gain antennas and an intuitive web-based local console, it acts as a future-proof, cloud-free local backbone for Home Assistant, Zigbee2MQTT, and Thread/Matter ecosystems.
Overview:
The SONOFF Dongle Max Zigbee/Thread PoE Dongle (Dongle-M) represents a major leap forward in hardware-level smart home orchestration. Encased in a rugged, heat-dissipating aluminum alloy body, it eliminates the USB interference and placement constraints that plague standard USB sticks. By enabling Power over Ethernet (PoE), the coordinator can be positioned centrally in your home via a single network cable, yielding optimal 360° signal coverage up to a tested 90 meters. The integrated web browser GUI provides seamless role switching between Coordinator, Router, or Thread RCP modes on the fly, eliminating the need for complex command-line flashing tools. Packed with enterprise-level open-source software capabilities—including native MQTT integration, secure WireGuard VPN remote access, and automated system Webhooks—it seamlessly bridges components from Aqara, Philips Hue, Tuya, and SONOFF into a unified local automation hub.
Features:
- Next-Gen Dual Chipset Architecture: Powered by the high-performance Silicon Labs EFR32MG24 wireless SoC and Espressif ESP32 network controller for heavy computation headroom.
- Tri-Mode Deployment Flexibility: Seamlessly choose between single-cable Ethernet PoE (48V), wireless placement via 2.4GHz Wi-Fi, or instant plug-and-play USB-C connectivity.
- Browser-Based Web Console: Access a local dedicated web interface to easily check real-time device status, parse system logs, and trigger firmware updates without command lines.
- Multi-Protocol Future-Proofing: Full local support for standard Zigbee 3.0 frameworks, MultiPAN operations, and native Thread Border Routing for Matter integration.
- Dual 5dBi High-Gain Antennas: Massive 18cm adjustable external antennas deliver powerful 360° wireless penetration spanning 90+ meters.
- No Flashing Software Needed: Safely toggle device roles between Coordinator, Router, or Thread RCP instantly directly inside the browser GUI.
- Enterprise Open-Source Core: Pre-integrated with advanced scripting functions including customizable automated Webhooks, direct MQTT protocol streaming, and secure local WireGuard VPN configurations.
- Premium Industrial Engineering: Housed in a salt-spray tested, dim gray aluminum alloy shell optimized for excellent 24/7 thermal stability.
Specification:
- Model / MPN: Dongle-M
- Product Name: SONOFF Dongle Max Zigbee/Thread PoE Dongle
- Zigbee Core MCU: Silicon Labs EFR32MG24 (Ample memory and radio sensitivity)
- Network Core MCU: Espressif ESP32-D0WDR2
- Connectivity Interfaces: RJ45 Ethernet (PoE Supported), Wi-Fi 2.4GHz (IEEE 802.11b/g/n), USB Type-C
- Input Voltage / PoE: 48V⎓0.25A PoE (IEEE 802.3af) or 5V⎓1A via USB-C
- External Antennas: 2× SMA, 5dBi gain, 360° adjustable articulation
- Management System: Local Web-Based Console (mDNS local domain or IP access)
- Casing Shell Material: Aluminum alloy combined with PC+ABS faceplates
- Working Conditions: -10°C to 60°C temperature range; 5% to 95% RH non-condensing humidity
- Supported OS & Software: Home Assistant (ZHA / Zigbee2MQTT), openHAB, ioBroker, Linux, Windows, macOS, Docker
Package includes:
- 1 x SONOFF Dongle Max Zigbee/Thread PoE Dongle (Dongle-M)
- 2 x 5dBi High-Gain External Antennas
- 1 x USB Type-C Cable (1m length)
- 1 x Rigid Surface Mounting Bracket & Installation Hardware (Screws, anchors, double-sided tape)
- 1 x Quick Hardware Guide
Tri-Mode Deployment Connectivity: Ethernet PoE, Wi-Fi, or USB-C
Break free from the constraints of standard USB coordinator sticks! The SONOFF Dongle Max introduces ultimate deployment flexibility with three connection choices. Run it over an ultra-stable, single-cable Power over Ethernet (PoE) connection for professional rack installs, hook it up to 2.4GHz Wi-Fi for absolute freedom of placement anywhere in your home, or use standard high-speed USB-C plug-and-play to attach directly to your mini-server.
*Note: First-time network initialization configuration requires a physical Ethernet link before utilizing independent Wi-Fi setups.
Next-Gen Silicon Labs EFR32MG24 Dual Chipset Mastery
— Engineered for uncompromising computational power and scale. Driven by the flagship Silicon Labs EFR32MG24 processing unit paired with an Espressif ESP32 auxiliary chip, the Dongle-M boasts immense computing headroom and top-tier radio sensitivity. It handles intensive multi-device meshes effortlessly, making it the supreme choice for advanced smart environments.
Web-Based Console Control Without the Command Line
- Configuration simplified for any automation tier. The Dongle Max hosts its own intuitive local web browser dashboard, bringing tracking status, logs, webhooks, and adjustments into a single window. Update firmware files automatically or toggle working configurations between Coordinator, Router, or Thread RCP modes with simple click operations—no physical disassembly or manual scripting required.
Unlock Open-Source Smart Home Domination
Take complete ownership of your data with robust local execution. The Dongle Max interfaces natively with open-source server architectures like Home Assistant (ZHA & Zigbee2MQTT), openHAB, and ioBroker to parse your triggers locally without cloud platform lock-ins. Combined with advanced features like secure WireGuard VPN encryption and live MQTT data pipelines, it ensures split-second, secure sensor responses even when internet connectivity drops.
