How to connect Zigbee devices to WiFi?

Nowadays, more and more families are using Zigbee home devices like thermostats, but many users are not clear about the difference between Zigbee devices and WiFi devices, nor do they know how to connect Zigbee devices to WiFi.

First, it's important to understand that Zigbee ≠ WiFi. Zigbee is a low-power, short-range wireless communication protocol commonly used in smart homes (lights, switches, and sensors); WiFi is a high-speed wireless network used for mobile phones, computers, and other devices to access the internet. These are two completely different protocols, and Zigbee devices cannot connect directly to WiFi routers.

The key to connecting Zigbee to WiFi is a hub/bridge. For Zigbee products, like Zigbee thermostats or TRV, to connect to a WiFi network, they must go through a Zigbee gateway/hub.

Then how to connect Zigbee devices to WiFi:

1. Zigbee device (thermostats, TRV, switch, light bulb, etc.) → Connects to a Zigbee gateway using the Zigbee protocol.
2. Gateway → Equipped with both a Zigbee module and a WiFi/Ethernet module, it converts Zigbee signals into WiFi/Internet signals.
3. User mobile app → Access the gateway via WiFi/Internet and control Zigbee devices.

To put it another way: Zigbee speaks a "small language," while WiFi speaks "English." They can't understand each other, so they need a "translator"-the gateway.

Recently, BEOK has launched several new Zigbee thermostats for users to choose from based on their home style:

BEOK New Zigbee Thermostats