Matter FAQ

Matter is an open-source, industry-standard protocol designed to enable seamless communication between smart home devices, regardless of the manufacturer.

The Matter bridge in domovea solution allows KNX devices to be exposed to smart assistants like Google, Apple, and Alexa and others via the Matter protocol. A Matter controller would directly control Matter certified devices within domovea. For the moment domovea does not support Matter controller.

A Matter bridge is a device or software that acts as a gateway, enabling the integration of non-Matter-compatible devices to a Matter-enabled smart home ecosystem. In our case, the domovea Matter bridge integrates your KNX devices into your Matter-based smart home setup. To use this functionality you need a Matter controller, like Apple Home, Amazon Alexa or or Google Home.

 

A Matter controller is a device or app that manages and controls Matter-enabled smart home devices within a Matter-based ecosystem. It provides the user interface for setup, control and automation of devices, acting as the central hub. Examples include Apple Home (e.g. via HomePod), Amazon Alexa, Google Home or many other solutions.

Note: We are not covering matter controller but just focusing on matter bridge here.

Matter enables universal connectivity across different smart home ecosystems, External Access (Skills) is focused on enabling remote access and control via specific voice-activated applications and services. We recommend using either one of the solutions within the Domovea system, rather than both simultaneously, even though it is technically possible.

Matter can be set up through either the domovea app or Hager Pilot configurator, depending on the user’s preference and the installer’s role (intallation done by a professional installer vs. end user directly).

The setup process using the Hager Pilot configurator involves two key steps: exposing devices to Matter and pairing the server with a smart assistant.

 

Step 1: Device Activation

 

Through the configurator or the Domovea app, users must activate one or more devices to expose them to one or more smart home assistants. However, these devices will not be effectively exposed until the server is paired with the chosen smart assistant.

 

Step 2: Pairing the Server with the Smart Assistant

 

After activating at least one device, the user must pair the Domovea server with the smart assistant. This pairing is a prerequisite for successful integration. Once the server is paired, activated devices will become accessible through the smart assistant.

By completing these steps, users can ensure that the Matter setup works as expected, allowing seamless control of KNX devices through their smart assistant.

The setup process using the Domovea app involves two key steps: exposing devices to Matter and pairing the server with a smart assistant

 

Step 1: Device Activation

 

Through the configurator or the Domovea app, users must activate one or more devices to expose them to one or more smart home assistants. However, these devices will not be effectively exposed until the server is paired with the chosen smart assistant.

 

Step 2: Pairing the Server with the Smart Assistant

 

After activating at least one device, the user must pair the Domovea server with the smart assistant. This pairing is a prerequisite for successful integration. Once the server is paired, activated devices will become accessible through the smart assistant.

By completing these steps, users can ensure that the Matter setup works as expected, allowing seamless control of KNX devices through their smart assistant.

Yes, provided the prerequisites for installation are met (e.g., working router, compatible smart assistant).

A TJS671 or TJS471 server, a router with DHCP and Wi-Fi, network switches, and a compatible smart assistant hub (Google, Apple, Amazon).

domovea solution currently can expose to Matter the following KNX devices as:

 

- Lights - On/Off, Dimmable
- Switched sockets
- Shutter Blinds - Shutter extended, Shutter blinds
- Thermostats - ATC, Virtual thermostat
- Sensors - Temperature, humidity, binary input

 

Non-KNX devices are not supported 

 

 

Some advanced features like colored lights may not be fully supported through Matter. At the moment Basic functionalities like on/off control and dimming will work. Hager is working to provide more options and integrate new devices in the future.

Some IoT devices already integrated with domovea, such as Philips Hue lights, are Matter compatible but are currently restricted from being exposed through domovea. Hager recommends users connect Philips Hue lights directly via the Philips Hue app to ensure optimal performance and full feature integration, including color functionality

Yes, there can be differences in how devices behave and are visualized between the domovea app and smart assistant apps. The way compatible devices are managed and displayed may vary depending on the chosen smart assistant. For example, shutters and thermostats may have different control options or limitations based on the assistant’s interface and configuration. Additionally, certain advanced features or settings available in the domovea app may not be fully replicated or may behave differently when accessed through a smart assistant. (to complete)

Matter works with Google Home, Apple Home, Amazon Alexa, and other smart assistants that support the Matter protocol. List of available on csa-iot website

A Google-compatible hub (e.g., Google Nest) and the Google Home app on a smartphone or tablet.

An Alexa-compatible device (e.g., Echo) and the Amazon Alexa app.

An Apple-compatible hub (e.g., HomePod) and the Apple Home app.

Yes, after devices have been exposed and the initial pairing with a smart assistant has been completed, additional pairings can be set up with other smart assistants, as long as the initially paired smart assistant supports this functionality.

Yes, after pairing with one assistant, devices can be shared across other compatible smart assistants. For more information you can refer to the support section of the smart assistant you initially paired.

Pair the server with one assistant, then share devices to others via the sharing options in the smart assistant app settings.

Check the pairing settings section within the domovea/Hager pilot to see the list of paired smart home assistants.

Verify if the devices are properly activated, the Matter hub is correctly connected, and the network supports IPv6. If issues persist, retry pairing within the 10-minute timeframe.

Scan or manually enter the pairing code within a 10-minute window. Ensure that both domovea and the smart assistant app are ready to pair. You will see a pop up that confirms successful pairing.

Yes, most smart assistants allow you to rename devices for easier control and identification. However, keep in mind that any renaming will only apply within the smart assistant app and not in domovea. If you unexpose and then re-expose devices, the re-exposed devices will revert to their original names as set in domovea solution

Yes, most smart assistants allow you to assign custom groups to Matter-exposed devices for easier management and control. However, note that these groupings will only be effective within the smart assistant app and will not sync back to domovea. If you unexpose and then re-expose devices, the group assignments will need to be reconfigured in the smart assistant app.

Yes, most smart assistants allow you to assign custom scenarios or automations to Matter-exposed devices for enhanced control and functionality. However, these scenarios and automations will only apply within the smart assistant app and will not synchronize with domovea. If you unexpose and then re-expose devices, you may need to reconfigure these scenarios or automations in the smart assistant app.

 Yes, you can expose new devices that were not initially included in your pairing. Using either the domovea app or the Hager Pilot configurator, you can add these devices, and they will automatically appear in your smart home app without needing to re-pair your server.

Yes, you can unpair the domovea server and its associated devices directly from your smart assistant app. However, this action will only disconnect the server from the smart assistant, and the devices will still be marked as exposed in the Domovea app/Hager pilot. To fully reset all paired smart assistants and  unexpose devices, you may need to manage settings from the domovea app or Hager Pilot configurator.

No, currently, groups and automations set up in Domovea or Hager Pilot are not shared with smart assistants. You will need to recreate any desired groups or automations directly within your smart assistant app.

The identification function provided by Apple Home allows users to easily identify their connected Matter-enabled devices. When activated, the device will perform a noticeable action, like blinking a light or making a sound, to confirm which device is being addressed. This feature is useful for distinguishing between multiple devices, especially when setting up or troubleshooting your smart home network.

Currently, this identification feature is implemented in domovea to help users identify lights and the server. When activated, lights can blink, and the server can show a specific response, making it easier to pinpoint these devices during setup or troubleshooting.

Use the reset button in the domovea app to disconnect the server from the smart assistant and remove all associated pairings. Resetting will disconnect all existing pairings at once but leave devices exposed, allowing re-pairing with a new smart assistants.

Use the reset button in the Hager Pilot to disconnect the server from the smart assistant and remove all associated pairings. Resetting will disconnect all existing pairings at once but leave devices exposed, allowing re-pairing with a new smart assistants.

Unpairing your smart assistant will depend upon the smart assisant you are using. Each smart assistant may have their own specified way of unpairing. Please refer the support documentation provided with your smart assistant to learn more.