Migrating Thread Network to ZBT-1

[grim sinew]

I just migrated my Thread network to my ZBT-1 from my Nest Hub (or at least I think I did). Is there a way to see if it's actually going through my ZBT-1 aside from simply unplugging the Nest Hub? The Nest Hub still shows up on the network, so is it currently using both of them? In addition to "Thread" as an integration, I also see "Open Thread Border Router" now, so I don't know which one is doing what.

Also, for anyone who has experience with it, should I consider now getting the ZBT-2? My network closet is tucked away in the corner of my house so I'm not sure how well the range of the ZBT-1 will do.

Migrating Thread Network to ZBT-1

[lofty comet]

thread networks can have multiple thread border routers active, so the answer is that "it's using both of them"

(due to the way the network setup works, all traffic outbound from HA to the thread network will happen via the HA OTBR add-on if it's running, but traffic going the other way can use either thread border router, and home assistant can use the other thread border router when the OTBR add-on is not running)

in fact, the only real reason to add an extra thread border router is if you're having connectivity issues to some thread devices, or if you want to remove the old one (e.g. you're de-googling your house).

[grim sinew]

Yeah, I want to remove the Nest Hub from the equation altogether. I didn't want to have to rely on it originally but I didn't know about the ZBT-1.

I'll unplug it and see how the network response is.

[lofty comet]

i'd expect it to reorganize fairly quick - but removing a thread border router can result in all devices needing to update routes and re-register their mdns records which might cause a short temporary connectivity issue.