The American cable operator and Internet provider Comcast has introduced a new router. The company, which was already part of the matter initiative when it was still called CHIP, is launching the xFi Advanced Wi-Fi 6E, a new edition of the well-known xFi gateway.
The router not only supplies a household with fast Internet via Wi-Fi 6E, but also functions as a smart home hub. In addition to the Zigbee 3.0 wireless protocol, it also uses Comcast’s own Xfinity platform and the new matter standard.
Until now, Xfinity was only compatible with a limited number of products from Philips Hue, Sengled, Ecobee, Yale and others. With the introduction of matter and its support, completely new possibilities open up here. By installing a border router, Thread can be used in addition to WLAN and LAN. However, there is no direct integration of Thread into the own gateway.
The new xFi Advanced Wi-Fi 6E router from Comcast will only be available in the USA. However, it is a good example of how matter can simplify and change the installation and use of a smart home in the future.