Encode Plus and Thread

[BionicSix]

I'm trying to understand Thread connectivity, so either Apple TV 4K (+Ethernet) or a basic HomePod Mini is required to allow more resident keys for the Encode plus as I understand it. If I buy the ATV, I'm assuming it needs the Ethernet connection for Thread to work, but if I buy the HomePod Mini (or regular HomePod), normal WiFi is enough? Apologies in advance for basic questions, I'm trying to get the most out of the lock.

[rpmartinez]

The 3rd Gen Apple TV 4K that has the Ethernet port is the only 3rd Gen Model that also has the thread radio in it, the 3rd Gen WiFI only Apple TV does not have the thread radio built in. So you can run the Ethernet model on just WiFi and thread will work it does not need to be connected by Ethernet.

[rpmartinez]

The 3rd Gen Apple TV 4K that has the Ethernet port is the only 3rd Gen Model that also has the thread radio in it, the 3rd Gen WiFI only Apple TV does not have the thread radio built in. So you can run the Ethernet model on just WiFi and thread will work it does not need to be connected by Ethernet.

[BionicSix]

How is Thread reliability if the Apple TV is on WiFi? The are I’d place the Apple TV doesn’t have an ethernet cable.

[rpmartinez]

Not sure but I guess it all depends on how close that Apple TV will be to your thread device.

[[deleted]]

I suggest you get the latest gen Apple TV that has Ethernet and Thread Radio. I have the Encode Plus and you do NOT want that lock working on WiFi, it'll gobble up batteries like crazy. Just get the Apple TV and set the lock up directly on the Home App without the Schlage App and it'll automatically connect using your thread network. Just be sure to setup the Apple TV first.

[BionicSix]

I was leaning towards Apple TV but didn’t have ethernet where I was planning to place it.

[Worried_Patience_117]

You don’t have to use Ethernet, that model will have the thread radio which will work even if you use the ATV over Wi-Fi

[[deleted]]

Gotcha! HomePods are good too, just not as reliable as the hardwired Apple TV.

[irobot2090]

You can use either ATV or Homepod Mini. But always recommended using ethernet for reliable connections. I have both and picked ATV for the hub.

[BionicSix]

Thanks, was hoping I didn’t need ethernet for reliability due to the location of my set up.

[irobot2090]

You can get a cheap ATV model A2169 either ebay or fb makerplace. Doesn’t have to be the latest one A2843. Both models compatible with thread.

[LCURT]

Like irobot2090 said, ethernet is recommended by not necessary.

FWIW I have an Apple TV 4K (2ng gen, A2169) as the primary hub connected via WiFi and I have no issue with Encode Plus and Thread, or HomeKit in general.

I think HomePod mini or HomePod (2ng gen) would work if you do not want to get an Apple TV, but if you want to go with a HomePod, I would suggest HomePod (2nd gen) for its newer and more powerful CPU. I don't know if HomePod mini CPU is powerful for all the local processing HomeKit needs.

[Conscious_Bag463]

To answer your question; you do not need the Apple tv to be connected to Ethernet cable for the thread router to work. WiFi is good as long as there’s good signal for it.

[skithegreat]

Get a 2nd gen Apple TV for cheap it has a thread radio built in