One of the most common questions we receive is whether the LinknLink iSG Display Max can be connected to an external Zigbee hub, and if there is a guide on using both systems together. This article explains how iSG works, how Zigbee devices are handled, and the recommended setup options depending on your use case.
The Short Answer
The iSG Display Max (and Home Assistant) cannot directly “add” or manage a Zigbee hub as a device. However, devices that are already configured through a supported third-party hub or platform can be synced into Home Assistant and then imported into iSG.
Understanding iSG and Home Assistant
The iSG ecosystem consists of two key components:
- iSG Software – Acts as the front-end interface, allowing you to control and manage smart devices.
- Home Assistant – Functions as the back-end automation engine, providing deeper integrations and advanced device support.
While iSG integrates closely with Home Assistant, it does not rely entirely on it. iSG already supports adding many devices directly, including those using Zigbee, Z-Wave, Matter, Tuya, and more.
If a specific device or brand is not directly supported in iSG, Home Assistant can be used as an intermediary to bring those devices into the iSG ecosystem.
How iSG Handles Devices
iSG recognizes and displays functional entities rather than physical hubs or gateways. For example:
- A temperature and humidity sensor will appear as two separate entities: temperature and humidity.
- A Zigbee hub or gateway itself will not appear as a device, because it does not provide functional entities.
This approach is similar to how Home Assistant structures devices and allows for more flexible automation and control.
Recommended Setup Options
Option A: Use iSG’s Built-In Zigbee (Recommended)
The iSG Display Max includes a built-in Zigbee radio. In most cases, the simplest and most reliable option is to pair your Zigbee devices directly with iSG.
Benefits of this approach include:
- No need for an additional Zigbee hub
- Simpler setup and maintenance
- Fewer points of failure
- Direct device control within iSG
Option B: Use a Supported Zigbee Hub via Home Assistant
If you already own a Zigbee hub from a supported ecosystem (such as Tuya), you can still integrate it into iSG using the following workflow:
- Set up the Zigbee hub using the manufacturer’s official app
- Add your Zigbee devices to the hub
- Sync the hub and devices into Home Assistant
- Import the devices from Home Assistant into iSG
Note: Only the individual devices will appear in iSG — the hub itself will not be shown.
When to Use Home Assistant
Home Assistant is particularly useful when:
- A device is not directly supported by iSG
- You require advanced automation logic
- You are integrating multiple ecosystems into one interface
In these cases, Home Assistant acts as a powerful bridge, allowing unsupported devices to be imported and controlled within iSG.
Final Thoughts
For most users, pairing Zigbee devices directly with the iSG Display Max is the easiest and cleanest solution. However, if you already have an existing Zigbee ecosystem, Home Assistant provides a flexible way to bring those devices into iSG.