Network Infrastructure Design for an Aqara Smart Villa in Da Nang

For a multi-storey villa, network infrastructure should be treated as part of the MEP/ELV design rather than an afterthought after interior completion. An Aqara Smart Home project should plan Ethernet, Wi-Fi, Zigbee, Thread, backup power and hub/controller positions together.

1. Finalize the network cabinet and Ethernet backbone first

The network cabinet should have enough room for the router/firewall, switches, patch panels, UPS and control equipment. Ethernet should be routed to access points, cameras, hubs/controllers and important reserve points. If PoE is used, calculate both per-port power and the total PoE budget.

2. Design Wi-Fi around the floor plan and materials

There is no fixed formula of exactly one access point per floor. AP count depends on area, concrete, glass, furniture, user density and roaming requirements. Where construction allows it, Ethernet backhaul for fixed access points remains easier to control.

3. Strong Wi-Fi does not mean strong Zigbee or Thread

Wi-Fi, Zigbee and Thread are separate networks. A phone showing strong Wi-Fi in a bedroom does not prove that a Zigbee sensor or Matter-over-Thread device in the same location has a reliable path.

4. Divide hubs by coverage, not by a rigid floor count

Group devices based on radio coverage, density, obstacles and maintenance requirements. Areas separated by thick concrete slabs, gardens or detached blocks can require their own technical zones.

5. Identify Matter Controller and Thread Border Router roles separately

If the villa uses Matter over Thread, document which device acts as the Thread Border Router, which acts as the Matter Controller and which hub bridges Zigbee. A single hardware device can combine roles, but the operations documentation should still state each role explicitly.

Villa infrastructure acceptance checklist

• Test every Ethernet run and label both ends.
• Test Wi-Fi roaming across floor transitions.
• Check weak Zigbee/Thread zones after the interior is completed.
• Confirm the total PoE budget with all cameras/APs/hubs operating.
• Record the location and role of every hub, controller and Border Router.
• Provide UPS backup for the network cabinet and critical control equipment.