# Nabu Casa launches Home Assistant Connect AUX-2 multi-tool hub with PoE, audio, serial

> **Key takeaway:** The $69 Connect AUX-2 combines Power over Ethernet, analog/digital audio output, dual RS-232 serial ports, USB for Z-Wave/Zigbee adapters, Grove connector, and enhanced Bluetooth in a single open-source smart home bridge designed to extend the life of existing hardware.

**Published:** 2026-11-11T00:00:01+00:00 
**Source:** Home Assistant Blog 
**Category:** foss-apps 
**Canonical URL:** https://fosswire.org/news/nabu-casa-launches-home-assistant-connect-aux-2-multi-tool-h.html 

## Summary
Nabu Casa has released the Home Assistant Connect AUX-2, a compact hardware bridge priced at $69/€59 that integrates multiple connectivity protocols into one device. It functions as an audio streamer with a combo analog/digital optical jack, a dual-port RS-232 serial controller, a USB host for Z-Wave and Zigbee adapters, a Grove connector, and an upgraded Bluetooth antenna, with network connectivity via Power over Ethernet, USB power, or Wi-Fi.

The device emerged from Nabu Casa's work on portable Z-Wave and serial device integration for Home Assistant. Its audio capabilities leverage Music Assistant and the new Sendspin protocol to synchronize playback across heterogeneous speaker brands including HomePod and Sonos, while serial control enables local management of equipment like solar inverters and climate systems without proprietary cloud dependencies. Sales support the Open Home Foundation's mission for privacy-respecting, sustainable smart home infrastructure.

## Hardware architecture and integration capabilities
- **Audio subsystem:** Combo analog/digital optical (TOSLINK) output with automatic cable-type detection, a digital-to-analog converter (DAC) upgraded from the Voice Preview Edition, and support for lossless FLAC playback via Music Assistant.
- **Serial control:** Two RS-232 ports for direct device control, with documented Modbus compatibility, enabling integration of solar inverters, climate equipment, and televisions without network access or manufacturer cloud services.
- **Wireless and mesh expansion:** USB port accepts official Connect ZWA-2 (Z-Wave) or ZBT-2 (Zigbee) adapters; integrated Bluetooth hub with upgraded antenna for improved range.
- **Power and networking:** Native 802.3af Power over Ethernet (PoE) support, the most requested feature from the prior portable Z-Wave product, plus fallback to USB power and Wi-Fi connectivity.
- **Grove connector:** Standardized I2C interface for additional sensor and actuator expansion beyond the built-in port set.

## Why it matters
The AUX-2 reduces hardware fragmentation for Home Assistant deployments by consolidating what previously required multiple bridges, dongles, and audio extractors into one PoE-powered device. For the open-source smart home ecosystem, it strengthens the viability of local-first automation by giving users practical hardware to extract devices from proprietary cloud services and extend the operational lifespan of existing equipment, directly aligning with the Open Home Foundation's sustainability and privacy principles.