Zigbee networks require a coordinator to form and manage the network. While Philips and Ikea call it a "Bridge" and "Gateway," respectively, the correct term for this device is a "coordinator." Several open-source solutions are available, limited only by the software and platform chosen. One of the most widely supported and tested solutions is the Texas Instruments CC2531 chip, which is found in a small USB dongle. To set up a Zigbee network based on CC2531, you will need the dongle, a computer that is always on, software that supports CC2531, and a USB extension cable to avoid interference from the computer. CC2531 can be used on many platforms and can be flashed with different firmware depending on how you want to use it. Typically, it is flashed to be used as a coordinator with Zigbee2MQTT and/or Home Assistant (ZHA). To flash CC2531, you will need a CC-debugger, a CC2531 downloader cable, and a Windows computer. The advantages of using CC2531 include its low cost, small size, support for almost all Zigbee devices, and versatility. However, its disadvantages include its limited range, potential difficulty in handling large networks due to limited resources, and the need for extra hardware to flash it. CC2531 works with ZHA, Tasmota, Zigbee2MQTT, IOBroker, and other platforms.