Commissioning devices to a Thread-based network using Bluetooth has many benefits. Thread is based on the widely used IEEE 802.15.4 wireless radio standard which was specifically designed for extremely low power operation. All devices on a Thread network form a mesh, which extends the range of the network without additional extender hardware. The entire network is also based on the IPv6 protocol, making it very simple to connect a Thread network to an enterprise network with a simple border router, enabling end-to-end encrypted communication from the cloud all the way to individual devices.

Since Thread provides native IP connectivity to an enterprise network, the setup and commissioning of devices is a breeze. Thread also offers administrators an easy way to add new devices, and to (re)configure user rights and assign room configurations using fully featured software, either running natively on a computer, tablet or phone, or dedicated administrational tools accessed via a web interface.

Thread is ideal as a stand-alone network
There may be use cases where the Thread network is not (yet) part of the overall enterprise network. For example, outdoor applications where Thread devices are used for a specific stand-alone purpose like parking lot lighting or equipment collecting traffic data, applications that are too far away to be connected to a centralized network like lighting in a remote warehouse on a large-scale harbor area, kiosks or other types of smaller stores that lack these types of networks, and commissioning and controlling lighting equipment in a new or reworked building when the enterprise network is not yet operational.

Commissioning a Thread network using Bluetooth is easy
To accommodate Thread as a stand-alone network, other means to configure, administer and operate smart devices have been provided in the Thread standard.

The next version of the Thread specification will be released in early 2019, using Bluetooth as an alternative method of controlling the network is defined. Bluetooth in phones provides a direct connection without the need to set up a network, making it easy to control the Thread network using a smartphone.

Dual Radio Devices
Thread devices, like light bulbs, or dedicated hubs, may be equipped with a so-called "dual radio". These dual radios can commission, configure an end-user operation via a Bluetooth-connection while the Thread connection is used to communicate with other devices in the mesh network, like light bulbs and low power battery operated devices such as sensors and switches.

The dual radio device can "talk" to the Bluetooth device and becomes part of the Thread mesh network, offering all the benefits that Thread offers, including automatic and efficient routing of data between all connected smart devices using a secure and fully encrypted low power wireless signal.

Additionally, a dual radio device like a smartphone or tablet can act as the gateway to the Internet in cases where such a connection is needed, for example to download a new firmware update for the devices on the Thread network, or to quickly send the current status of all devices to maintenance engineer.

Thread is the only future-proof choice
Deploying a network based on Thread is a future proof solution. It is extremely easy to connect all smart devices to an enterprise network or to establish a permanent cloud connection when such needs arise. Since all Thread devices are IPv6 based, costly and complex replacement of devices is not needed, unlike other IoT networks that are built on solutions that do not include this type of forward thinking.

Adding devices that are based on IP-based application protocols, like Zigbee Dotdot, KNX or BACnet, is straightforward: all applications can be integrated on the same Thread network, become part of the same mesh, and can benefit from the overall advantages that the Thread network offers in terms of security, advanced remote operation and usage analysis.

With the addition of optional Bluetooth support, Thread combines its best-in-class low-power and secure mesh networking technology with new flexible ways of setting-up, commissioning and operating smart devices. In doing so, Thread strengthens its position as the leading solution for smart IoT devices in commercial applications.