Thread is a low-power, wireless mesh networking protocol based on IPv6. It enables direct device-to-device, device-to-mobile, and device-to-cloud connectivity. As an IP network, Thread supports one or more concurrent application layers to securely communicate end-to-end across other link technologies such as Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and Cellular.

For a Thread network to be a participant in a greater Internet of Things (IoT) ecosystem and communicate with other devices across those other link technologies (and the Internet at large), you need a Thread Border Router.

The Problem
Historically, companies delivering solutions based on other, legacy technologies must deliver some sort of hub or gateway along with their IoT end devices. Because those technologies are not based on IP, exposing their devices and functionality to mobile or the cloud requires application gateways. And because such hub or gateway functionality is typically "out-of-standard" and as a result is not certified, full interoperability is not always possible in practice. Moreover, unlocking new end-to-end features between devices and mobile apps or the cloud is now throttled by software updates to the hub or gateway to enable the appropriate support.

Enter Thread Border Routers. Since Thread is IPv6, a Thread Border Router can be generic enough to provide connectivity independent of the application protocols in use—just like a Wi-Fi access point. Yet this still creates a chicken and egg problem: end device manufacturers want to make Thread devices but lack the border routers for broader connectivity, and hub manufacturers can't justify adding Thread support to their devices without existing Thread end devices in the market.

The Solution
OpenThread Border Router (OTBR) aims to solve part of this problem by reducing the barriers to entry to create a border router. OTBR is a simple, turnkey, open-source solution for building a standards-compliant and best-practice Thread Border Router. Being open source, the technology is fully accessible to all, the development process is fully transparent, and manufacturers can integrate it into their products however they please. It is designed to work with OpenThread released by Nest, but can work with any other Thread Certified implementation.

Speaking of certification, OTBR is also a Thread Certified Component and meets all the requirements of the Thread Specification. It includes tools to make Thread Certification and testing easy, with Thread Test Harness integration via Thread Host Controller Interface (THCI) and AutoDUT support.

So, what are you waiting for? Check out OTBR, build a Thread Border Router, and start connecting your Thread networks today!