Thread’s IPv6 based foundation brings many advantages to the Smart Building. Not only can it leverage widely proven cyber security mechanisms, but it can also integrate seamlessly in the existing building network infrastructure. Contrary to legacy automation systems, which are usually siloed in separate networks for each application, multiple applications -even those based on different standards and protocols- can share the same network at the same time, and use the most appropriate physical network type for each individual device. Thread’s low power mesh network is ideal for power constrained device types covering wide areas in a building.
In this article, we will explain the various parts of a Thread network, describe their purposes, and explain how they operate in the context of a wider building network. It shows how easy it is to integrate with existing products and how it allows for the maintenance and expansion of the network by network managers, independent from application and system integrators.
Thread Mesh Extender Device
Thread is a mesh network technology, which means a device on the network can not only receive data, but also pass data along to other devices. In this way, these devices act as Thread Mesh Extender devices. This results in a very stable network with a large reach, without the need for additional repeaters that solely have the function to rebroadcast wireless signals to devices that are located further away, as is custom with other wireless protocols.
Thread Battery Operated Device
Thread Battery Operated Devices are devices on the network that generally only operate when requested, like door locks. They don't reroute data and can be sleepy devices to save energy, only to be activated and immediately become part of the Thread network upon use.
Thread Border Router
A Thread Border Router connects Thread networks, which leverage energy-efficient IEEE 802.15.4 wireless radio, to enterprise networks. It does not need to convert data-packets, since Thread uses the same IPv6 protocol as the enterprise network. The Thread Border Router function can be incorporated into any mains powered Thread device that has the appropriate network interfaces and does not need to be a device only dedicated to networking functions. Thread supports having multiple Border Routers on the same network that dynamically take over the function, so there's no single point of failure. Manufacturers of wireless base stations offer products that combine Wi-Fi and Thread radios in a single device, even further reducing the complexity of extending an enterprise network with a secure and wireless network for low-power devices.
Requires Thread Border Router
Thread Mesh Extender Devices and Thread Battery Operated Devices require at least one Thread Border Router if they want to become part of a network outside of the Thread mesh itself, such as the building’s IP infrastructure. To remind users of this, many products carry a “Requires Thread Border Router” badge.
Building Automation Standards
Indicated in the picture with different numbers of dots, various Building Automation Standards can be used on a single Thread network. As with other IP-based applications and devices (like printers, servers or copiers), multiple application types (like lighting, access control or climate systems) can share that same network, and these applications can even be based on different protocols, like DALI+, KNX IoT or Matter.
Building Management System
A Building Management System (BMS) may be part of the enterprise network. Such a BMS can directly address each individual Thread device, as Thread's IPv6 connectivity is fully transparent to the existing enterprise network. Likewise, authorized PCs, laptops and mobile devices like smartphones and tablets are directly connected to the enterprise network and can also immediately access Thread devices using the existing IPv6 networking protocol.
Cloud Connection
IP makes the life of system maintainers and IT staff much easier. All devices, including those on the Thread wireless mesh, can be remotely configured and maintained using familiar tools and technologies. It offers easy remote control, data collection and monitoring from anywhere in the world, while maintaining full end-to-end encryption.
Translate to Traditional Non-IP Systems
Many buildings have legacy building automation systems in place that will only over time make the full transition to IP to unlock the many benefits as described above. They are either based on other physical network standards or non-IP based application protocols. These systems can be integrated with the rest of the network by means of a gateway that allows access to the respective network technology and application protocol.