Thread is changing the way we think about low-power wireless connections for smart devices in both home and commercial building applications. Whereas wireless technologies for IoT devices have existed for quite a while, Thread is different in a number of significant ways, resulting first and foremost in the fact that it does not require a dedicated hub or bridge to operate. Let’s dive in and have a look at how this works.
IP-Based: Thread Natively Fits In The Network
Thread is based on the ubiquitous IP protocol, the same protocol that is used on the Internet and in existing networks in homes or buildings. That means that it acts as a low-power, wireless mesh network-extension to the network. Comparable to how Wi-Fi serves the high-bandwidth wireless needs of a network. Neither technology needs to “translate” IP-packages in order to serve them from one physical infrastructure (say: wired ethernet cables) to the other (the wireless network).
Traditional wireless IoT solutions typically rely on a bridge or hub to translate the IP-packages to their native technology, and vice versa. This often requires a dedicated box that performs these complex operations. In most situations, the vendor of a specific product offers their own box to serve this function, resulting in a number of boxes for each type or brand of application (for example lighting, climate control, door locks, window shades, etc.
Since Thread does not require any form of translation, a Thread Border Router’s sole function is to send packages between the low-power wireless mesh and the rest of the network. The Border Router function is not brand or application specific, and therefore can be performed by many types of mains-powered Thread devices. It might be present for example in smart speakers or displays, set-top boxes, or even in lighting products.
If the network consists of multiple devices that can perform the Thread Border Router functionality, communication between the low-power mesh network and the rest of the network remains possible even if one of those devices goes offline. They just seamlessly switch actions. Compare and contrast this to the traditional wireless technologies: if their dedicated hub or bridge goes down, all the connected devices stop functioning.
Traditional Wireless IoT Networking Technologies
With traditional wireless technologies for smart devices, there is typically a dedicated device that serves as a hub or bridge to control the connected devices. A separate box is usually needed for each type of application, and often for every brand. This results in many separate boxes that need to be individually configured and kept up to date with security updates.
And since all of these wireless connections are separate and serve a single or limited function, they are not aware of each other’s existence. The end result is many different wireless networks that need to be maintained.
Thread: A Universal Low-Power Wireless Mesh Network
As explained above, Thread only needs Border Router functionally to send data to and from the Thead low-power wireless mesh network. There is no need for protocol conversion or any other dedicated actions. Therefore, the Thread network is used by all Thread devices, regardless of their purpose or brand.
This makes it very simple to include Thread Border Router functionality in existing mains-powered Thread devices, eliminating the need for separate boxes. Thread Border Router functionality can be found in many devices such as lighting panels, smart speakers or set-top boxes.
If a Thread device performs Border Router functionality, it may display this logo:
And because Thread is a mesh technology, this means that all Thread devices can benefit. Every mains-powered Thread device (such as a light bulb) serves as a Thread Mesh Extender, rerouting data from one device to another. Fully seamlessly and automatically, without any user actions. These devices also communicate with battery-powered “sleepy” Thread devices that only wake up when needed (like window sensors or door locks), enabling many years of battery usage.
The more mains-powered Thread devices you add to the network, the wider the area that you can serve, and the more reliable the network becomes.
Get Started With Thread
It’s likely you may already have a device in your home or building that acts as a Thread Border Router. Currently certified Border Routers are the Google Nest WiFi Pro and the SmartThings Hub. Be sure to check the Thread Certified Products page on our website to stay up to date on the most current Border Routers on the market.
By using Thread devices you can benefit from a secure, reliable, wide area covering wireless mesh network that, due to the Thread Border Router, seamlessly becomes part of your existing home or building network.