Thread (network protocol)
 | This article reads like a press release or a news article and may be largely based on routine coverage. (January 2023) |
 | |
| Developed by | Thread Group |
|---|---|
| Industry | Home automation |
| Website | threadgroup |
Thread is an IPv6-based, low-power mesh networking technology for Internet of things (IoT) products.[1] The Thread protocol specification is available at no cost; however, this requires agreement and continued adherence to an end-user license agreement (EULA), which states "Membership in Thread Group is necessary to implement, practice, and ship Thread technology and Thread Group specifications."[2]
Often used as a transport for Matter (the combination being know as Matter over Thread), the protocol has seen increased use for connecting low-power and battery-operated smart-home devices.[3]
Organization
[edit]In July 2014, the Thread Group alliance was formed as an industry group to develop, maintain and drive adoption of Thread as an industry networking standard for IoT applications.[4] Thread Group provides certification for components and products to ensure adherence to the spec. Initial members were ARM Holdings, Big Ass Solutions, NXP Semiconductors/Freescale, Google-subsidiary Nest Labs, OSRAM, Samsung, Silicon Labs, Somfy, Tyco International, Qualcomm, and the Yale lock company. In August 2018 Apple joined the group,[5] and released its first Thread product, the HomePod Mini, in late 2020.[6]
Characteristics
[edit]Thread uses 6LoWPAN, which, in turn, uses the IEEE 802.15.4 wireless protocol with mesh communication (in the 2.4 GHz spectrum), as do Zigbee and other systems. However, Thread is IP-addressable, with cloud access and AES encryption. A BSD-licensed open-source implementation of Thread called OpenThread is available from and managed by Google.[7]
Thread is a low-power and low-latency wireless mesh networking protocol built using open and proven standards.[citation needed] It uses 6LoWPAN, which is based on the use of a connecting router, called an edge router. Thread calls their edge routers border routers. Thread solves[how?] the complexities of the IoT, addresses challenges such as interoperability, range, security, energy, and reliability. A Thread network doesn’t have a single point of failure, and it has the ability to self-heal.[8]: 8
Thread is based on existing technologies in all its layers: from routing, packeting, and security to its wireless radio technology. Similar to Wi-Fi, with its broad range of devices, Thread is an open standard that is not tied to a specific manufacturer, which minimizes the risk of incompatibilities.
Thread’s IPv6 foundation is application-agnostic,[further explanation needed] offering product manufacturers the flexibility to choose one or more application layers to connect devices across multiple networks.[8]: 19–21 Developers can bring their apps, devices, systems, and services to market faster because they’re using the same set of tools available for the Internet.
The OpenThread network simulator, a part of the OpenThread implementation, simulates Thread networks using OpenThread POSIX instances, and provides visualization and management of those simulated networks.[9] The simulator utilises discrete-event simulation and allows for visualisation of communications through a web interface.[relevant?][10]
Use cases
[edit]In 2019, the Connected Home over IP (CHIP) project, subsequently renamed to Matter, led by the Zigbee Alliance, now the Connectivity Standards Alliance (CSA), Google, Amazon, and Apple, announced a broad collaboration to create a royalty-free standard and open-source code base to promote interoperability in home connectivity, leveraging Thread, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth Low Energy.[11][12]
List of mobile phones with Thread
[edit]| Company | Device name | Availability |
|---|---|---|
| Apple | iPhone 15 Pro[13] | Including Pro Max |
| Pixel 9[14][15] | All models, including Pixel 9 Pro Fold |
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ "What is Thread - Overview". Thread Group. Retrieved October 25, 2015.
- ^ "The Thread group - Thread 1.1 Specifications". Thread Group. Retrieved June 26, 2021.
- ^ Tuohy, Jennifer Pattison (July 29, 2022). "What is Thread and how will it help your smart home?". The Verge. Retrieved April 22, 2024.
- ^ Noel Randewich (July 15, 2014). "Google's Nest launches network technology for connected home". Reuters. Retrieved July 18, 2014.
- ^ "Apple joins 'The Thread Group,' opening up the possibility of more advanced HomeKit tech". 9to5Mac. August 6, 2018. Retrieved August 23, 2018.
- ^ "Apple introduces HomePod mini: A powerful smart speaker with amazing sound". Apple (Press release). October 13, 2020.
- ^ "OpenThread". 2024. Retrieved July 13, 2024.
- ^ a b Thread Stack Fundamentals (PDF) (Technical report). Thread Group. May 2020. Retrieved June 26, 2021.
- ^ openthread/ot-ns, OpenThread, April 18, 2024, retrieved April 22, 2024
- ^ "Simulate Thread Networks using OTNS". OpenThread. Retrieved April 22, 2024.
- ^ "Amazon, Apple, Google, and Zigbee join forces for an open smart home standard". TechCrunch. December 18, 2019. Retrieved December 18, 2019.[permanent dead link]
- ^ "Project Connected Home over IP". Project Connected Home over IP. Archived from the original on June 6, 2020. Retrieved December 18, 2019.
- ^ Tuohy, Jennifer Pattison (September 14, 2023). "Here's why Apple put a Thread radio in the iPhone 15 Pro". The Verge. Retrieved July 12, 2024.
- ^ Li, Abner (July 12, 2024). "Pixel 9 series arrives at the FCC, includes Thread". 9to5Google. Retrieved July 12, 2024.
- ^ "Giant Pixel 9 leak gives us our first real-world look at the Fold, faster charging specs, and more". Android Authority. July 16, 2024. Retrieved July 16, 2024.
