Thread, a mesh networking protocol, connects low-power smart home devices and is one of the underlying technologies of Matter. It works similarly to Wi-Fi but requires less power, allowing it to be used for devices that need to connect intermittently and have limited bandwidth needs.
Thread operates on the 2.4-GHz spectrum using the IEEE 802.15.4 radio technology, which is also the basis for other protocols like Zigbee and WirelessHART. Thread devices can create a mesh network, share encrypted data, and communicate without configuration or management from the user's side.
The Thread protocol has several advantages, including low power requirements, low latency, self-healing networks, no proprietary hub required, scalability, AES-128 encryption, IPv6 support for direct device addressability using IP addresses. However, it also has some limitations, such as high-bandwidth devices not being able to use it, limited support for the latest version, range and number of devices still limited, old Thread devices often unable to be updated to new versions, and a Thread Border Router required to connect to the internet and cloud services.
Thread Border Routers are necessary to connect the Thread mesh to Wi-Fi, Ethernet, or any other home network. These routers also act as Matter controllers in many setups. Devices from various manufacturers can create their own low-latency meshes using Thread, with no proprietary hub needed.
The development of Thread began in 2011 by Nest (now Google) and has since been developed and adopted by several prominent companies like ARM, Samsung, Google, Qualcomm, Apple, and Amazon. New versions of the specification are released every couple of years and are backward compatible, but not all devices can be upgraded to the latest version.
Thread supports various application layers, including Matter, which it enables devices to communicate with each other in a unified way. Thread also offers credential sharing, allowing networks formed in different ecosystems and using different Thread Border Routers to form one big mesh. However, manufacturers need time to adopt the latest version of the specification and go through certification.
In comparison to Zigbee, another protocol based on the same wireless technology, Thread has lower latency and can seamlessly integrate with existing IP-based networks without a proprietary hub.
Thread operates on the 2.4-GHz spectrum using the IEEE 802.15.4 radio technology, which is also the basis for other protocols like Zigbee and WirelessHART. Thread devices can create a mesh network, share encrypted data, and communicate without configuration or management from the user's side.
The Thread protocol has several advantages, including low power requirements, low latency, self-healing networks, no proprietary hub required, scalability, AES-128 encryption, IPv6 support for direct device addressability using IP addresses. However, it also has some limitations, such as high-bandwidth devices not being able to use it, limited support for the latest version, range and number of devices still limited, old Thread devices often unable to be updated to new versions, and a Thread Border Router required to connect to the internet and cloud services.
Thread Border Routers are necessary to connect the Thread mesh to Wi-Fi, Ethernet, or any other home network. These routers also act as Matter controllers in many setups. Devices from various manufacturers can create their own low-latency meshes using Thread, with no proprietary hub needed.
The development of Thread began in 2011 by Nest (now Google) and has since been developed and adopted by several prominent companies like ARM, Samsung, Google, Qualcomm, Apple, and Amazon. New versions of the specification are released every couple of years and are backward compatible, but not all devices can be upgraded to the latest version.
Thread supports various application layers, including Matter, which it enables devices to communicate with each other in a unified way. Thread also offers credential sharing, allowing networks formed in different ecosystems and using different Thread Border Routers to form one big mesh. However, manufacturers need time to adopt the latest version of the specification and go through certification.
In comparison to Zigbee, another protocol based on the same wireless technology, Thread has lower latency and can seamlessly integrate with existing IP-based networks without a proprietary hub.
I mean, it's got all these advantages like low power consumption, self-healing networks, and AES-128 encryption... it's like the ultimate home automation protocol 
But at the same time, manufacturers are still playing catch up, you know? Like, old devices can't get updated to new versions and they need special routers just to connect to the internet 
And let's be real, range and device support is still kinda limited 
I mean, I'd love to have a seamless Thread mesh in my smart home but we're not there yet 
Still, it's promising to see major brands like Google, Samsung, and Apple getting on board 
. I mean, having all my smart home devices talk to each other without needing some fancy hub in the middle is a total game-changer. And the fact that it's low power and doesn't need a ton of bandwidth is perfect for those old LED bulbs I have lying around 
. I just wish more manufacturers were on board with the latest version, it'd be so nice to get updates without having to dig through some complicated process 
. But overall, thread seems like a solid solution for creating a seamless smart home network 
! Of course, it has its limitations, but I think the pros far outweigh the cons 
. Can't wait to see more adoption and innovation with this tech 
.
... I mean, who needs a Thread Border Router to connect to the internet? Can't we just get rid of those and use something else, like... I don't know, magic or something 
... But wait, what if magic isn't an option? 
... I guess Thread's low power requirements are a big plus, but high-bandwidth devices can't use it? That's just frustrating 
. And don't even get me started on the updates - old devices can't be upgraded to new versions? What's up with that? 
... On the other hand, I love how devices from various manufacturers can create their own low-latency meshes without a proprietary hub needed 
... But still, Thread has limitations and it's not perfect 
... Maybe we'll just have to wait for an even better mesh networking protocol in the future 
.
They're trying to control us through our smart homes! Thread is like, super powerful and all, but what's really going on here? They're pushing for it in our homes and making it easy for them to connect everything, no proprietary hub needed... sounds like a conspiracy theory come true! 
And have you heard about the Thread Border Routers? Those things are basically gatekeepers, controlling who can access our mesh networks. It's all about the data, fam. They're collecting all this info on us and sharing it with each other... no wonder they say 'seamless integration'. 
and seamless connectivity 
. but yeah, it does have some drawbacks like high bandwidth devices can't use it 
. BUT like, thread border routers are a total lifesaver 
for connecting to the internet and cloud services 
. and it's awesome that devs from top companies are jumping on board 
for matter and credential sharing 
. anyway, thread is def one of those techs that's gonna change the game 
!
. And let's not forget about the 'Thread Border Router' - it's like the gatekeeper that decides who gets to join the party 
. It's interesting how big companies like Google and Apple are all on board with Thread, but what about smaller players? Are they gonna get left behind in the mesh network game? 
.
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. What do you guys think about Thread? 
.
. And the encryption? Forget about it, they've got AES-128 on lock 
... but just think about it, who's really in charge here? 
just like a mesh network 
no proprietary hub needed & scalable too