2021
July
26

Typical Thread Network Topologies - Smart Homes with Matter & Commercial Buildings

By Jorg Kennis, Neovate Innovation Partners

Let’s dive a bit deeper in what makes up the topology of a typical network that deploys Thread devices. We start off by explaining the different types of Thread devices on a network, and then go into a bit more detail of the smart home and commercial building networks respectively.

Since Thread is IP-based, its networking topology is relatively simple to understand. Unlike other networking technologies, there is no need for translators or gateways to convert IP-packets to proprietary protocols. This not only allows a Thread device to be individually and directly addressable, whether coming from the cloud or from a location within the home or enterprise network, but it also offers superior security as no further "weak spots" are introduced along the communication path where application messages are fully decrypted.

Thread Routing Devices and Thread End Devices
Thread is a mesh network technology, and as such Thread devices may be Routing Devices or (Sleepy) End Devices. Typically the mains-powered Thread devices in a Thread network, such as light bulbs, are Routing-capable devices. These Routing-capable Thread devices can not only receive data that is intended for this specific device, but also pass data along that is meant for other devices. This results in a very stable network with a large reach, without the need for additional repeaters that rebroadcast wireless signals to devices that are located further away. Thread end devices are devices on the network that generally only operate "on-demand", like light switches. 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 is the device that forms the link between the user’s home network or the enterprise network, to the IEEE 802.15.4 energy-efficient wireless radio standard that is being used by Thread. It does not need to convert data-packets, since Thread uses the same IPv6 protocol as the Internet and home and building networks, making Thread Border Routers straightforward devices. Specifically for commercial situations, Thread supports having multiple Border Routers on the same network that dynamically take over the function, so there's no single point of failure. Thread Border Router functionality can be built-in into other devices like Wi-Fi access points, or most commonly for consumer applications, into smart speakers, smart displays or TV set-top boxes.

Matter
Matter is the new smart home and smart building application standard that is overseen by the Connectivity Standards Alliance (formerly the Zigbee Alliance) and backed by some 200 companies, including Amazon, Apple, Google, Signify/Philips and IKEA, and industrial companies like Schneider and Siemens. It leverages existing technologies like the Zigbee Cluster Library, Weave, and HomeKit, with the aim of simplifying both the development of IoT devices for manufacturers wanting to support multiple ecosystems, and the buying process for consumers looking for compatible devices. Matter runs on an IP-layer and currently supports Wi-Fi and Ethernet, with Thread exclusively supported as its low-power wireless mesh technology.

Matter-compliant Smart Speaker/Display/Set-top Box
Matter devices can be added to a large number of smart home ecosystems, like the ones built into popular smart speakers, smart displays or other devices like TV set-top boxes. This means that a user can control Matter smart home devices just as they have always done, for example using voice or with their favorite apps. Some of these devices may incorporate Thread Border Router functionality, so that Thread-based Matter devices can immediately be used as well.

Matter “Multi Admin”
One of the many nice features that are introduced with Matter, is the ability to mix-and-match ecosystems and services, while retaining full control over all IoT devices in the home. This means that, for example, you are not restricted to choosing and sticking with one brand or type of controller (i.e., smart speaker, mobile phone, etc.). Once a Matter device is added to the network, the user can choose to connect them to other Matter-supported ecosystems to control these devices as well using their own smart speakers, displays or apps.

Bridge to Other IoT Network Standards
Matter’s IP-foundation means that it can be used on Ethernet, Wi-Fi and Thread network-layers, providing great flexibility and control from within many ecosystems and devices. In some situations, a user might have an existing network of IoT devices that are based on other protocols. In order to be able to control these devices within the Matter platform without the need for replacing them all with Matter-compliant devices, a manufacturer might choose to add functionality to a hub to bridge the Matter protocol with their native protocol. Although these devices will then not share and extend the Thread mesh network, or retain full end-to-end encryption, they are exposed as Matter devices and can be controlled and operated accordingly.

Corporate Backbone / Building Automation System
One of the advantages of IP-based Building Automation standards is that they can leverage the existing IP infrastructure of a building, and tap in where needed. There is no need to install, secure and maintain a separate network for the control of IoT devices (like lighting or HVAC systems). Thread is a fully transparent and secure extension to the building’s IP network, allowing for low-power or battery operated devices, and forming a mesh between all devices on its network to improve reliability and extend its reach with each device that is added. All IP-based devices, including the Thread devices, can potentially be controlled and monitored from a single Building Automation System (BMS).

Multiple Building Automation Standards
In the commercial building space, various Building Automation standards, each with their own unique strengths, are deployed. Traditionally, all of those standards required their own networks and wiring, which could substantially add to the complexity and costs of installing and maintaining them. With many Building Automation standards now transitioning to IP, multiple standards can be used simultaneously on the same IP infrastructure. They can be deployed throughout the entire building or campus using the corporate IP backbone, and then extended wirelessly using Thread. Thread devices based on multiple Building Automation standards can even work and extend the same Thread mesh network.

Matter in Commercial Buildings
Matter brings flexibility for smart home users by giving them choice from a variety of ecosystems and associated smart speakers/displays (and even use them simultaneously with the same devices). For the smart building space, Matter’s open source nature brings new opportunities in terms of combining various commercially available (or even consumer focused) control solutions with dedicated products developed to tailor specific requirements, further highlighted in this blog explaining Matter’s open ecosystem for Commercial.

Summary
An IP-based network topology is relatively straightforward, as the network employs a single interface towards all devices, spanning a variety of physical network layers like Thread, Ethernet and Wi-Fi. It simplifies installation, eases up maintenance, streamlines security and opens up to multiple applications and ecosystems that can all be used simultaneously. Thread is the natural extension for modern IP-based Smart Home and Building Automation standards offering robust, reliable, wide-ranging, low-power wireless mesh networking.