Blog

2017
June
12

Securing Your IoT Network: How Border Routers Help

By Chris Rivera, IoT Solutions Architect, NXP Semiconductor

Security continues to be a concern and challenge to those considering Internet of Things (IoT) implementations. A major threat that remains today is where the IoT network actually connects to the Internet, or what's often referred to as the border.

In a Thread mesh network, border routers are routers that sit at the edge of the Thread network and route between the Thread network and an external network. Border routers provide connectivity of the nodes on the Thread network to other devices in external networks or to the cloud. Thread gives IoT developers' flexibility and choices on how to implement this border router functionality via the following approaches:

  • A function built into an end product (e.g. thermostat, dishwasher, home Wi-Fi routers, etc.)
  • A standalone product that's an accessory to an end product(s) - can be built by your own resources or from an external company as a white label
  • Access a border router already in the market, created by another vendor (standalone device, gateway, cable modem, etc.)

Because Thread is based on IPv6, Thread can carry one or more simultaneous flows of application layer traffic. Thread doesn't need to translate application layer traffic or act as a gateway from one network type to another at the edge of the Thread network. Thread border routers simply leverage IP routing to move IP traffic onto and off of the Thread network without translation.

Thanks to this IP routing design, the border router can offer access to Thread network services to devices connected to an external WAN. One type of basic service is the ability to discover and control the Thread commissioner. This service enables non-Thread devices such as computers, mobile phones and tablets to securely commission new Thread devices onto the mesh network through the border router via DTLS sessions. This service can also be expanded to include a trans-border router application layers. Features like service discovery and security can also allow a Thread device to access cloud-based services. While border routers enable Thread devices to access complementary network types and the multiple services running on them, border routers are not required in some applications. In such a cases, a Thread-native device must serve as the Commissioner.

Read more about the important functions these border routers bring to Thread members looking to securely connect their networks in this whitepaper.

Also, while there's much to consider in terms of security when developing a value-added IoT solution or product, you also need to consider cost, development investment, implementation, support, scalability, the ecosystem (or ecosystems) and future proofing. Learn more about each in this recent webinar, "Learn How Thread Delivers Value to You and Your Customers."

You'll see why Thread is not just a connectivity technology but is actually a flexible and future-proof IoT network technology. To view the webinar recording click here.

UPCOMING EVENTS


2024
April
23-25

Thread Group Members Meeting

Toronto, Canada

Press Releases

2022
July
18

Thread Group Opens Access to Third Evolution of its Wireless Networking Protocol, Enabling Matter, Improving Seamless Connectivity in Smart Homes and Buildings

The Thread Group, an industry alliance enabling IoT convergence, and addressing challenges around secu...

2022
June
13

Thread Group Establishes New Marketing Chapter in China

The Thread Group, an industry alliance addressing IoT convergence, and challenges around security, energy footprint, and architecture at the network layer, today announced the addition of a Regional Marketing Working Group in China to educate...

2021
November
03

Amazon Joins Thread Group Board of Directors

The Thread Group, an industry alliance addressing IoT convergence, and challenges around security, energy footprint, and architecture at the network layer, today announced the addition of Amazon to its Board of Directors. Amazon’s increased backing of Thread Group further demonstrates its commitment to Matter, over both Thread and Wi-Fi, and to supporting a broad range of smart home protocols, which benefits both device makers and their customers.
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Please provide your contact information below and we will keep you informed about our activities.


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This email will be used for all email list subscriptions & all other Thread Group automated communications.

NEWSLETTERS

In The News

2024
January
10

Thread Border Router Fix Should Improve Smart Home Networking

By: Apple Insider

Read More

2024
January
09

Thread Group Unveils Credential Sharing Feature to Propel Smart Home Interoperability

SamMobile

Read More

2024
January
08

Thread Group to Fix Smart Home Protocol's Biggest Problem

Thurrott

Read More

PAST EVENTS

  • CES 2024 January 9-12, 2024  Las Vegas, Nevada  
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  • CES 2023 January 5-8, 2023 Las Vegas, Nevada 
  • Thread Group Members Meeting OCTOBER 25-17, 2022 Málaga, Spain 
  • Light+Building 2022 OCTOBER 2-6, 2022 Frankfurt, Germany 
  • WEBINAR: Thread 1.3.0  SEPTEMBER 29, 2022 Watch Webinar, View Presentation 
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  • Smart Home Summit NOVEMBER 20-21 2019 San Francisco, California View Presentation 
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