Thread is a low-power wireless mesh networking protocol that’s based on the universally-supported Internet Protocol (IP) and built using open and proven standards. It offers efficient routing of data between devices, covering large areas without the need for repeaters or additional bridging devices. Thread is application-agnostic and runs all IP-based building automation protocols, contrary to low-power solutions that only work with their own application library. It offers devices to communicate secure, end-to-end with endpoints across other IP-based link technologies, such as Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and Cellular.

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Thread is IPv6 based, bringing a familiar way of setting up and managing the network for system administrators, with no need to worry about address and topology assignment. End-to-end routing and addressability allows IPv6 packets to securely move from one end point to the other, whether on the same Thread mesh network, or across the world. Its 6LowPAN foundation is based on low power IEEE 802.15.4 radio technology that supports sleepy nodes and reduces network overhead. And by offering multiple application protocols, it seamlessly integrates with existing products. Thread is based on the proven, secure and already widely deployed Thread specification that is currently used in residential and commercial IoT applications.

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Thread is designed to accommodate many applications that benefit from its security, scalability and flexible IT maintenance. This includes lighting, HVAC, security & safety, window coverings, to name a few, for office buildings, hotels, factories, universities, outdoor applications and smart city areas.

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Thread is based on the IPv6 protocol which runs application layers over IP. Similar to Ethernet and Wi-Fi, it is transparent to the application protocol being used and can support multiple applications simultaneously. This eliminates the need to set up and maintain multiple physical networks for multiple devices and applications. Many popular building automation standards such as DALI, KNX and Matter are available for IP or are in the process of making an IP-based implementation available. Implementers may also choose to use a custom based application layer.

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Thread allows IP-based application layers to run on a Thread mesh-network, supporting the use of simultaneous applications. This includes IP-based versions of building automation standards. At the application-level, a Thread network running application layers allows for compatibility with Building Automation Systems, provisioning, monitoring and analysis tools.

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Devices in enterprise installations are associated with an operational domain, the scope and size of which is defined by the network administrator, and which typically have thousands of nodes. Thread adds the ability to associate devices with an operational IT domain and can scale up to support thousands of devices. Enterprise-level IT systems require the ability to assign an identity to each device in their managed network. Thread adds the capability to assign a secure, verifiable identity to each individual device. The role of managing a network in a professional installation is associated with specific privileges. Thread adds the ability to assign levels of network privileges to individual users or groups of users.

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When a Thread network is operating and connected to the enterprise network, adding a new device can be commissioned and configured using a smartphone connected to the same network. Setting up new devices on a Thread network which is not connected to the enterprise network, either because of standalone needs or because a Border Router is not present, Thread device manufacturers can offer various ways to set-up and commission these devices using a smartphone.

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Devices can seamlessly and automatically switch to the network that is closest in proximity, or administrators can set prioritized networks. This allows for unmatched scalability when the network is extended with additional nodes, for example to accommodate higher network throughput demands, without the need to replace the entire system.

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Installation handover typically requires that the installer demonstrate to the network engineer the correctly mounted and wired installation. Thread adds essential installation handover functionality and verification capabilities. It requires less alteration during refurbishing, reducing installation costs and simplifying system-wide updates. Furthermore, Thread adds the capability for network engineers to remotely commission devices and simultaneously commission multiple devices.

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Thread offers near real-time ability to collect data from a broad range of cloud-connected, cross-network and cross-sector devices without conversions or the need for multiple network-interfaces.

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Thread is based on the IPv6 protocol which is deployed by many ISPs and enterprise networks. IPv6’s main advantage is the large address space allowing individual devices unique IP addresses. Thread defines an IPv6 transport over an IEEE 802.15.4 data-link layer and uses a Border Router to directly connect devices to the enterprise network or cloud.

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Thread is a networking standard that enables the usage of multiple application solutions. Thread Group has partnered with key technology alliances to enable interoperability and coexistence of multiple standards in the same ecosystem. Learn about our Liaison Partners.

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