Making Smarter and More Secure Connections with Thread Networks

Posted on: 11/12/2024

Following the Thread group member meeting held in Porto, Portugal, it seems like a perfect time to give insights into the
recently released Thread 1.4 spec and certification program.

Thread is a robust, secure and low-power mesh network designed to seamlessly enable a diverse ecosystem of IoT devices, systems and services to be more sustainable, secure and reliable. Thread uses open and proven IP standards and is an agnostic network
layer for application layer technologies. For the Smart Home industry, Matter is a key application layer protocol that supports
Thread, and the number of Matter with Thread devices on the market has increased significantly, with new devices released almost weekly

NXP team demonstrating the RW612 – single chip MCU + tri-radio chip Border Router solution connected to end devices based on MCX W71
and MCX W72 at the Thread Group Member Meeting

With the adoption of Thread in Matter and HomeKit devices, and deployment of these devices into people’s homes, the
Thread Group identified a few areas of which are now addressed in the release of Thread 1.4.The table below provides a snapshot of these enhancements and what they deliver.

Thread 1.4 New Feature	Benefits
Credential Sharing	Delivers a simpler set up and more reliable, scalable and secure experience. Provides for seamless onboarding of Thread devices with a standardized way to share credentials and join/share Thread networks Devices can operate on a single, larger-ranging Thread mesh network, which can include multiple Border Routers.
Cloud Connectivity	Thread 1.4 Border Routers will provide a standardized path to the Internet for a more reliable internet connection and enhanced device performance. Device manufacturers can add compelling new features and offer dynamic support and upgrades, such as cloud-powered features (e.g., a thermostat that responds to real-time weather changes, etc.)
Thread Over Infrastructure	Thread Border Routers can use Ethernet or Wi-Fi links as paths for Thread packets to extend the range of Thread networks and improve connectivity.
Enhanced Network Diagnostics	Standardized method for Thread devices to provide network configuration and status data to facilitate debug and diagnostics, resulting in a more robust network and device performance with lower customer service costs. Easier device testing and network troubleshooting for product developers Installers can build network monitoring and troubleshooting into their tools.
Secure Remote Commissioning at Scale	Targeted for professional installations and commercial building scenarios, this feature makes it easier to plan, install, and robustly operate larger Thread networks. Secure, authenticated commissioning through the exchange of security certificates can be performed in proximity using a mobile device over Bluetooth LE. Can wirelessly onboard Thread devices that are pre-installed in difficult-to-reach places, such as inside a ceiling or embedded in a wall.

Since the announcement of Thread 1.4 in January, I along with other Thread Group representatives supported many
media and analyst briefings about Thread 1.4 and these enhancements resonated very strongly.
Companies who attended last week’s Thread Group Member Meeting were also enthusiastic about deploying Thread
1.4 in their product portfolio in the coming months.

NXP’s MCX W71 802.15.4 (Thread, Zigbee) and Bluetooth LE MCU
and RW612
tri-radio MCU (Wi-Fi, 802.15.4, Bluetooth LE) were both built for Thread use cases and applications. These wireless MCUs currently support Thread 1.3, and we
are looking forward to rolling out Thread 1.4 certifications for these products by end of the year.

It’s an exciting time in the smart home and building IoT space with use case driven technologies like Thread and Matter becoming
widely adopted by developers, professional installers and consumers.

Source: https://www.slw-ele.com/making-smarter-and-more-secure-connections-with-thread-networks.html