Thread
Last updated: January 2, 2026
Thread is a low-power, IPv6-based mesh networking protocol designed specifically for smart home devices. It creates a self-healing network where each device strengthens the mesh - if one goes down, the others pick up the slack. It's the primary transport layer for Matter wireless devices.
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If Matter is the language your smart devices speak, Thread is how they pass notes to each other. It's a mesh networking protocol designed specifically for smart homes - low-power, reliable, and built on proven technology (the same radio tech as Zigbee, but with proper IP networking). Unlike Wi-Fi, Thread won't drain your sensor batteries in a week. Unlike Zigbee, it speaks native internet protocol. It's the best of both worlds.
Here's the clever bit: every mains-powered Thread device (think light switches and smart plugs) acts as a router, relaying messages across the network. Your smart bulb in the living room helps your motion sensor in the hallway talk to your hub. The network is self-healing too - if one device goes offline, traffic automatically reroutes through others. No single point of failure, no babysitting required. You just need at least one "border router" (often built into smart speakers or hubs) to connect Thread to your home network.
The 2025 reality: Thread is finally hitting its stride. With Thread 1.4 becoming mandatory from January 2026, we're getting credential sharing - meaning your Apple HomePod and Amazon Echo can finally share the same Thread network instead of creating competing meshes. IKEA has released 20 Matter-over-Thread devices, and the ecosystem is growing fast. The catch? You'll still need some always-powered devices to build a strong mesh - battery sensors alone won't cut it.
Related Terms
Matter
Matter is an open, royalty-free smart home connectivity standard that enables interoperability between devices from different manufacturers. It lets products from Apple, Google, Amazon, and Samsung work together without compatibility headaches - no proprietary hub required.
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi is a wireless networking protocol that most smart home devices use because it requires no additional hub - just your existing router. The catch? It drains batteries quickly, congests your network with dozens of devices, and isn't designed for the low-power world of IoT sensors.
Zigbee
Zigbee is a low-power wireless mesh networking protocol that connects smart home devices like sensors, bulbs, and switches. It's been quietly running smart homes for over a decade, offering excellent battery life and a self-healing mesh - unlike Wi-Fi gadgets, your Zigbee motion sensor won't need new batteries every month.