A New Foundation for Smart Homes

You've probably heard of WiFi, Bluetooth, Zigbee, and Z-Wave. Now there's Thread - a mesh networking protocol that's quickly becoming the preferred backbone for modern smart homes. Here's everything you need to know.

What is Thread?

Thread is a low-power, IP-based mesh networking protocol designed specifically for smart home devices. Unlike proprietary protocols, Thread is an open standard backed by Google, Apple, Amazon, and hundreds of other companies through the Thread Group.

Key Characteristics

• IP-based: Devices get real network addresses, simplifying integration
• Mesh networking: Devices relay messages, extending range and reliability
• Low power: Battery devices can last years
• Self-healing: Network automatically routes around failed devices
• No hub required: Just a border router (often built into existing devices)

Thread vs Other Protocols

Thread vs WiFi

Aspect	Thread	WiFi
Power Consumption	Very Low	High
Network Congestion	Minimal	Can crowd 2.4GHz band
Battery Life	Years	Days to weeks
Range	Extended via mesh	Router dependent
Best For	Sensors, locks, switches	Cameras, streaming

Thread vs Zigbee/Z-Wave

• IP-native: Thread devices have real IP addresses; Zigbee/Z-Wave need translation
• No proprietary hub: Thread uses standard border routers
• Matter support: Thread is the preferred transport for Matter
• Similar mesh benefits: All three create reliable mesh networks

How Thread Networks Work

Device Roles

Thread devices take on different roles in the network:

• Border Router: Connects Thread network to your IP network (WiFi/Ethernet). Examples: HomePod Mini, Apple TV 4K, Google Nest Hub, Amazon Echo 4th Gen
• Router: Powered devices that relay messages and extend the mesh. Most powered Thread devices act as routers.
• End Device: Battery-powered devices that sleep most of the time. Sensors, door/window contacts, etc.

Automatic Optimization

Thread networks are self-managing:

• Devices automatically find best routing paths
• If a device fails, traffic routes around it
• New devices are automatically incorporated
• Network splits recombine when connectivity returns

Getting Started with Thread

You Might Already Have It

Check if you have any of these Thread border routers:

• Apple HomePod Mini or HomePod (2nd gen)
• Apple TV 4K (2021 or later)
• Google Nest Hub (2nd gen)
• Google Nest Hub Max
• Amazon Echo (4th gen)
• Nanoleaf Elements or Shapes
• Eero 6/Pro 6 or later

Thread Devices to Consider

Growing list of Thread-native devices:

• Sensors: Eve Door & Window, Eve Motion, Aqara sensors
• Switches: Eve Light Switch, Nanoleaf Essentials
• Locks: Yale Assure Lock 2, Level Lock+
• Lights: Nanoleaf Essentials bulbs and strips
• Outlets: Eve Energy

Thread and Matter: Better Together

Thread and Matter are complementary:

• Thread is the network layer (how devices communicate)
• Matter is the application layer (what they communicate)

Matter can run over WiFi, but Thread offers significant advantages for battery-powered and always-on devices. Most Matter devices coming to market use Thread.

Troubleshooting Thread

Ensure Sufficient Border Routers

For best reliability, have multiple border routers spread throughout your home. They automatically coordinate to prevent single points of failure.

Router Device Density

Thread works best with powered devices (which act as routers) distributed across your home. These extend the mesh and ensure end devices can reach border routers.

Cross-Platform Considerations

Thread networks can span ecosystems. An Eve sensor (HomeKit) and a Nanoleaf bulb (multi-platform) share the same Thread network, improving mesh coverage even though they're managed by different apps.

The Future of Thread

Thread adoption is accelerating rapidly:

• Major manufacturers adding Thread to new devices
• Some legacy devices receiving firmware updates for Thread support
• Matter certification requires Thread support for many device categories

As your smart home grows, Thread provides a reliable foundation that works today and scales for tomorrow.

Explore Thread-compatible devices in our product guides.