Thread 1.3.0 specifications have brought significant updates to the Thread ecosystem, providing more versatility and reliability for IoT communication. This latest version is backward compatible with earlier versions. Let’s take a closer look at these new features.
Border Router standardization
The primary goal of the border router is to act as a bridge between the Thread network and the traditional backbone network. Since the inception of the Thread the border router has been an integral part of the Thread ecosystem. Thread 1.3.0 Border Router Extensions standardize the Border Router implementation, making it simple for Thread devices to communicate with devices outside the Thread network.
Thread 1.3.0 allows Thread devices to appear on the existing WiFi/Ethernet network such as any traditional WiFi-based devices. Thread devices can advertise their services using preexisting standard protocols such as DNS-SD/mDNS. This also means that Border routers from different manufacturers can join the same Thread network.
Thread Border router is not a device rather it is a role that can be implemented on various platforms.
Matter Integration
The Matter is essentially a protocol that provides a common language for smart home devices to communicate with each other. It is intended to ensure that smart home devices from different manufacturers can seamlessly work together and be controlled using a single app, regardless of whether they use Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or another wireless technology.
Matter-end devices can use any Thread-certified border router to communicate with any Matter ecosystem device.
Improved Firmware Over The Air Update
In the earlier versions, the firmware update packets were sent via raw UDP packets or using the application layer protocol CoAP, this was not a very efficient way due to the inherent nature of UDP packets, which might get lost in between. One can use the conformable CoAP packet to improve the reliability of the communication at the expense of the battery life for the sleepy end devices.
Thread 1.3.0 adds capability for TCP as this is well suited for bulk data transfer with reliability which is much needed for sending large chunks of firmware update packets. With the new feature, the firmware update can happen in the background without any compromise in the responsiveness of the main tasks of the device such as control actions or event management.
In conclusion, Thread 1.3.0 brings significant improvements to the Thread ecosystem, making it even more versatile and reliable for IoT communication. These updates will undoubtedly enhance the functionality of Thread devices and make them more user-friendly for smart home applications.
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