The Thread Group released version 1.4 of its low-power smart home protocol earlier this year. A significant advancement within this iteration is enhanced cross-ecosystem interoperability. This feature enables seamless communication and operation between Thread-based smart home devices from various manufacturers, negating the need for brand-specific control applications.
Samsung’s SmartThings ecosystem is among the first to integrate support for this network unification. This functionality is currently available on select SmartThings Hub models, including the Aeotec Smart Home Hub and the Aeotec Smart Home Hub 2, with broader rollout planned for additional hub models in the near future.
Aeotec Smart Home Hub 2
To clarify terminology, an End Device in a Thread network refers to a controllable device, such as a smart light bulb. A Router functions as a retransmission point, contributing to a mesh network architecture that enhances range and reliability. A Border Router serves as the interface between a Thread network and a Wi-Fi or Ethernet network.
SmartThings Hubs operate as Border Routers, facilitating the pairing of Thread-based devices through two primary methods. Users can access the “Manage Thread Network” option within the SmartThings Hub interface, navigating through Settings to the “Manage Thread network” section, and then selecting “Unify Thread network.”
This action presents the user with the option to “Share SmartThings network,” generating a QR code and a one-time passcode (OTP). Utilizing either the QR code or the OTP, users can then integrate third-party Border Routers into their SmartThings Thread network.
Conversely, if a user possesses a pre-existing Thread network comprised of third-party devices and subsequently integrates a SmartThings Hub, the alternative “Join another network” option is selected. The user then employs a QR code or OTP provided by the third-party application to integrate the SmartThings Hub into the pre-existing network.
Thread network unification using the SmartThings app
Further information regarding Thread network unification with SmartThings Hubs can be found here. Additional details about Thread can be found here.
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