Matter over WiFi: Advantages and Architecture

This page explores the architecture of Matter over WiFi networks and the functions of its components. It highlights the benefits and advantages of using the Matter protocol over WiFi.

Introduction

Before the adoption of Matter, the smart home landscape was fragmented, suffering from interoperability issues due to the multitude of existing smart home ecosystems and protocols. Consumers found it difficult to build smart homes that could seamlessly integrate devices and platforms from different vendors. The Matter protocol was developed to address these challenges.

Developed by the Connectivity Standards Alliance (CSA), which includes leading technology companies like Google, Amazon, and Apple, Matter is based on IP networking and utilizes low-power wireless mesh networks to connect smart devices.

What is Matter over WiFi?

Matter over WiFi allows Matter devices to communicate over existing WiFi networks, in addition to Ethernet and Thread networks. This means devices can connect to a home’s WiFi network, making it easier to set up and manage smart home devices without the need for additional hubs or bridges.

Matter over WiFi provides better coverage and range, leveraging the WiFi networks already present in many homes. It does, however, require a compatible Matter controller or Hub to manage and control the devices on the network.

Figure 1: Matter over WiFi Architecture

As shown in Figure 1, the Matter architecture consists of a Matter bridge, Matter controller, Matter devices, and a WiFi AP. Let’s delve into the functions of each:

• Matter Device: Any device supporting the Matter protocol and connected to a WiFi network. Examples include smart home devices such as sensors, lights, and thermostats.

• WiFi Access Point (AP): The device that connects to the WiFi network and broadcasts a wireless signal for the Matter devices. This can be a home WiFi router, a WiFi extender, or a dedicated access point.

• Matter Controller: The device that manages and controls the Matter devices in a smart home. Examples include smartphone apps, smart speakers, or dedicated hub devices. The Matter controller can function as a hub, connecting other smart home devices like cameras, thermostats, and sensors. Google’s Nest Hub is a popular Matter controller offering a touchscreen interface, voice control, and integration with other home devices.

• Matter Bridge: The device that connects non-Matter devices or networks to the Matter network, enabling them to communicate with other Matter devices. This allows devices that don’t natively support the Matter protocol (like Zigbee or Zwave devices) to be integrated into a Matter-based smart home network. The Matter bridge acts as a protocol converter or translator between different technologies. A popular example is the Philips Hue Bridge.

• Internet Connectivity: Essential for the Matter controller and cloud services to communicate with the Matter devices.

Examples of Matter over WiFi devices include smart bulbs from Nanoleaf Essentials, smart thermostats with voice control from Ecobee, the Signify Philips Hue Bridge, SmartThings Hub, smart locks, and smart cameras.

Benefits and Advantages of Matter over WiFi

The following are the key benefits and advantages of Matter over WiFi:

• Matter leverages the widely used existing WiFi infrastructure, enabling it to work with a broad range of WiFi-enabled devices.

• It offers superior range and coverage compared to other networking technologies like Zigbee and Bluetooth, making it easier to connect and manage smart home devices throughout a larger home.

• Setting up new devices in a smart home ecosystem is simplified due to WiFi availability. Moreover, additional Hubs or Bridges are often unnecessary.

• While WiFi networks employ WPA2 encryption, the Matter protocol utilizes end-to-end encryption, ensuring robust data protection against security threats.

• Matter over WiFi enables seamless communication and cooperation among smart home devices, regardless of their brands or underlying technologies.