RFThread vs. Matter: A Comprehensive IoT Protocol Comparison
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Thread and Matter are revolutionizing IoT communication by addressing connectivity challenges. While Thread ensures low power networking, Matter focuses on interoperability. This guide highlights their differences and how they work together to enhance smart home ecosystems.
Introduction
Matter and Thread have been developed by the Connectivity Standards Alliance (formerly known as the Zigbee Alliance). This global organization focuses on creating standards for IoT and smart home devices. Both Matter and Thread are designed to simplify setup and control of smart home devices. They have been developed to provide a seamless and interoperable experience for consumers in smart home systems. They are built on open standards and are interoperable with other wireless technologies. They are intended to be low power and energy efficient.
Both Matter and Thread operate at different OSI layers and have different functions.
What is Matter Protocol?
Matter specification version 1.0 has been released by the Connectivity Standards Alliance in September 2022. It defines fundamental requirements to enable an interoperable application layer solution for smart home devices over IP (Internet Protocol). Matter aims to build a universal IPv6-based communication protocol for smart home devices. As shown in the figure, it defines an application layer which interacts with different link layers to help maintain interoperability. The Matter specification focuses on three link layers: Ethernet, WiFi, and Thread.
Some of the key features of the Matter protocol are as follows:
- Common application layer + data model (Interoperability, simplified setup and control)
- IP-based (Convergence layer across all compatible networks)
- Secure (AES-128-CCM encryption with 128-bit AES-CBC)
- Open-source development approach (Based on market-proven technologies)
- Common protocol across device and mobile (Extended to cloud)
- Common data model (Core operational functions, multiple device types)
- Low Overhead
Figure-1 depicts the Matter protocol stack which shows data flow across different layers. As shown, data flows from the application layer to the transport/network layer and to MAC/PHY/RF layers.
What is Thread Technology?
Thread technology specification has been published by the Thread Group. This standardization body creates, maintains, and develops Thread protocol specifications. It is a low power, secure, and future-proof mesh networking technology for IoT products.
Some of the key features of Thread technology are as follows:
- Provides security at the network layer
- It is based on power efficient IEEE 802.15.4 PHY/MAC
- Open IPv6 protocol (Device to device and device to cloud connections)
- Extends the internet into low power end devices
Figure-2 depicts the Matter architecture for a smart home system. Refer to Matter over Thread architecture which describes the functions of different network elements used in a smart home system.
Difference Between Thread and Matter Protocol
The following table mentions the difference between Thread and Matter protocols with respect to various parameters.
| Parameters | Matter | Thread |
|---|---|---|
| Operating OSI layer | Application Layer | Network Layer |
| Function | Matter protocol APIs allow developers to create applications which can control smart home devices using a set of commands. It defines how devices are communicated with each other and with applications. | It enables a wireless mesh network for smart home devices to communicate with each other. It uses a routing protocol to manage network traffic and ensures data transmission to be efficient and reliable. Security features such as encryption and authentication allow protection of data and prevent unauthorized access. |
| Compatibility | Works with various types of smart home devices regardless of manufacturer. | Designed to work with low power devices and it is compatible with IPv6. |
| Interoperability | Supports interoperability between different devices and platforms. | Designed to work with other wireless networking technologies such as WiFi and Bluetooth. |
| Cloud integration | Used cloud services to communicate. | Uses a Thread Border router to interact with the cloud. |
| Power performance for application packets | Optimum | Very good |
Conclusion
Thread and Matter protocols complement rather than compete with each other. By integrating these technologies, you can create a seamless, efficient, and interoperable IoT network.
