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How To Get Nebula Thread Spiritfarer

Nanoleaf Esssentials A19 Light Bulb leaning on a Space Gray HomePod mini
(Image credit: Christopher Close / iMore)

It never fails. Every few years or so, a new "game-changing" wireless protocol or standard comes along in the wide globe of the Internet of Things (IoT) that promises to bring unity to a fragmented market. Unfortunately, things never really pan out, and users are typically stuck with yet another hub — locked downward to vendor-specific hardware that doesn't play nicely with others.

However, this dubious cycle may finally exist coming to an end soon, thanks to the recent introduction of two key technologies: Thread and Matter. While both have grand unification as the finish-game, these nascent technologies vary as i focuses on software while the other focuses on hardware.

As of now, Matter is still in development, and then the jury is still out on it, only Thread, on the other hand, is actually bachelor in some smart abode accessories today — and information technology truly lives up to the hype. Then what exactly is Thread, how does it relate to HomeKit, and how can you take advantage of it now? In that location's a lot to unpack in the relatively new technology, so here'due south everything you to know nigh Thread.

What is Thread?

Eve Thread Network Example.

Eve Thread Network Example. (Prototype credit: Eve Systems)

Thread is a depression-ability, hub-free wireless mesh networking protocol congenital for the IoT. Similar Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, Thread allows your smart home accessories to communicate with the net, apps, or each other, giving you convenient controls and the ability to automate your home over an IP-based network.

According to the Thread Group — which oversees the evolution of the protocol — Thread is developed to solve some of the smart home'southward biggest connectivity challenges:

Thread solves the complexities of the IoT, addressing challenges such as interoperability, security, power, and architecture requirements. It is a low-power wireless mesh networking protocol based on the universally supported Internet Protocol (IP) built using open and proven standards. Thread networks have no single bespeak of failure and include self-healing capabilities. Thread devices are likewise simple to gear up and easy to use with motorcar-reconfiguration when calculation or removing a device. And Thread ensures stop-to-end communication — device-to-device, device-to-mobile, and device-to-cloud -— reliably and securely connecting hundreds, and even thousands, of products."

Thread accessories create a secure, robust, self-healing, wireless network with mesh networking technology inside your domicile. Instead of every device communicating directly with your mobile device or Wi-Fi router, Thread accessories relay commands and information through each other and tin can automatically reroute if one device falls off the network.

Thread besides enables a seamless, configuration-free setup for smart abode accessories. Substantially, Thread's configuration process happens entirely behind the scenes — simply like we run into now with Apple's HomeKit. With Thread, users will not have to worry well-nigh entering in a lengthy Wi-Fi password or trying to disable the 5Ghz radio on a router to become an accessory with particular requirements connected. Thread just works.

How does Thread stack up against other wireless applied science?

When compared to Bluetooth, Thread offers several significant advantages. Bluetooth is frequently associated with painfully slow response times and bouts of frustrating reliability — both of which are taken care of with Thread. Toggling a light or smart plug over Thread is pretty much instant, and with further range, accessories have rock-solid reliability. Like Bluetooth, Thread is as well energy-efficient and piece of cake to fix with a local connection, so you yet become the same bully battery life and can be up and running in minutes.

Nanoleaf connectivity comparison chart.

Nanoleaf connectivity comparing nautical chart. (Image credit: Nanoleaf)

Thread also compares well against Wi-Fi — the current go-to standard for most smart accessories. Response times for Thread accessories are cervix and cervix with Wi-Fi and just as reliable — with most operating without needing to run commands through a random server in the deject. Wi-Fi does have increased range, but if you plan to build out your smart home with Thread, the mesh networking technology may extend beyond your router's accomplish. Wi-Fi also requires significantly more power versus Thread, which translates to longer battery life for wireless Thread devices.

Standards similar Zigbee, Z-Moving ridge, or RF offering the all-time smart home accessory experiences. These standards provide slap-up coverage, excellent reliability, and lightning-fast response times merely also come with an identical downside — needing a hub to become everything connected. Hubs usually crave a complimentary Ethernet port on your home's Wi-Fi router, which isn't e'er a given, and additional setup through a vendor's app before adding to HomeKit. Nonetheless, Thread besides requires a "hub-like" device to connect your smart abode accessories to the internet, but you may already have one in your dwelling house.

Await, I thought yous said that Thread was "hub-free"?

Philips Hue Bridge held in a person's hand.

Philips Hue second Generation Bridge being held in a mitt (Image credit: Rene Ritchie / Futurity)

Despite needing a "hub-like" device, Thread is still technically "hub-costless." Thread networking doesn't require a vendor-specific hub to office. Yet, Thread accessories practise require a Border Router to make all of the magic happen. So at the end of the twenty-four hours, you will need a "hub-like" device to exercise all of the heavy-lifting, but it doesn't take to come from ane specific vendor.

Thread means that you can potentially accept just ane Border Router for all of your accessories. This promise contrasts with the mess we have at present, where y'all need 4 or five hubs to control all of the various lite sources in the habitation.

Ok, so what exactly does a Border Router do?

eero 6 Wi-Fi router on a wooden desk

eero 6 Wi-Fi router on a wooden desk-bound. (Paradigm credit: Amazon)

A Edge Router is similar a gatekeeper of sorts for your Thread network. A Border Router provides the proper credentials for your Thread Network to new accessories during the initial setup process, and information technology also assigns roles for the device in one case connected. Thread devices may act as Leaders/Routers or Endpoints/Child Devices, depending on the accessory.

Accessories that part as Leaders or Routers (not to be dislocated with Edge Routers) relay commands and data to other Thread devices on the network. Endpoints or Child Devices are limited to more straightforward tasks like updating status either on set intervals or when a triggering event occurs.

Leaders or Routers include "always-on" devices like smart plugs and light bulbs with a constant power source. Battery-powered devices like motion sensors or temperature sensors will typically function as Endpoints or Kid Devices in order to conserve energy.

Which Border Routers are available today?

HomePod mini touch panel illuminated.

HomePod mini impact panel illuminated. (Image credit: Luke Filipowicz / iMore)

Currently, Apple tree'south HomePod mini and the latest generation Apple Tv set 4K are the only agile Thread Border Routers — at least in the HomeKit world — that you tin buy today. Exterior of HomeKit, Nanoleaf's Shapes, Lines, and Elements light systems can act as Edge Routers for the company's Essential Light Bulb and Lightstrip. Co-ordinate to Nanoleaf, a hereafter update will unlock full HomeKit Border Router capabilities, which will allow for full interoperability.

Google has been utilizing Thread in conjunction with Bluetooth and Wi-Fi in various smart domicile products for the past several years. Most notably, Google's Nest line has relied on Thread to communicate status updates between devices and provide notifications. The visitor has even included the engineering science in some of its smart abode speakers and wireless routers — although they don't work as Border Routers for HomeKit.

Of course, at that place are other Border Routers in the works, with some requiring firmware updates to enable the feature. Depending on the hardware, your existing smart dwelling accessories may be able to serve as Border Routers via future updates (more on that afterwards).

What types of accessories piece of work with Thread?

Eve Weather mounted on a wall in an outdoor setting.

Eve Weather mounted on a wall in an outdoor setting. (Paradigm credit: Eve Systems)

Similar Bluetooth, Thread is best for low-power smart accessories. These include sensors that cover movement, temperature, humidity, or light — either battery-powered or plugged-in. Thread is also great for other accessories like smart plugs, light switches, door locks, and low-cal bulbs.

Since security cameras and doorbells crave higher bandwidth to stream live video or perform image assay, Thread isn't a smashing fit. While we would dearest to see it in the time to come, cameras and video doorbells volition more than likely be limited to Wi-Fi, Ethernet, or proprietary wireless communications for the fourth dimension being.

Can existing accessories be updated to support Thread?

Eve Door and Window Sensor installed above a door.

Eve Door and Window Sensor installed higher up a door. (Paradigm credit: Eve)

It is certainly possible, but it depends on the hardware. Existing accessories must have a Thread radio congenital in to support the latest connectivity standard, which isn't something that yous can add together via a firmware update.

The good news is that some vendors have been preparing for Thread for the past couple of years. Eve has already enabled Thread for the Eve Door and Window sensor, Aqua smart water controller, and Thermo radiator thermostat via firmware updates. Belkin has too added Thread to the Wemo Stage Scene Controller via a recent firmware update.

Other Thread firmware update examples include releases for the eero 5 Pro, eero 6, eero 6 Pro Wi-Fi routers, and Nanoleaf'southward lighting serial. Check with your device's manufacturer to see if they have Thread support in the works when in doubt. Eve Systems provides a handy guide for identifying which accessories back up the necessary hardware for Thread, making it easy to know what to look for when you are ready to buy.

Which smart dwelling house accessories support Thread currently?

Eve Aqua attached to a spigot outdoors.

Eve Aqua attached to a spigot outdoors. (Image credit: Eve Systems)

With Thread being relatively new, only a few accessories are on the market today. As of now, there are 21 HomeKit-compatible accessories available, near covering the smart dwelling essentials.

  • AIRVERSA Purelle Smart Air Purifier
  • Eve Door and Window Sensor
  • Eve Aqua Smart Water Controller
  • Eve Weather
  • Eve Room
  • Eve Thermo
  • Eve Energy Smart Plug (NA, Eu, and UK models)
  • Eve Calorie-free Switch
  • Eve Motion Blinds
  • Eve H2o Guard
  • Eve Move
  • Wemo Phase Scene Controller
  • Wemo Smart Plug with Thread
  • Wemo Smart Dimmer Switch with Thread
  • Wemo Smart Light Switch with Thread
  • Nanoleaf Essentials A19 Low-cal Bulb
  • Nanoleaf Essentials Lightstrip
  • Schlage Encode Plus Smart WiFi Deadbolt
  • HomePod mini
  • Apple tree Goggle box 4K (2021)
  • Apple Telly 4K (2022)

If you expand across HomeKit, specific models of Google's Nest Thermostat also currently run on Thread. The Nest Thermostat, Protect, Baby-sit, and Nest x Yale lock communicate status updates via the Nest service using Thread.

As previously mentioned, Nanoleaf's latest lighting systems also support Thread Edge Router capabilities, but they are limited to just other Nanoleaf products for at present. The aforementioned goes for Amazon's eero five Pro, eero 6, eero 6 Pro, eero 6+, and eero Pro 6E routers, which connect to Nanoleaf'southward lights but not HomeKit yet.

Of course, new products are e'er in the works. If you want to keep upwardly to date on all of the Thread accessory releases, be sure to bank check out our guide, Every HomeKit-enabled Thread accessory that you tin can buy today.

Which accessories will back up Thread in the future?

Wemo Smart Plug with Thread installed in an outlet.

Wemo Smart Plug with Thread installed in an outlet. (Image credit: Belkin)

While most vendors like to keep their cards shut to their breast, some — like Nanoleaf, Belkin, Aqara, and Eve Systems — appear to be all-in on the Thread hype train and have already spilled the beans on some upcoming products.

Eve Systems has appear that it intends to release updates to even more of its existing products to support Thread. Since the company has provided updates on a few of its products already, nosotros expect to meet refreshed models of older devices like the Eve Energy Strip and the Eve Light Strip on the market place soon.

At CES 2022, affordable accessory vendor Aqara appear plans to release a Thread-enabled motion sensor and door and window sensor. ONVIS besides recently revealed an upcoming door and window sensor along with a smart push, AIRVERSA plans to release a Thread-enabled Humidifier, and Level Home appears to exist working on Thread updates for several existing door lock models.

How do I manage or see my Thread network?

Eve For HomeKit iOS App Thread Network Overview.

Eve For HomeKit iOS App Thread Network Overview. (Image credit: Eve Systems)

Currently, the only manner to see your Thread network is through third-party apps on iOS. The Eve for HomeKit and the Nanoleaf Smarter Series apps — both available for complimentary — provide users with a brief overview of the Thread network consisting of routes, capabilities, and Border Router assignments.

Other apps like Home+six and Controller for HomeKit can show Thread capabilities and condition for unique accessories. Still, you lot can only view your Thread network through these apps — you lot cannot brand any bodily changes to the network.

How practice I troubleshoot Thread issues?

If you happen to encounter whatever issues with your Thread accessories or network, you tin can potentially take a few simple steps to fix the problem. Endeavour reviewing your network in the Eve for HomeKit app to run into if your accessory is operating via Thread or if information technology has fallen back to Bluetooth. If it says Bluetooth, reboot your device by unplugging information technology or removing its battery.

If rebooting your accompaniment doesn't work, yous may need to restart your Border Router. For the HomePod mini, you tin unplug information technology for a few seconds and and then plug information technology back in. You tin also restart the HomePod mini via the Home app, just if you are non paying close attention, yous may remove it altogether. Check out our guide: How to restart or reset your HomePod or HomePod mini for a consummate walkthrough.

Thready for the future

Equally yous tin see, Thread offers a lot of hope for the futurity of the smart home — and y'all tin can experience it today with certain HomeKit accessories. If you are beginning your smart home journey, Thread is your best bet for futurity-proofing your home, and so we suggest starting with the HomePod mini for its Border Router capabilities. If you already take a few accessories, then going the Thread route for new purchases is also a good idea — even if you have invested in a vendor-specific hub.

Christopher spends most of his fourth dimension writing and dreaming nigh all things HomeKit and the Dwelling house app. Whether it is installing smart lite switches, testing the latest door locks, or automating his households daily routines, Christopher has done it all.

Source: https://www.imore.com/thread-everything-you-need-know

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