According to the new group, these existing wireless standards face limitations that hold back the development of the Internet of Things. These include lack of interoperability, inability to carry IPv6 communications, high power requirements that drain batteries quickly, and 'hub and spoke' models dependent on one device (if that device fails, the whole network goes down).
Built on standards including IEEE 802.15.4, IETF IPv6 and 6LoWPAN, Thread is an IPv6 networking protocol designed for low-power 802.15.4 mesh networks. Its backers said Thread can connect more than 250 devices into a low-power, wireless mesh network that also includes direct internet and cloud access for each device. Users can connect new devices to the network securely via a smartphone, computer or tablet.
A version of Thread is already being used in commercial products from Nest, and "millions" of existing 802.15.4 wireless devices already on the market can run Thread with a software upgrade, the group said. The Thread Group will focus on educating product developers and consumers on the benefits of Thread through marketing and product certification. New products will bear the Thread logo, indicating they have been certified for quality, security and interoperability.
The Thread Group is open to new members and offers two tiers of membership, Sponsor and Contributor.
