Samsung SmartThings, Thread 1.4 introduced the “two-way network combination” feature compatible with the standard. Thanks to this innovation, SmartThings hubs are no longer available from other manufacturers. Thread networks can be connected. Thus, users can manage smart home devices of different brands within a single network structure. In the first stage of the feature Aeotec Smart Home Hub And Aeotec Smart Home Hub 2 It was announced that it will be enabled in models.
new feature, In the SmartThings app It can be accessed from the “Manage Thread Network” section. From here, users can connect the two networks using a QR code, one-time password, or the phone’s credential vault. With this method, border routers from different manufacturers can be connected to a single Thread network unites under it. In this way, the connections created within the home become more stable. The coverage area of the network is expanding and communication interruptions between devices are decreasing. This update matter It is seen as an extension of the effort to create a common infrastructure within the scope of the standard.
Thread stands out as a connection protocol that works with low energy and is used especially in devices such as sensors, door locks or lights. Previously, since each manufacturer created its own network, interaction between devices was limited. This step of SmartThings devices of different brands can work on the same network It allows. This development will contribute to the reduction of the long-standing fragmented structure in smart home systems. In addition, with the spread of the Thread 1.4 standard, device compatibility will become more balanced.
SmartThings hub can now connect to existing Thread networks
Companies such as Apple, Google and Samsung have tried to solve the transition between Thread networks through their own infrastructures in the past. For example, Apple iCloud Keychainwhile Google Play Services It provided identity sharing via . Although these methods offered a specific solution, they prevented the connection of different ecosystems. With Thread 1.4, a standard identity sharing mechanism came into play. One of the first manufacturers to implement this mechanism was Samsung.
In the new system, the SmartThings hub can join the network created by another manufacturer or open its own network to devices from other manufacturers. In this process, each transaction is verified with a QR code or one-time password to ensure a secure connection. Thus, routers from different brands can communicate seamlessly in a single network. This increases both the reach and connection reliability of devices at home.
It will take a few years for the Thread 1.4 standard to become fully widespread. Right now AppleTV, Google Nest Hub And eero Some of the devices such as work with Thread 1.3 version. However, it is planned to switch to version 1.4 on all certified devices by 2026. When this transition process is completed, full compatibility will be achieved between routers of different brands. Currently, Samsung SmartThings stands out as one of the first platforms to take concrete steps in this direction.
With the new version becoming widely used, users will be able to control their smart home devices from a single center. This will facilitate the transition between systems and accelerate the communication between devices. All of these will make the connection structure in homes more stable.