Revolutionizing Smart Homes: The Potential of Wi-Fi Routers with Integrated Thread and Matter

In an article published in August, The Verge’s Jennifer Pattison Tuohy highlighted the transformative potential of Thread-enabled Wi-Fi router, noting:

“If you have a Matter and Thread-enabled Wi-Fi router, you won’t need any other Matter controller in your home, assuming it’s a Matter controller for the platform you want to use.”

Google Nest Wifi, Nest Wifi Pro, Eero's Eero 6 series, PoE gateways, and the newly added Eero Max 7 now all support Matter. Despite this, Wi-Fi routers have not yet been standardized under Matter, though the Connectivity Standards Alliance plans to include them in its future roadmap.

Wi-Fi routers are already a fixture in most internet-connected households, but their integration into the Matter standard could revolutionize the smart home experience, making it more seamless and user-friendly.

Consumers are increasingly seeking smart home devices that are easy to set up, deliver a smooth user experience, and are cost-effective. Routers that support both Matter and Thread protocols allow users to manage their Thread networks effortlessly via Matter-enabled devices like smartphones or computers. A configured Wi-Fi router can serve as a home route access point, acting as an integrated gateway for multiple protocols. This means that users who choose not to purchase a separate Thread border router may still be able to control Matter devices on the Thread network directly through their Wi-Fi router.

For households with internet access, Wi-Fi routers are indispensable. Routers equipped with Thread capabilities can reduce reliance on border routers and reduce related costs. Devices that do not require Wi-Fi can connect via Thread, relieving the strain on Wi-Fi resources.

The Connectivity Standards Alliance's decision to include routers in the Matter device list is poised to impact the router industry significantly.

Manufacturers eyeing global markets may soon integrate Matter and Thread protocols into their routers to gain a competitive edge and appeal to the major smart home ecosystem. Although supporting Thread adds complexity to router chips—necessitating the coexistence of Wi-Fi and Thread networks on the 2.4 GHz band—these challenges are unlikely to hinder the router market’s growth potential.

However, the Chinese smart home market is somewhat different; broadband providers in China might not rush to certify pre-installed routers with Matter, given that Matter-supported devices are not yet widely adopted in the region.

For leading smart home ecosystems, the convenience of using Thread networks will be significantly enhanced if pre-installed or self-purchased routers are equipped with Thread network access and Matter certification. This integration could make Thread a seamless part of the home infrastructure, effortlessly blending into the smart home environment. As a result, more users may be drawn to purchasing various Matter products within ecosystems like Apple, Google, Amazon, and Samsung.

Smart device manufacturers are likely to embrace these changes. As routers become standard household devices and the Matter protocol expands from smart devices to routers, the popularity of smart devices is expected to rise. Manufacturers eyeing global markets may find significant business opportunities.

While technical and protocol challenges remain, the demand for smart home interoperability will drive industry advancements. The vision of a simpler, more convenient life through smart home technology is closer than ever to becoming a reality.

This article presents our analysis of the potential development of Matter and Thread Integration.

HooRii Technology, an early advocate and promoter of Thread technology, focuses on developing, testing, certification, and mass production of Matter and Thread products. Leveraging our deep technical expertise and successful track record in all-in-one routers, we’ve launched China’s first router solution that supports Thread technology.