Matter is a communication protocol that allow for smart home device from different platforms to work together. Matter use Internet Protocol-based networking to allow smart home devices to communicate with each other via WiFi or Thread (a low-power mesh network). The protocol ensure that a device from one manufacturer will work with an app from a different manufacturer.
For instance, both the Apple Home app and the Google Home app can control a smart light bulb from one brand. Matter devices uses different categories of functionality to determine the features that each device will have. For instance, a smart light bulb that turns on and off will use a simple cluster of functionalities.
How Matter Makes Smart Home Devices Work Together
A color smart light bulb will use more complex cluster of functions to allow users to change colors and brightness of the lights. These clusters ensures that each device work in the same way within the Matter protocol. For instance, a dimmer switch from one company can control a smart bulb from another company because both devices uses the same standard clusters of functions.
This avoids the need for smart homes to use separate bridge or hubs for each brand of smart device. Matter devices also use different connection method. Devices that require high bandwidth can use the WiFi network.
WiFi creates high-speed data connection to a router. Thread can be used for smart devices with low power requirements, like smart sensors. Thread forms its own mesh network, but requires a border router to connect to the rest of the home network.
Bluetooth can be used to initially connect to a device, enabling users to easily add devices to its network. WiFi should be used for devices with high power requirements and Thread should be used for devices with low power requirements so that battery power are preserved. Matter also include the ability for devices from multiple ecosystems to be controlled by a single device.
For instance, if a door sensor is added to a smart home using the Apple Home app, it will also be visible within Google Home apps without having to pair the device with Google Home again. This same feature allow for Amazon Alexa, Samsung SmartThings, Apple Home, Google Home, and other ecosystems to control smart devices within the same smart home. Some feature, like the mapping capability for robot vacuums may only work within the app from which it was first programmed, but the basic functions of the devices will work within all ecosystems.
Matter is expanding to include additional types of smart home devices. The initial versions of the protocol included support for smart devices like smart plugs, smart locks, smart lights, and smart sensors. Later updates to the protocol included support for adding air quality monitors, smoke alarms, and smart refrigerators to smart homes.
Currently, the protocol is adding support for smart camera. Other features that are likely to be added to the protocol include features related to energy management for smart homes and features that allow for multi-user sharing of smart devices in a smart home. Matter devices can be set up by scanning the QR code that is embedded onto the device with a smart home application.
The application will use Bluetooth to begin connecting the smart device to the network. After connecting to the network, the device can be assigned to a specific room within the smart home. Ensure to purchase devices that are certified as Matter devices because some devices that appear to be Matter devices may require additional step to connect to the network.
Use the Thread network for smart sensors so that the number of smart sensors in the smart home does not overload the WiFi network. Matter is more different than protocols like Zigbee and Z-Wave. Zigbee and Z-Wave protocols work well for devices with low power requirements.
The protocols, however, require users to purchase devices like smart hubs from specific manufacture. Matter does not require users to purchase these devices from any specific brand. Additionally, Matter devices use device attestation to allow only certified devices to join the home network, providing high security settings to the protocol.
Matter devices can be purchased for smart home. Devices that are good for beginning to set up a smart home include smart lights and smart sensors. Smart lights and sensors are relatively inexpensive device, and are useful for understanding how the Matter protocol work.
Other devices that can be purchased include smart thermostats that include built-in Thread router so that they can control the entire smart home network. Overall, using the Matter protocol will allow for smart devices to work with one another and function reliable throughout the smart home.