What is Matter?
Innovative Smart Home devices benefit from Matter, a protocol designed to enhance the smart home ecosystem and simplify the user experience. It introduces features like multi-admin support, enabling device sharing across supported platforms. To ensure seamless onboarding, this technology follows standardized industry practices and utilizes an IP-based connection protocol compatible with Wi-Fi, Thread, and Ethernet.
Collaborating with SmartThings, leading technology companies defined and developed this protocol. We’re thrilled to announce that starting from October 24, 2022, SmartThings now actively supports Matter integrations. As the protocol evolves, we eagerly introduce new features and expand our device library. Explore the following sections to gain a better understanding of how this technology operates and learn what you need to make the most of this protocol.
Matter operates using an IP-based connection protocol, which makes it compatible with popular communication technologies like Wi-Fi, Thread, and Ethernet. This IP focus is one of Matter’s key strengths, as it leverages the existing infrastructure in most homes. Matter’s ability to integrate with Thread, a mesh network protocol, offers a solution for low-power and low-latency connections, complementing Wi-Fi’s high-speed performance.
Matter Industry Support
One of the reasons Matter has gained significant attention is its industry-wide collaboration. Companies like Apple, Google, Amazon, and Samsung SmartThings have come together to create this unified standard through the Connectivity Standards Alliance (CSA). This collective effort ensures that Matter will continue to grow and be widely supported across various platforms and devices.
In comparison, other smart home standards such as Z-Wave and Zigbee have been in the market for years and are well-established with dedicated communities. Both Z-Wave and Zigbee use mesh networks to extend the range of connected devices, making them highly reliable for specific use cases, especially where internet access may not always be stable. However, Matter’s reliance on IP connectivity allows it to be more easily integrated with cloud services, bringing internet connectivity to local devices without the need for a proprietary hub.
What do I need to use Matter devices?
There are a few important concepts that make up the onboarding and control of a device.
1. Matter Commissioner
3. Matter Device
Unique Features of Matter
Matter stands out with several notable features that make it a highly attractive option for smart home enthusiasts:
Interoperability
Matter enables devices from different brands and ecosystems to work together smoothly. Unlike some existing standards, where you may need brand-specific software, Matter’s protocol is designed to unify these systems, allowing more flexibility in device choice.
Security and Privacy
Matter emphasizes strong encryption and secure communication between devices, which aligns with modern security expectations. While Z-Wave, Zigbee, and Thread also prioritize secure communication, Matter’s IP-based design allows for easier integration with broader internet security standards.
Future-Proofing
Matter’s reliance on IP protocols makes it adaptable to future technologies. As IP-based systems evolve, Matter is positioned to leverage these advancements without requiring significant changes in infrastructure. Other protocols like Zigbee and Z-Wave have a strong history of updates and longevity, but Matter’s foundation on a universally accepted protocol like IP ensures greater long-term flexibility.
Energy Efficiency
Matter’s ability to operate over Thread makes it ideal for low-power devices, ensuring that battery-operated gadgets like sensors and smart locks run efficiently for longer periods without frequent recharges. This aligns with Zigbee and Z-Wave, both of which are known for their energy-efficient mesh networks, making Matter another viable option for users looking to reduce power consumption.
Why Matter is getting popular?
Matter is here to enhance the smart home ecosystem by creating a more unified standard that works across these technologies. Each protocol brings its own strengths: Zigbee is known for its highly reliable mesh network, Z-Wave offers excellent range, and Thread is optimized for low-power devices. Matter brings them together by ensuring they can all communicate seamlessly, creating a smoother user experience.
The wide industry support, simple device compatibility, and future-ready foundation make it an exciting advancement in smart home technology. Whether you’re a seasoned smart home user or just getting started, Matter offers an inclusive, reliable, and efficient way to build your smart home environment
How can I determine if a device is compatible?
Matter makes it easy for users to identify compatible devices by introducing a universal badge and QR code system on packaging. The QR code simplifies the pairing process, while the badge ensures that the device is compatible with Matter controllers. The badge prominently displays on device packaging, accompanied by a QR code for pairing. In cases where QR codes can’t be scanned, an alternative 11 or 21-digit setup code is provided. Devices using the Thread protocol showcase distinct branding, signaling their role as a Matter Thread Border Router (connecting Thread devices) or a Thread device requiring a Border Router.
SmartThings Matter Firmware and Software Requirements:
To meet the firmware/software requirements for SmartThings Matter, please ensure the following:
For SmartThings app as a commissioner:
- Android device: SmartThings App version 1.7.91 or higher is required.
- iOS device: iOS 16.2 or higher and SmartThings App version 1.6.94 or higher are required.
For SmartThings controller:
- Ensure that the firmware version is 45.9 or higher and matches the listed compatible models.”
