Linx Technologies announced that they have joined the Thread Group, an industry organization dedicated to market education and product certification for Thread, a low-power, wireless mesh networking protocol designed to easily and securely connect hundreds of devices in the home. Linx Technologies will have access to the Thread specifications, which are built on open standards and IPv6 technology with 6LoWPAN at its foundation, and will be able to certify and brand Thread-compliant products starting in the second half of 2015.
The Thread Group was formed by seven industry-leading organizations including Yale Security, Silicon Labs, Samsung Electronics, Nest Labs, Freescale® Semiconductor, Big Ass Fans and ARM. They developed Thread to provide a new and better way to connect products in the home by building on proven technology standards.
In early 2015, Linx will release its first low cost SmartlinxTM gateway designed to work with most current Linx modules and remotes. OEMs with existing Linx module designs will have the option to connect their installed base of devices to the Internet. A typical application might be to control a device with a smart phone app where that device previously was controlled with a dedicated remote. In effect, the SmartlinxTM gateway enables two-way internet communication, control and monitoring of the system using Thread and cloud based automation.
Using proven standards and IPv6 technology with 6LoWPAN as its foundation, Thread offers numerous advantages over existing wireless standards for the Home. The key features are:
- IP-based technology: Thread is an Internet protocol designed specifically for the Internet of Things. It takes existing technologies and leverages the best parts of each to provide a better way to connect products in the home.
- Reliable networks: Thread offers robust self-healing mesh networks that scale to hundreds of devices with no single point of failure. Devices are ready when people need them.
- Secure networks: Thread networks feature secure, banking-class encryption. Thread closes identified security holes found in other wireless protocols and provides worry-free operation.
- Simple connectivity: Thread devices are simple to install with a smartphone, tablet or computer. Consumers can securely connect Thread devices in the home to each other and to the cloud for easy control and access from anywhere.
- Low power: Thread supports battery-operated devices as part of a home network. This allows the devices that people use every day – including thermostats, lighting controls, safety and security products – to be a part of the network without requiring constant charging or frequent battery changes.
The first Thread-certified products are expected to ship in late 2015.
