Defining Matter Smart Home Interoperability
About Jari Haiston
The demand for interoperability between smart home devices remains high as more consumers integrate and rely on smart technologies in their homes. A 2019 Deloitte survey found that the average home in America has 11 connected devices and that at least 28% of consumers rely on smart home devices like connected thermostats, lighting, and cameras. As rates of integrated smart home technology increase, Matter is the protocol that is enabling convenient, secure, and reliable interoperability of in-home connected devices and systems.
What is Matter Smart Home Technology?
Technically, there is nothing “the matter” with smart home technology. In fact, Matter is the solution for users seeking smooth, consistent communication between their smart home devices. Previously known as Project Connected Home Over IP (CHIP), the Matter Working Group of the Connectivity Standard Alliance (CSA) defines Matter as a protocol that connects seamlessly connects smart home devices and systems. For developers, CSA reports that “Matter is a unifying, IP-based connectivity protocol built on proven technologies, helping you connect to and build reliable, secure IoT ecosystems, and keeping you focused on developing innovative products and accelerating paths to market.” Additionally, CSA details that matter provides:
- Simplicity
- Interoperability
- Reliability
- Security
Developing a Matter Smart Home Standard
Comprised of industry powerhouses like Apple, Amazon, Google, Comcast, Silicon Labs, NXP, and many more, The Matter Working Group of CSA is committed to enabling “communication across smart home devices, mobile app, and cloud services, and [defining] a specific set of [Internet Protocol]-based networking technologies for device certification.”
Matter is capable of simplifying development, increasing compatibility, creating more connections, and significantly reducing latency through open-sourced and Internet Protocol (IP)-based approaches. Open-source development is supported by contributions from “market-tested smart home technologies.” Matter through a local IP-based protocol approach allows developers and manufacturers to design devices with enhanced interoperability features.
The first specification release of the Matter protocol will utilize Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) for commissioning and will run on Thread (Figure 1) and Wi-Fi (Figure 2). If you’re device or use case relies on efficient mesh networking, Thread is an ideal protocol. Developers seeking low-power functionality should consider Wi-Fi as their chosen protocol. Silicon Labs is a leader in Matter development and provides key insights on how developers can select the most appropriate protocol for their design:
Figure 1: Silicon Labs provides key insights to developers designing Matter-enabled devices through Thread
Source: Silicon Labs
Figure 2: Silicon Labs provides key insights to developers designing Matter-enabled devices through Wi-Fi
Source: Silicon Labs
What is the Matter Smart Home Release Date?
As a new technology, Matter has had an ambitious timeline and an array of setbacks from rebranding and ‘unprecedented interest’. The latest Matter release date is set for fall of 2022. Systems are adopting and heavily endorsing the Matter standard. It is not too early for developers to begin Matter designs.
Symmetry Electronics are experts in wireless, IoT, and smart home connectivity. Our knowledgeable team of Applications Engineers are available to assist building out your smart home device. Consultation is free and assistance is available throughout your design cycle. Contact Symmetry Electronics today to begin developing your Matter smart home device!
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