Thread
also: Thread mesh · 802.15.4 mesh
A low-power IPv6 mesh networking protocol on IEEE 802.15.4 radios, widely used for smart-home devices and as a transport for Matter.
Thread devices form a self-healing mesh: mains-powered devices route messages for others, while battery devices can sleep. Because Thread is IP-based, each device is addressable, and a border router connects the mesh to Wi-Fi or Ethernet and the internet. It is maintained by the Thread Group and uses the IEEE 802.15.4 radio family in the 2.4 GHz band.
Much of Thread's momentum comes from Matter: battery-powered Matter devices commonly use Thread instead of Wi-Fi because it uses far less power.
Where it bites: users need a border router (often built into a smart speaker or hub) for remote access, mesh performance depends on how many routing-capable devices are installed, and Thread certification is separate from regulatory radio approval.
Founder takeaway
Consider Thread for low-power smart-home devices that need to work with Matter, and design the setup experience around the border-router dependency.
engineer review pending