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System Integration for the Connected Home

ZigBee, Thread Connect with Each Other

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The ZigBee Alliance and the Thread Group start a collaboration allowing the ZigBee Cluster Library (ZCL) to run over Thread networks-- creating an interoperable solution to streamline connected home product development.

Internet of ThingsThe ZCL defines the application level functionality in a wide range of devices used in smart homes, while Thread is a wireless networking protocol able to support multiple low-bandwidth, IP-based application protocols. Bringing the two together will allow ZigBee products to work with the Thread mesh networking protocol, and should act as a first stop in building more efficient Internet of Things (IoT) networking environments. Or so the companies hope, at any rate.

Making such collaboration easier is both the ZigBee protocol and Thread are based on the same underlying standard, IEEE 802.15.4.

“Application level standardization is necessary to provide truly interoperable products to consumers,” the ZigBee Alliance says. “We believe this agreement will deliver value to product developers searching for another solution for connectivity in the smart home.”

Go ZigBee Alliance and Thread Group Collaborate to Aid Development of Connected Home Products