What Is Matter?
Matter is a smart-home connectivity standard that helps devices from different brands work together. Instead of requiring every device to follow a separate communication system, Matter gives compatible smart devices a common way to communicate.
For example, you could have a smart light from one brand and a smart home controller from another brand. If both support Matter, they can communicate through the same standard.
Why Was Matter Created?
Smart-home devices have traditionally used different platforms and technologies. This could make choosing and connecting devices confusing.
Matter was created to improve compatibility between smart-home products and make it easier for users to combine devices from different manufacturers.
How Does Matter Work?
Matter operates as an application-level standard over IP-based networking. It can use technologies such as Wi-Fi, Thread, and Ethernet for device communication, while Bluetooth Low Energy can be used during device setup.
A simple example:
- You add a Matter-compatible smart device.
- The device connects through a supported network technology.
- Your smart-home controller identifies it.
- Compatible apps or platforms can control the device.
- The device communicates using the Matter standard.
What Devices Can Use Matter?
Matter supports different categories of smart-home products, including:
- Smart lights
- Smart locks
- Smart switches
- Thermostats
- Sensors
- Smart plugs
- Media devices
- Window coverings
The standard continues to expand into additional device categories.
Matter vs. Wi-Fi and Thread
Matter is not simply another Wi-Fi or Thread replacement. Wi-Fi and Thread provide the underlying network connection, while Matter provides a common communication standard for compatible smart-home devices.
This is why Matter can work with different networking technologies while maintaining a common way for supported devices to communicate.
In simple words, Matter helps smart-home devices from different brands understand and work with each other more easily.