OpenThread released by Google is an open-source implementation of Thread®. Google has released OpenThread to make the networking technology used in Google Nest products more broadly available to developers, in order to accelerate the development of products for the connected home and commercial buildings.

With a narrow platform abstraction layer and a small memory footprint, OpenThread (OT) is highly portable. It supports both System-on-Chip (SoC) and Co-Processor (RCP, NCP) designs.
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OpenThread implements all features defined in the Thread 1.1.1 Specification. This specification defines an IPv6-based reliable, secure, and low-power wireless device-to-device communication protocol for home and commercial building applications.
Get the specification

Features

OpenThread implements all Thread networking layers (IPv6, 6LoWPAN, IEEE 802.15.4 with MAC security, Mesh Link Establishment, Mesh Routing) and device roles, as well as Border Router support.

Application services
  • IPv6 configuration and raw data interface
  • UDP sockets
  • CoAP client and server
  • DHCPv6 client and server
  • DNSv6 client
Enhanced Features
  • Child Supervision
  • Inform Previous Parent on Reattach
  • Jam Detection
  • Periodic Parent Search
Co-Processor support
  • Spinel, a general purpose Co-Processor protocol
  • OT Daemon, a user-space Radio Co-Processor network interface driver/daemon
  • Sniffer support via Spinel nodes
Border Router
  • Bidirectional IPv6 reachability between Thread and Ethernet/Wi-Fi
  • Bidirectional DNS-based service discovery between Thread and Ethernet/Wi-Fi
  • Extending Thread mesh over Ethernet/Wi-Fi links

How will you use OpenThread?

If you're interested in contributing to the ongoing development of OpenThread, then the OpenThread GitHub repository is for you. There you will find all the code, including information on how to contribute, our style guide, code of conduct, licensing, and much more.

If you want to use OpenThread in your own products or for personal deployment, check the options below.
Determine the hardware and platform design you wish to use to build and deploy your own Thread network. Add a Border Router to connect your Thread network to other network layers, such as Wi-Fi or Ethernet, or use OpenThread RTOS, a single platform solution using LwIP, FreeRTOS, and mbed TLS. And use OpenThread Commissioner to easily commission devices onto a Thread network.
Platforms Border Router RTOS Commissioner
Try out our API Codelab and use our API Reference as a guide to application development. IPv6, UDP, CoAP, ICMPv6, DNSv6...it's all there.
API codelab API reference
Check out our Porting Guide, which walks you through all the steps necessary to port OpenThread to a new hardware platform.
Porting guide
OpenThread can be used for certification by the Thread Group. As a Thread reference stack, OpenThread makes certification easy.
Certification

News

Archive
Watch our session from Google I/O to get a brief overview of Thread and how developers can quickly build IoT solutions using OpenThread.
Supported Platforms Get Started
June 11, 2021

The TLSR9 Series is the latest addition to Telink’s family of high-performance, ultra-low-power, cost-optimized RF connectivity SoCs.
May 19, 2021

We've released a new version of the Build a Thread Network Codelab that uses Silicon Labs EFR32 development boards. Contributed by Mithil Raut of Silicon Labs.
April 22, 2021

The ESP32 is a feature-rich MCU with integrated Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity for a wide-range of applications.

Who supports OpenThread?

What products use OpenThread?

The following products use OpenThread and support the core requirements of the Thread Specification. Products displaying the "Built on Thread" badge have been certified by the Thread Group.
Thread Certified
Dual-band Wi-Fi 6 mesh access point with concurrent Thread border routing and Zigbee.
Thread Certified
Dual-band Wi-Fi 5 mesh extender with Thread border routing.
Thread Certified
Tri-band Wi-Fi 5 mesh access point with Thread border routing.
Thread Certified
Tri-band Wi-Fi 6 mesh access point with concurrent Thread border routing and Zigbee.
Smart modular light panels finished with a wood-grain veneer provide elegance and cutting-edge innovation to your home.
Smart color-changing light panels with Music Sync and Screen Mirror features for immersive gaming and entertainment.
Thread Certified
The Wemo Stage Scene Controller connects to the Apple Home app and allows you to create and manage up to six scenes for lighting, entertainment, security, and temperature for a customized, comfortable home.
Thread Certified
Control your lights and appliances with a simple tap or by asking Siri, see how much power they're using, and effortlessly set up schedules that put your appliances on autopilot.
Thread Certified
Control your lights and appliances with a simple tap or by asking Siri, see how much power they're using, and effortlessly set up schedules that put your appliances on autopilot.
Thread Certified
Control your lighting with your iPhone, Siri voice commands, or automations – all without replacing a single bulb in your home.
Thread Certified
Track outdoor temperature, humidity and barometric pressure over time, and see the weather trend at a glance – on your iPhone or directly on the display.
Thread Certified
Activate your irrigation system via your iPhone, Siri, or the onboard button, set up schedules quickly and easily, and let Eve Aqua take care of watering your garden and patio plants.
Thread Certified
Know the status of your door or window, receive notifications while you're on the go, and automatically control other HomeKit-enabled accessories throughout your home.
Thread Certified
Control your lights and appliances with a simple tap or by asking Siri, see how much power they're using, and effortlessly set up schedules that put your appliances on autopilot.
Thread Certified
Control your room temperature with ease using the app, Siri, schedules, the integrated touch controls, or based on your presence.
Thread Certified
Your not-so-basic smart lighting basics.
Thread Certified
Flexible lighting to transform any room with 16M+ colors.
Thread Certified
Plugs into your modem and creates a network with a strong and reliable signal.
Thread Certified
Each point works with the router to expand coverage and keep Wi‑Fi fast in every room. Plus it's a smart speaker that you can play music on, find answers, and more.
Thread Certified
Get help, connect with those who matter most, and control your connected home in one view.
Get started
Java is a registered trademark of Oracle and/or its affiliates. Thread is a registered trademark of the Thread Group, Inc.