OpenThread
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.
With a narrow platform abstraction layer and a small memory footprint, OpenThread is highly portable. It supports both system-on-chip (SoC) and network co-processor (NCP) designs.
With a narrow platform abstraction layer and a small memory footprint, OpenThread is highly portable. It supports both system-on-chip (SoC) and network co-processor (NCP) designs.
Thread Certified component
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 applications.
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
Border Router
- Web UI for configuration and management
- Thread Border Agent to support an External Commissioner
- NAT64 for connecting to IPv4 networks
- Thread interface driver using wpantund
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.
If you want to use OpenThread in your own products or for personal deployment, check the options below.
Deploy a Thread network
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.
Develop applications on top of a Thread network
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.
Port OpenThread to a new hardware platform
Check out our Porting Guide, which walks you through all the steps necessary to port OpenThread to a new hardware platform.
Get Thread Certification for your OpenThread product
OpenThread can be used for certification by the Thread Group. As a Thread reference stack, OpenThread makes certification easy.
News
Connect Thread Devices to the Cloud with IoT Core
OpenThread partnered with Cloud IoT Core at Google I/O 2019 for a session on
enabling CoAP and MQTT, building and deploying code to embedded devices running
the OpenThread stack, and creating a simple application to view data and control
the devices. Watch the video to learn more and check out the related Codelab.
Bringing the internet to low-power IoT devices
OpenThread was at Google I/O 2018! Check out the video to watch our session, which
gives a brief overview of Thread and how developers can quickly build IoT
solutions using OpenThread.
OpenThread Commissioner released!
Jan 21, 2020
We've released an implementation of a Thread Commissioner, called OpenThread Commissioner. OT Commissioner implements both Thread 1.1 and 1.2 Commissioners, generates cross-platform libraries for use with Linux, MacOS, or Android, and features an interactive CLI.
We've released an implementation of a Thread Commissioner, called OpenThread Commissioner. OT Commissioner implements both Thread 1.1 and 1.2 Commissioners, generates cross-platform libraries for use with Linux, MacOS, or Android, and features an interactive CLI.
Silicon Labs' EFR32MG21 Series 2 is Thread Certified with OpenThread
Jan 15, 2020
EFR32MG21 Series 2 devices are the next evolution of Wireless Gecko devices from Silicon Labs. Series 2 is designed to increase processing capability, improve RF performance and lower active current, while providing the higher levels of security required for tomorrow's IoT products.
EFR32MG21 Series 2 devices are the next evolution of Wireless Gecko devices from Silicon Labs. Series 2 is designed to increase processing capability, improve RF performance and lower active current, while providing the higher levels of security required for tomorrow's IoT products.
Connected Home over IP working group formed
Dec 19, 2019
Google has joined Amazon, Apple, and the Zigbee Alliance to form the Connected Home over IP working group. This group plans to develop and promote the adoption of a new, royalty-free connectivity standard to increase compatibility among smart home products, with security as a fundamental design tenet. Google is contributing OpenThread as part of this effort.
Google has joined Amazon, Apple, and the Zigbee Alliance to form the Connected Home over IP working group. This group plans to develop and promote the adoption of a new, royalty-free connectivity standard to increase compatibility among smart home products, with security as a fundamental design tenet. Google is contributing OpenThread as part of this effort.
Who supports OpenThread?
What products use OpenThread?
The following products use OpenThread and support the core requirements of the Thread Specification.
Google Nest Wifi router
Thread
Certified. Plugs into your modem and creates a network with a strong and
reliable signal.
Google Nest Wifi point
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.
Google Nest Hub Max
Thread
Certified. Get help, connect with those who matter most, and control your
connected home in one view.
Google Nest Thermostat E (EU)
It's easy to save energy.
Place it wherever you like in your home.
Google Nest Heat Link E (EU)
Connects to your heating
system and works with the Google Nest Thermostat E to turn on and off or modulate
the heat.
Google Nest Secure
The Google Nest Secure
alarm system, featuring Nest Guard and Nest Detect.
Google Nest Hello
The doorbell that lets
you know who's there.
Nest x Yale Lock
A tamper‑proof, key‑free
deadbolt that can be locked and unlocked from anywhere.
Nest Connect
Connects the Nest x Yale
Lock to the internet, and serves as a range extender for the Google Nest Secure
system.
Google Nest Cam IQ Indoor
A best-in-class security
camera with top-of-its-class brains.
Google Nest Cam IQ Outdoor
A weatherproof and
tamper-resistant outdoor security camera.
Start using OpenThread today
Java is a registered trademark of Oracle and/or its affiliates. Thread is a registered trademark of the Thread Group, Inc.