From 8c869da3ae9e86d85d71186484001b0d8c042b5c Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: Paulus Schoutsen Date: Fri, 3 Feb 2023 09:47:20 -0500 Subject: [PATCH] Add basic thread docs (#26076) * Add basic thread docs * Apply suggestions from code review Co-authored-by: c0ffeeca7 <38767475+c0ffeeca7@users.noreply.github.com> * Update source/_integrations/thread.markdown Co-authored-by: Stefan Agner --------- Co-authored-by: c0ffeeca7 <38767475+c0ffeeca7@users.noreply.github.com> Co-authored-by: Stefan Agner --- source/_integrations/thread.markdown | 11 +++++++++-- 1 file changed, 9 insertions(+), 2 deletions(-) diff --git a/source/_integrations/thread.markdown b/source/_integrations/thread.markdown index 3ced2ac2fb0..118d689e06b 100644 --- a/source/_integrations/thread.markdown +++ b/source/_integrations/thread.markdown @@ -11,5 +11,12 @@ ha_integration_type: service ha_config_flow: true --- -The Thread integration is currently a placeholder, but will manage Thread network credentials in a future release. -The integration is automatically setup when the "Silicon Labs Multiprotocol" add-on is installed. +The Thread integration helps you track the different Thread networks in your home and helps you manage their credentials. It is currently a work in progress. + +Thread is a low-power mesh networking standard which allows users to connect their devices within a home network. It uses the same RF technology as Zigbee, but provides IP connectivity similar to Wi-Fi. Unlike Zigbee, Thread does not allow to control devices directly: It is just a communication protocol. A higher level protocol such as Matter or HomeKit is required to control Thread enabled devices. Thread allows devices to communicate with each other without the need for a central gateway or router. This makes it ideal for home automation, where a large number of devices may need to be connected. + +To connect a Thread network to Home Assistant, Thread Border Routers (TBRs) are used. TBRs are devices that bridge the Thread network to a local Wi-Fi or Ethernet network. To add a TBR to Home Assistant, you can use our [Home Assistant Yellow](/yellow/) hub or the [Home Assistant SkyConnect](/skyconnect/) Zigbee/Thread stick. + +Home Assistant communicates with TBRs over the local network. This means that TBRs do not have to be physically attached to Home Assistant to be used. You might already have a TBR as part of other products in your home, like a Google Nest Hub Gen 2 or Apple HomePod Mini. Each vendor forms their own network when you start using their products, so you can end up having a Home Assistant, an Apple, and a Google Thread network in your home. These are all separate networks using different credentials, which prevents devices to roam between TBRs. + +It is possible to align credentials for TBRs from different vendors and have them form a single network together. This allows you to freely move devices between rooms without losing connectivity. To do this, you need to make sure that all TBRs use the same credentials.