Thread border router
also: Thread gateway, Thread edge router
A Thread border router is a networking device that connects a Thread mesh network to other networks, such as Wi-Fi or cellular, enabling communication between Thread devices and external systems.
A Thread border router (also called a Thread gateway) bridges the gap between a low-power Thread mesh network and conventional IP-based networks. It translates between Thread's native protocol and standard networking protocols, allowing Thread-enabled IoT devices to communicate with the broader internet and with devices on other networks.
Thread is an IPv6-based mesh networking protocol commonly used in smart home and IoT applications for devices like lights, locks, and sensors. These devices form a self-healing mesh where each node can relay traffic for others, but they need a gateway to reach the internet or communicate with non-Thread devices.
For example, a Thread border router might connect your Wi-Fi network to Thread smart bulbs and thermostats, allowing your phone (on Wi-Fi) to control those devices even though they communicate via Thread. Popular implementations include Google Nest Hub Max and Apple HomePod mini, which can serve as Thread border routers in smart home ecosystems.