Thread® is an IPv6-based networking protocol designed for low-power Internet of Things devices in an IEEE 802.15.4-2006 wireless mesh network, commonly called a Wireless Personal Area Network (WPAN). Thread is independent of other 802.15 mesh networking protocols, such a ZigBee, Z-Wave, and Bluetooth LE.
Thread's primary features include:
If you're new to Thread, understanding the basics are critical to using OpenThread in your own applications. The goal of this primer is to explain the concepts behind Thread and how it works, and provide a springboard to OpenThread development.
It is assumed you have good working knowledge of the following:
This primer is based on version 1.1.1 of the Thread Specification. It does not cover the full specification, which is available at threadgroup.org.