Matter Channel Training Kit
Messaging Guide, FAQs, and Glossary____________________________________________________________________________

Messaging Guide
Matter Messaging for Retailers
Matter Definition for Users: Matter enables smart devices from different brands andmanufacturers to work reliably together. The Matter logo lets consumers buy with confidence.
Principles + Proof Points●●●●

Simple: Easy to purchase, set up, and use
Reliable: Consistent and responsive local connectivity
Interoperable: Devices from multiple brands work natively together
Secure: Robust and streamlined for users

The Smart Home is Matter-Ready
Matter is a new, open smart home protocol that uses existing, familiar technologies, includingBluetooth Low Energy for device setup and Wi-Fi, Thread, and Ethernet for connecting devices.
Major smart home platforms and device brands have already committed to upgrading many
existing hubs, smart speakers, and other devices already in millions of homes and on store
shelves today.
Look for the Matter badge on new smart home controllers and devices, check with your favorite
brands for their Matter plans, or check out this link for the latest official announcements andnews about Matter-certified products.

Thread Messaging for Retailers
Thread Definition for Users: Thread is an energy efficient wireless mesh network that enables
smart devices such as door locks, lighting, and smart speakers to reliably and instantly connect
while offering extended range to deliver wider coverage in your home.

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Border Router Definition for Users: Like an access point does for Wi-Fi, a Thread BorderRouter from any brand and embedded in a range of always powered devices like smart
speakers and lighting, extends connectivity directly to the Internet, eliminating the need forproprietary hubs or bridges.
Benefits + Proof Points:●●●●

Reliable: Thread is dependable. All of your Thread-enabled devices connect to create areliable, secure and self-forming mesh network with no dropped connections. In contrast
to Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, Thread scales easily and strengthens with every new device.
Instant Control: Thread is fast. Thread-enabled smart devices deliver fast responses
regardless of network size.
Extended Range: Thread is well connected. A Thread mesh network extends with each
additional Thread-enabled device, which means wider coverage in your home.
Years of Battery Life: Thread is efficient. With its low power consumption, Thread
significantly extends the battery life of devices like door locks and sensors.

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FAQs
What does the Matter badge mean?
Matter is the new symbol of connectivity. This industry-unifying standard has a promise of
reliable, secure connectivity — a seal of approval that devices will work seamlessly together,
today, and tomorrow. Only Matter-certified devices will carry the Matter logo, so look for themark that matters.
Does Matter replace my currently used smart home platform?
No. Matter is supported by most major smart home platform providers.
What are the Matter basics I need to know to get started?
Matter is a new, open smart home protocol that uses existing, familiar technologies, includingBluetooth Low Energy for device setup and Wi-Fi, Thread, and Ethernet for connecting devices.
Major smart home platforms and device brands have already committed to upgrading many
existing hubs, smart speakers, and other devices already in millions of homes and on store
shelves today, so new Matter devices will work seamlessly with your existing smart home.
To build or grow your smart home with Matter, look for the Matter badge on new smart home
controllers and devices, check with your favorite brands for their Matter plans, or check out thislink for the latest official announcements and Matter-certified products.
Which device categories does Matter support?
Devices supported by Matter 1.0: bridges, controllers, door locks, HVAC controls, lighting andelectrical, media devices, safety and security sensors, and window coverings and shades.
Support for new device types is driven by Alliance members, and new use case teams havealready begun defining new device types to be supported post-launch, such as cameras, home
appliances, robot vacuums, Electric Vehicle charging, and energy management.

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Does Matter certification require certification for the underlying transports?
Yes. Matter is a protocol that runs over other technologies like Wi-Fi, Ethernet, Thread, andBluetooth. Matter certification requires that devices are certified to use those technologies as
required by their governing organizations.
What is Thread?
Thread is a wireless mesh network technology designed for devices with long-range, low-power
applications in mind. Thread devices connect to the home network through Thread BorderRouters, which may be built into other devices, such as smart speakers, home routers, lights, orother smart home devices. Thread devices are responsive, reliable, provide extended coveragein your home, and can run for years without needing to change the battery.
How do I know if I have a Thread Border Router? Do I need one? What is the difference
between the Thread Border Router Badges and Requires Border Router Badges?
A Thread Border Router connects Thread devices to the local network, other devices built on
IP-based technologies such as Wi-Fi or Ethernet, and the internet. Matter devices connect tousers’ networks and each other using Wi-Fi, Ethernet, or Thread. Those using Thread carry theThread badge, many with the “Requires Border Router” mark to help consumers know they’ll
need a Thread Border Router, often built into many smart home hubs and devices.
What’s the difference between Thread and Matter?
Thread is a technology that connects smart devices together in your home and Matter is a
protocol that devices use to talk to one another over that network.
How will I know if my existing devices will get an update to support Matter?
Many existing smart home products will be upgradable to Matter via software updates so keep
an eye out for communications from your favorite device manufacturers on when your device
may support Matter.
How do I set up a Matter device?
Onboarding a new Matter device is easy. Matter uses numeric and QR setup codes, andBluetooth Low Energy to simplify setup, allowing you to onboard it onto your network, apps,
and/or platforms often in a single flow.
You can start the setup process from the device maker’s app, or your favorite smart home
platform, by scanning the QR code or manually entering the setup digits.
Optionally, some manufacturers may also support onboarding by tapping on the NFC icon withyour phone. Additionally, some platforms or apps may automatically detect the device whenpowered on, and provide a mobile or voice notification to start guiding you through the setup
process.
Once your device is set up, it’s easy to connect it to other apps, platforms, or smart homedevices with this familiar flow. Matter’s multi-admin support also allows you to easily sharedevices across multiple platforms through a similar process, and choose which apps andplatforms can access each device.
As a device maker, my current product already supports all platforms I want to use. Why
should I be excited about Matter?

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Many products today are connected to smart home platforms and apps via the cloud. Adding
Matter to those products will enable them to use a local connection for greater reliability andresponsiveness.
Matter will also make your future roadmap simpler, allowing you to develop products that workwith any ecosystem using a single local protocol. Developers that want to maintain their cloudconnectivity can of course do so, giving their users additional flexibility and supporting remotecontrol of their products.
Will my existing devices be updated to support Matter?
Because Matter runs over existing technologies like Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and Thread, many existingsmart home products can and will be updated to support Matter via software updates. Productmakers may do this either by updating those devices or in some cases the bridges they areconnected to.
Whether a device is updated to support Matter depends on the technical capabilities of thedevice, and of course, whether the product maker chooses to make an update available.
Many brands have already announced that their devices will support Matter. Click here for thelatest Matter news and keep an eye out for communications from your favorite device
manufacturers on when your device may support Matter.
Can my existing devices that use other technologies work with Matter devices?
Matter natively supports Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and Thread, but its goal is to simplify smart homes,
including those that already have devices using other networking technologies.
To enable this, Matter supports bridges that allow devices using other protocols (such as Zigbee
or Z-Wave) to participate in a Matter ecosystem. A number of product makers that use bridges
today have announced support for Matter. And bridges can be built into a number of devices like
controllers and hubs, providing a seamless user experience across existing devices and new
Matter devices.
Will Matter products interoperate with / are they compatible with Zigbee?
Yes, Matter can connect other technologies, like Zigbee, using smart home bridges to interact
with devices using those other protocols.
From a technical perspective, Matter does utilize some of the same underlying technology thatwould be familiar to Zigbee developers. Thread-based devices support the same 802.15.4 radio
technology as Zigbee but use IP-based technology for the network stack. At upper levels of thestack and spec, Matter's data model borrows heavily from what those familiar with Zigbee know
as the Zigbee Cluster Library and Alliance Data Model.
While these are important elements in terms of ensuring that Matter is based on market-provenand developer-friendly technologies, Matter and Zigbee are different protocols, giving productmakers different options suited to their applications. This means, however, there is no nativeinteroperability between Matter and Zigbee devices.
However, in our goal to harmonize the industry, we needed to make sure that the Matterecosystem can be inclusive of products that choose Zigbee for their applications, and perhaps
even more importantly, for the tens of millions of Zigbee devices already driving great
experiences in homes and businesses. That's why Matter also includes specifications forDeveloped by Connectivity Standards Alliance and Thread Group

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bridging devices, so that product makers and ecosystems who have Zigbee as part of theircurrent or future portfolio, can create seamless experiences for users across these networks.
What types of products do I need to strengthen my mesh network?
A Mesh Extender is an always powered device that repeats signals and extends the range orcoverage of the Thread network to far corners of homes and buildings. The Thread network
expands automatically as more mesh extenders are added, thus building a stronger, morereliable network.
How does Matter help protect my security?
By bringing together member companies with many years of IoT security expertise, we havedesigned Matter’s security to be comprehensive and strong while also being easy for device
makers and consumers alike.
Matter embodies best practices around security. For example, each Matter device includes aunique identity, ensuring that only the user's authentic and certified devices are permitted to join
the network. Data is encrypted to protect confidentiality. Fine-grained access control policies
ensure that each device can only perform the operations that it needs to perform.
Who issues the device attestation certificates for Matter devices?
All Matter devices come with a device attestation certificate, which is used to verify that thedevice is authentic and certified. These device attestation certificates are issued by specified
root Certificate Authorities (CAs). These root CAs are not operated by the Connectivity
Standards Alliance. Rather, they are operated by Alliance members and are required to comply
with rigorous standards. This approach helps to establish a healthy marketplace for root CA
services and avoids any single point of failure.
Are device manufacturers required to use the DCL?
Yes, Device Manufacturers must put data for their products into the Distributed Compliance
Ledger (DCL).
This database (the DCL) doesn't have information about every individual device, just the set of
product models that have been certified. Once a product has been certified and is in the market,
that product will be listed in the DCL. This is similar to the way that the Alliance lists certified
products on its website today but adds more information and assurance.
How will my Matter devices get updated?
A Matter device in the home can obtain updates using the over-the-air (OTA) update
functionality included in the Matter specification or use its own software update methods. These
updates can provide new features and security patches.
How is my privacy protected with Matter?
The Matter standard places a high priority on the protection of user privacy through practices
such as data minimization. We use end-to-end encryption and limit the information shared
between devices to whatever is necessary for proper function. Thus, in the event of acompromise of a Matter participant, the information that is leaked is minimal. However, thecomplete protection of user privacy and compliance with all relevant privacy tenets andDeveloped by Connectivity Standards Alliance and Thread Group

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regulations will depend on the protections provided by service providers and device makers as
well.
Why is the Connectivity Standards Alliance using a Distributed Compliance Ledger (DCL)for Matter Certification?
The DCL provides a highly reliable and timely source of information about device authenticity
and certification status and other helpful information including resources to assist users withsetup.
This allows commissioners to verify that a new Matter device is certified and secure, identify thedevice to the user using the manufacturer-provided descriptions, and provide any additional
setup guidance for more complex devices. In doing so, DCL provides confidence andassistance to users and incentivizes developers to maintain their certification.
How do I access my Matter devices when I’m not at home?
Matter is a local connectivity technology, so Matter-only devices require an internet-connected
controller — such as those built into smart speakers and smart home hubs — to be present in
the home to enable control when away from the home. Most controller devices will offer an app
or web interface to control Matter end devices.
Some Matter devices may also have a direct connection to the internet, enabling control fromoutside the home by the device maker's application.
Do I still need many different apps to use my Matter devices?
Smart home apps are a valuable part of the user experience for many devices. Yet the industry
often talks about "too many apps". The problem is really the number of different user
experiences and steps for doing things that should be simple like connecting devices to the
network and linking them to apps, other devices, and ecosystems.
Matter makes it easy for users to set up and control their devices with a simplified, consistent
set of steps, and connect those devices to one or more of the apps and platforms they choose.
Whether that's a smart home platform app that lets them coordinate devices from many different
vendors, or a device vendor app that offers advanced configuration and differentiated features.
How can I control what platforms can access my Matter devices?
Users can choose which platforms access their Matter devices using Matter's multi-adminfeature. Multi-admin is one of the core features that allows users to connect their Matter devices
to multiple platforms, apps, or other control points, so they can control them where and how
they choose.
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Glossary
TermDefinition
AC Powered Thread Device A device that has a constant power source may be used as a
Thread Mesh Extender to widen the network coverage. Some AC
powered devices may also include a battery backup in case ofintermittent power, or outages.

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Administrator

Matter devices are connected together on a virtual network within
the home. Matter Administrators are the objects (such as aphysical device like a hub, apps, etc.) that create, maintain, andmanage security and privileges for all devices on that network.
Matter Administrators are often also Matter Controllers.

Matter’s Multi-Admin functionality refers to the fact that Matterdevices can be connected to multiple virtual networks, so thatthey can be controlled by multiple Administrators (hubs, apps,
etc).
Battery Powered Thread
A Thread battery-powered end device is a cordless device that
Deviceremains inactive or in “sleep” mode to extend the battery life untilinteraction is needed. Battery Powered End Devices cannot act
as Mesh Extenders.
Thread Border Router
A Thread Border Router enables Thread devices to connect tothe local network, so that they are able to communicate with otherdevices built on IP-based technologies such as Wi-Fi or Ethernet.
Thread Border Routers may be built into existing products, suchas Wi-Fi access points, smart speakers, and more.
Matter Bridge
Matter bridges translate from one protocol to another, allowing
non-Matter devices (such as Zigbee or Z-Wave) to participate in a
Matter ecosystem. These bridges can be built into a number ofdevices like controllers and hubs, providing a seamless user
experience across existing devices and new Matter devices.
Non-Matter device
A non-Matter device, such as Zigbee or Z-Wave, that isconnected to the Matter network through a Matter bridge.
Set up, onboard, add, or
Do not use commission with end users. Use the terms set up,
join
onboard, add, or join.
An app, mobile OS or
A device or application that can be used as a tool to set up asmart speaker/ display
Matter device. A platform, device vendor, or other Matter-enabled
used to set up Matter
app, mobile OS, or smart speaker or display may all be able todevices
set up Matter devices.
A Matter Device that a user A device that is being set up, added, or onboarded to the Matteris setting up or sharing
network.
Setting up, adding,
The process of setting up, adding, or onboarding a Matter device
onboarding or joining
to the Matter network.
Joining Mode
It is the state in which a Matter device is enabled to establish aconnection so it can be added/onboarded to the Matter network.
Matter Controller
A Matter Controller is a device or app that can control Matterdevices the user has connected to it. It can be built into many
types of hardware devices like phones, always-powered smart
home hubs that provide local and remote control, or even mobile
apps.
Matter Device
A smart home hardware product that supports Matter, so that it
can be connected to and controlled by a Matter Controller.
Ecosystem
Used when referring to a specific set or the general availability ofa collection of smart home devices from multiple vendors.

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End-to-End Encryption
For non-technicalconsumer audiences, it isrecommended to not use
the term "Fabric". Terms
such as "Platform" aremore common language
for this audience.
For technical audiences,
the use of the term
“Fabric” is accepted.
HubInternet Protocol (IP)

Latency

Numeric Setup CodeThread Mesh ExtenderThread Mesh Network

Network

NFC Setup Code, or NFC

End-to-End Encryption is a way to secure communications fromattacks while they are being sent from one device to another.
A Matter Fabric is the virtual network Matter devices create when
they are connected together.
For more technical audiences:
A Matter Fabric is the shared domain of trust among devices in ahome network that enables them to communicate with each other.
This shared domain of trust is established via a common set of
cryptographic keys. Devices can be on multiple fabrics
simultaneously. For example, you can have a lightbulb
commissioned both on a smart home platform's fabric and a
device vendor's fabric.
A smart home Hub is a device that serves as a connection point
for multiple smart home devices, allowing them to interact witheach other and/or a smart home platform. A hub may be built into
other kinds of devices (Smart speaker or display, router,dedicated hub, TV, refrigerator, etc). In Matter, a hub will often bea Matter Controller that enables control of Matter devices
connected through it.
Internet Protocol is the protocol by which data is sent between
devices on the Internet and/or in the home. It is a common
protocol that runs over technologies like Wi-Fi, Ethernet, andThread, enabling them to form a unified network, allowing all
Matter devices to communicate with each other, regardless of
who makes them or which of these network technologies they areusing.
Latency is a time delay between the cause and the effect of somechange in the system being observed. Lower latency results infaster response times.
An 11 or 21-digit numeric code manually entered/spoken, whichcontains the information needed to add a Matter device. In
addition to a numeric code, a Matter product may also provide
other mediums for transmitting this information, such as a QR
code or an NFC tag.
A Mesh Extender is an AC powered device that repeats signals
and extends the range or coverage of the Thread network to far
corners of homes and buildings. The Thread network expands
automatically as more mesh extenders are added, thus building astronger, more reliable network.
Thread creates a Mesh Network by enabling each device in thesystem to speak with each other and the internet, thus allowing
extension of the wireless coverage.
A physical transport network (such as Wi-Fi, Ethernet, or Thread,or a combination of them) that Matter devices are connected to,and over which Matter devices can communicate with each other.
A chip embedded in a device or a label that contains theDeveloped by Connectivity Standards Alliance and Thread Group

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Tag

information needed to add a Matter device. This is an optionalfeature of Matter that enables users to set up their devices withanother device capable of reading NFC.
Platform
A smart home system from a specific vendor, that is capable ofconnecting to and controlling Matter devices from multiple
vendors.
QR Setup Code
A machine-readable label that contains the information needed to
set up or add a Matter device. This is an optional feature of
Matter that enables users to set up or add their devices using thecamera on their screen devices (smartphone, touchscreen, TV,etc).
Self-Healing
Self-healing means that if an extender device stops working,network traffic can be automatically re-routed via other devices
without the user noticing or needing to take action.
Setup Code or Matter Setup A label found on Matter devices or in packaging that contains one
Codeor more possible formats to guide the user in inputting theinformation needed to set up a Matter device, or add it to a newsmart home platform or app.

ThreadVendor or Manufacturer

See also:
Numeric Setup CodeQR Setup CodeNFC Setup CodeThread is an IP-based wireless mesh network technology that isdesigned for devices with long-range, low-power applications in
mind. Thread devices connect to the home network throughThread Border Routers, which may be built into other devices,such as smart speakers, home routers, lights, or other smart
home devices.
The company or brand that manufactures and/or markets a
Matter device.

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