Since changing its name from the Zigbee Alliance, the CSA has become a multi-standards group enabling global collaboration across IoT players, accelerating market growth and delivering value to its members, the industry, and, most importantly, consumers. Primarily, the CSA is involved with standards development, which are delivered via a robust testing and certification program. With over 6,100 individual members representing 600 engaged companies, the CSA now has a total of seven Working Groups covering Matter, Health & Wellness, Access Control, Data Model, Product Security and Data Privacy, as well as Zigbee.
The Matter Working Group is responsible for the new universal IP-based standard Matter. It contains three sub-groups – Technical, Certifications, and Marketing & Product – which bring together the specification: and open-source software development kit (SDK), test tools, certification program and brand awareness. At its core, Matter aims to simplify the smart home landscape by providing a universal standard that promotes interoperability, security, and ease of use across different devices and platforms. Gone are the days of compatibility concerns, as Matter-certification assures end-users that they can seamlessly mix and match devices without worrying about integration issues.
One of the key strengths of Matter lies in its utilisation of existing networking technologies. By leveraging familiar protocols such as Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and Thread, Matter-compatible devices can seamlessly integrate into the home network without the need for specialised infrastructure. Moreover, the possibility of Wirepas integration opens up new avenues for enhanced connectivity and scalability, promising even greater flexibility and reliability in other smart home deployments like metering.
How does Matter work?
As previously discussed, Matter is IP-based: all of the commands that we interact with inside the Matter specification are above the transmission control protocol (TCP) and user datagram protocol (UDP) layers.
Matter is a common application layer – the languages of the IoT that helps smart device manufacturers develop interoperability with simplified set-up and control for those devices. The standard device types that are supported today include electrical smart bulbs, switches and plugs, blinds and shades, HVAC controls, smart TVs, access controls like door locks, safety and security systems, bridges and routers, and other controllers in a variety of different devices. As the Matter standard grows and develops, future areas could include smart healthcare, smart buildings and, even, smart cities.
Again, since Matter is IP-based, for command and control the standard supports Wi-Fi, Thread, Bluetooth Low-Energy (Bluetooth LE) for pairing purposes only, Ethernet and additional future network layers, like Wirepas. All with low overheads, for simple smart device types all you need is MCU-class compute power with less than 128KB RAM and 1MB Flash.
Zigbee, which is a 20-year-old full stack technology, is not IP-based like Matter but is 802.15.4 based. Thread is much like Zigbee as it’s 802.15.4 based but is an IP bearing technology. The Matter data models are basically the same as Zigbee and Thread, using the same definitions of a lightbulb or thermostat, for example.
Fortified security measures
In an age where privacy and security are paramount concerns, Matter places a strong emphasis on built-in security features. Through robust encryption and authentication mechanisms, such as the 10 specific areas outlined by the Connectivity Standards Alliance’s (CSA) cybersecurity requirements and recommendations, Matter ensures that user data remains protected against potential threats or breaches. This commitment to security instils confidence in consumers, fostering trust in the smart home ecosystem.
One aspect of security is device attestation, which is the Matter standard requires that every device type has a device attestation certificate (DAC). This certification requires a Product Attestation Authority (PAA), which provides attestation services to Matter devices, to ensure that each DAC is legitimate and meets the requirements of the Matter specification.
Attestation uses a public key infrastructure (PKI) that uses Root Certificate Authorities and Product Intermediate Certificates. This process is referred to as the Device Attestation Certificate Chain.
During the development and testing phases of the product, the manufacturer can test the device without the full attestation process. But once the device is in production phase, the all attestation requirements are enforced.
Pioneering smart home solutions
At the forefront of the Matter revolution is Avnet Silica, a trusted provider of innovative semiconductor solutions. Leveraging its expertise and industry partnerships, Avnet Silica empowers customers to navigate the complexities of the Matter ecosystem, from design conception to mass production and beyond. With a focus on confidentiality, integrity, and authentication, Avnet Silica ensures that smart home devices built on Matter standards meet the highest standards of quality and security. As a centre of expertise in Matter, Avnet Silica serves as a valuable aggregator of services and tools provided by suppliers - NXP Semiconductors, STMicroelectronics, Nordic Semiconductor, and Renesas - facilitating seamless integration and deployment of cutting-edge smart home solutions.
