The Connectivity Standards Alliance (CSA) has launched Matter 1.4, the latest upgrade to its universal smart home standard. This release introduces advancements aimed at supporting a broader range of devices, strengthening network infrastructure, and enhancing energy management capabilities. With its growing support for smart devices, Matter 1.4 reinforces the CSA’s mission to create a seamlessly integrated smart home ecosystem with enhanced reliability, sustainability, and ease of use.
The release also places CSA on track to their biannual commitment towards advancing Matter, which saw 1.2 and 1.3 versions released in October 2023 and May 2024 respectively.
Enhanced Network Infrastructure with Home Routers and Access Points (HRAP)
Accompanying Matter 1.4 is Matter-certified Home Routers and Access Points (HRAP), a significant advancement in smart home networking. These HRAP devices, such as Wi-Fi routers, access points, and modems, are designed or upgraded to support Matter by incorporating both Wi-Fi access and Thread Border Router capabilities. This dual functionality strengthens the network foundation of smart homes by enabling reliable communication across different Matter-compatible devices.
One standout feature of HRAP devices is their ability to create a unified Thread mesh network that allows new Thread devices like sensors, locks, and thermostats to be added without requiring separate networks. By enabling storage and sharing of Thread network credentials in a secure, centralized directory, HRAPs reduce network fragmentation that commonly occurs when disparate network protocols and devices are used without a standardized connectivity layer.
Key Benefits of HRAP in Matter 1.4
- Unified Network Management: HRAP devices consolidate both Wi-Fi and Thread networks, allowing users to monitor, troubleshoot, and expand their network without handling multiple network setups.
- Improved Device Onboarding: Matter-certified HRAPs reduces setup complexity by enabling a plug-and-play experience for Thread-enabled devices, eliminating the need to establish new, isolated networks.
- Enhanced Network Reliability and Coverage: By combining Wi-Fi access points with Thread Border Routers, HRAPs provide a more resilient network infrastructure. This is especially valuable in larger homes where network coverage may vary. Devices can seamlessly connect to the most stable option available—whether it’s Wi-Fi or Thread—creating an always-on, adaptable network for the entire household.
- Future-Ready Infrastructure: As the Matter ecosystem grows and more devices become Matter-compatible, HRAP devices ensure that homes have the connectivity infrastructure required for advanced interoperability. This lays the groundwork for new types of devices and future capabilities in smart homes, making them scalable and adaptable as the Matter standard continues to evolve.
Other Key Enhancements in Matter 1.4
Secondary Network Interface
Matter 1.4 introduces a Secondary Network Interface, allowing devices to operate across multiple network types like Ethernet, Wi-Fi, and Thread. This ensures connectivity resiliency in complex network setups that strengthens device functionality even during disruptions.
Joint Fabric Administrator
The new Joint Fabric Administrator feature simplifies the setup and interoperability of devices from different brands within a unified, secure ecosystem. By aligning devices under a common Certificate Authority (CA) hierarchy, Matter 1.4 allows devices across brands to connect seamlessly, reducing setup friction and enhancing security without compromising on compatibility. This provides a more cohesive user experience for homes with devices from various vendors.
Enhanced multi-admin
Enhanced Multi-Admin in Matter 1.4 streamlines managing multiple smart home ecosystems by enabling users to connect devices across multiple platforms more easily. Instead of individually pairing each device with different systems, users can manage all platforms through single user consent, making it easier to expand smart home setups across ecosystems.
New Device Types and Features
Expanded Support for Smart Plugs, Outlets, and Actuators
Matter 1.4 adds Mounted On/Off Control and Mounted Dimmable Load support for devices like smart plugs and outlets. This allows for more granular control over these devices, making it possible to adjust dimming levels or on/off settings on permanently installed components, expanding the range of customization and automation for home devices.
Energy Management Capabilities
With Matter 1.4, CSA places a strong emphasis on energy management by adding support for critical energy devices like solar panels, batteries, heat pumps, and water heaters. This includes integration with energy management systems that allow users to monitor, optimize, and reduce household energy usage. For example:
- Solar Power Devices: Solar arrays, inverters, and hybrid battery systems can now be managed within the Matter ecosystem, giving users real-time control over solar power usage.
- Battery Storage: Batteries, including wall-mounted units, can manage energy discharge to reduce grid dependency and even support “virtual power plants.”
- Heat Pumps and Water Heaters: With demand management features, these devices can shift energy usage to off-peak times, optimizing energy consumption and reducing costs. Heat pumps and water heaters can adjust their functions based on forecasts, helping to manage temperature and heating needs more efficiently.
Occupancy and Sensing Enhancements
Matter 1.4 introduces advancements to occupancy sensing, supporting technologies like radar, vision, and ambient sensing. With customizable sensitivity settings and event-based reporting, these sensors provide more precise functionality for detecting presence and activity, creating a foundation for future capabilities such as person detection and activity classification.
Support for Battery-Powered Devices
Matter 1.4 also enhances the efficiency of battery-powered devices, optimizing communication for Intermittently Connected Devices (ICDs) through protocols like Long Idle Time (LIT) and the new Check-In Protocol. These features reduce battery consumption and improve network efficiency, ensuring reliable performance of low-power devices like switches, buttons, and sensors.
Impact of Matter 1.4 on the Smart Home Industry
Since Matter’s 2022 debut, millions of devices have adopted the standard, contributing to a rapidly expanding Matter ecosystem. The CSA’s Matter Working Group continues to incorporate feedback and real-world experiences to refine the standard, enhancing its flexibility, sustainability, and usability. With Matter 1.4’s broader device categories and improved energy and network management features, consumers can expect smarter, more adaptable, and energy-efficient homes.
The CSA’s ongoing commitment to biannual updates ensures the standard will continue to evolve, building on Matter’s foundational goal of universal interoperability across the smart home landscape.
About the author
Stanislas Charles
With more than 8 years of experience in wireless and RF testing, Stanislas is familiar with various protocols: Bluetooth, Zigbee, Thread, Matter. He is always willing to help customers to clarify doubts and questions about Matter and Thread testing requirements.
