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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.