Samsung’s SmartThings platform has made significant strides towards creating an interconnected smart home ecosystem, now enabling the integration of Thread border routers from various manufacturers, reports 24brussels.
On October 10, 2025, Samsung announced that its SmartThings system will support “two-way Thread network unification,” which facilitates sharing credentials among Thread devices. This development allows Samsung devices operating as Thread border routers to join existing Thread networks established by other ecosystems, rather than creating standalone networks.
The new feature will roll out on select SmartThings hubs, including the Aeotec Smart Home Hub. This integration is part of the Thread 1.4 specifications released last year, aimed at enhancing the usability and connectivity of smart home devices across different platforms.
A revised “Manage Thread Network” menu in the SmartThings app will allow users to connect compatible hubs to existing Thread networks through the use of QR codes or one-time passcodes. This functionality also supports adding third-party border routers into a SmartThings hub’s Thread network.
Thread is a wireless protocol designed to connect low-power smart home devices, such as door locks and sensors, to the internet and other networks. The protocol utilizes border routers to facilitate this connectivity, improving the overall reliability and range of networks. As more homes adopt multiple Thread border routers, the reliability of the self-healing network also increases, allowing continued functionality even if one router fails.
Historically, a lack of standardized methods for cross-manufacturer connectivity plagued Thread border routers, particularly preventing devices from different brands from effectively communicating. While initial commitments from companies like Apple, Amazon, Google, and Samsung to collaborate on solutions reflected optimism, implementations remained largely ecosystem-specific until the recent standardization mandated by the Thread Group.
The Matter initiative, developed by leading tech companies, serves to unify smart home device connectivity, enabling devices from different brands to work seamlessly together. This open-source protocol is designed to function over various interfaces, including Wi-Fi and Ethernet, aside from Thread.
SmartThings’ adoption of Thread 1.4 indicates a response to evolving market needs, yet many users await further developments from Amazon and Google to fully realize the potential of integrated smart home environments. As both firms enhance their offerings, users can expect improved functionalities in their respective smart home ecosystems.
