What Is Matter and How Does It Work?
In the evolving world of smart home technology, one term is increasingly gaining attention: Matter. Backed by major players like Apple, Google, Amazon, and the Connectivity Standards Alliance (CSA), Matter promises to simplify smart home device compatibility, making it easier for devices from different brands to work together seamlessly.
But what exactly is Matter, and how does it work? Let’s explore this emerging standard that’s reshaping the future of connected living.
What Is Matter?
Matter is an open-source, royalty-free connectivity standard designed to ensure interoperability, reliability, and security across smart home devices. Launched by the Connectivity Standards Alliance (CSA)—formerly known as the Zigbee Alliance—Matter is built to unify communication across devices from different brands and ecosystems.
Its core mission is simple: “Devices should just work, together.”
Why Was Matter Created?
Before Matter, smart home devices often required users to choose a single ecosystem—Apple HomeKit, Google Home, Amazon Alexa, etc. Interoperability was limited, setup was confusing, and users had to manage multiple apps and hubs.
Matter was created to solve three major problems in the smart home space:
- Lack of Compatibility: Devices from different manufacturers couldn’t communicate easily.
- Complex Setup: Setting up devices often required a tech-savvy user and brand-specific apps.
- Fragmented Ecosystems: Consumers had to stay loyal to one brand or ecosystem for devices to work smoothly.
Matter solves this by providing a common language for smart devices—enabling them to communicate, even across ecosystems.
How Does Matter Work?
Matter uses standard IP-based networking (Ethernet, Wi-Fi, Thread) to ensure reliable and fast communication. It doesn’t replace existing platforms like Alexa or Google Home, but rather acts as a universal translator to enable devices to work across these platforms.
Key Technologies Under the Hood:
- IP Networking: Matter operates on standard IP protocols (IPv6), allowing seamless internet and local connectivity.
- Thread Protocol: For low-power, mesh-networked devices (similar to Zigbee, but IP-based).
- Wi-Fi & Ethernet: For high-bandwidth applications like cameras or smart TVs.
- Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE): Used for device setup and onboarding.
When a Matter-certified device is added to your smart home network, it can automatically be discovered and controlled by any Matter-compatible platform, regardless of the manufacturer.
For example:
A Matter-certified light bulb can be controlled by Apple Home on an iPhone, Google Home on an Android tablet, or Alexa on an Echo speaker—all without requiring brand-specific apps.
Benefits of Matter
- Universal Compatibility: Devices from different brands can work together out of the box.
- Simplified Setup: Easy onboarding through Matter-enabled platforms.
- Increased Device Reliability: Local control, even if the internet goes down.
- Improved Security: End-to-end encryption and secure device authentication.
- Future-Proofing: Designed to evolve with emerging technologies and ecosystems.
Who Supports Matter?
Matter is supported by over 600 companies and organizations, including:
- Apple
- Amazon
- Samsung SmartThings
- Philips Hue
- LG
- Portworld (Note: If your company supports Matter, you can insert it here.)
This massive industry support ensures that Matter is not just another protocol—it’s the future of smart home communication.
How Portworld Supports Matter-Ready Devices
At Portworld, we are committed to building future-proof smart home hardware. Our smart control panels, such as the YC-SM08M and YC-SM08P, are designed with Matter-ready architecture in mind—supporting Wi-Fi, Thread, BLE, and Zigbee protocols, ensuring full compatibility with next-generation ecosystems.
As an OEM/ODM manufacturer, we offer:
- Customizable hardware platforms ready for Matter integration
- Android & Linux OS support with Matter SDK compatibility
- BSP and middleware development for seamless Matter adoption
- Engineering support and certification assistance
Whether you’re a system integrator, a device manufacturer, or a smart home brand, Portworld is your reliable partner for building Matter-compatible solutions.
