--- title: "How to build a Thread 1.4 OpenThread border router" url: "https://maker.wiznet.io/mason/projects/how-to-build-a-thread-1-4-openthread-border-router/" markdown_url: "https://maker.wiznet.io/mason/projects/how-to-build-a-thread-1-4-openthread-border-router/md" type: "UCC: User Created Content" author: "Matter Alpha" author_url: "https://www.matteralpha.com/how-to/how-to-build-a-thread-1-4-border-router" editor: "WIZnet" editor_url: "https://maker.wiznet.io/" original_author: "Matter Alpha" original_url: "https://www.matteralpha.com/how-to/how-to-build-a-thread-1-4-border-router" published: "2025-12-10" language: "en" tags: ["W5500", "ESP32"] hardware: ["WIZnet W5500"] likes: 0 views: 440 comments: 0 source: "WIZnet Makers (https://maker.wiznet.io/)" --- # How to build a Thread 1.4 OpenThread border router > How to build a Thread 1.4 OpenThread border router Original author: Matter Alpha (source: https://www.matteralpha.com/how-to/how-to-build-a-thread-1-4-border-router) ## Components - **WIZnet W5500** x 1 ([docs](https://docs.wiznet.io/Product/Chip/Ethernet/W5500)) WIZnet parts: W5500 ([Datasheet](https://docs.wiznet.io/Product/Chip/Ethernet/W5500/datasheet?utm_source=maker&utm_medium=project&utm_campaign=w5500), [product hub](https://maker.wiznet.io/products/w5500/)) ## Article ## 1. 프로젝트 개요 **“How to build a Thread 1.4 OpenThread border router”** 글은 ESP Thread Border Router Development Board로 **Thread 1.4 OpenThread Border Router(OTBR)**를 만드는 전 과정을 다룹니다. **펌웨어 빌드** ESP32-H2: Thread RCP 펌웨어 ESP32-S3: `esp-thread-br` 예제(OTBR) 빌드 메뉴에서 Wi-Fi 또는 Ethernet(W5500) 중 선택 **Thread 네트워크 & 플랫폼 연동** 새 Thread 네트워크 생성 또는 기존 네트워크에 조인 Home Assistant, Google Home, SmartThings와 연동해 Matter-over-Thread 디바이스 제어 **ESP Thread Border Router/Zigbee Gateway Board** ![ESP Thread Border Router/Zigbee Gateway Board](https://maker.wiznet.io/upload/mirror/body/2a22b5431dc1a3a9ba9e.png) 이미지 출처 : **ESP Thread Border Router/Zigbee Gateway Sub-Ethernet** ![ESP Thread Border Router/Zigbee Gateway Sub-Ethernet](https://maker.wiznet.io/upload/mirror/body/b6d08dcb9d65512693fb.png) 이미지 출처 : **참고:** 본 글은 metter alpha의 “[**How to build a Thread 1.4 OpenThread border router**]” 내용을 요약한 것입니다. 자세한 내용 및 최신 업데이트는 metter alpha 원문을 확인해 주세요. 원문: --- ## 2. 왜 ESP Thread Border Router/Zigbee Gateway 보드인가? 이 보드는 **개발자용 저가 Border Router + Zigbee 게이트웨이 플랫폼**입니다. **ESP32-H2**: Thread 1.4 라디오(RCP) **ESP32-S3**: OTBR 실행, Wi-Fi 로 홈 네트워크 연결 (옵션) W5500 Sub-Ethernet 보드로 유선 이더넷 지원 구조 자체가 **Matter 활용**까지 염두에 둔 설계 처음에는 Wi-Fi로 간단히 테스트하고, 나중에 Sub-Ethernet을 추가해 **안정적인 유선 Border Router**로 확장하기 좋습니다. ![](https://maker.wiznet.io/upload/ckeditor5/201746129%5F1765451215%2Epng) 이미지 출처 : AI 생성 --- ## 3. Matter는 무엇이고, 누가 참여하나? ![Logo- en merkactivabibliotheek - CSA-IOT](https://csa-iot.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/matter_lkup_rgb_night.png) 이미지 출처 : ### 3-1. Matter 란 Matter는 **스마트홈·IoT 기기 간 상호 호환성을 높이기 위한 IP 기반 표준**입니다. 서로 다른 브랜드/플랫폼의 기기가 Wi-Fi, Ethernet, Thread 같은 공통 네트워크 위에서 **같은 애플리케이션 프로토콜(Matter)을 사용해 통신**하도록 만드는 것이 목적입니다. ### 3-2. 주요 참여 기업과 생태계 규모 Matter는 **Connectivity Standards Alliance(CSA)**가 주도하며, CSA에는 **500~600개 이상의 기업**이 참여하고 있습니다. 초기 Project CHIP (Connected Home over IP) 시절부터 함께한 대표 기업은: **Amazon, Apple, Google, Samsung, SmartThings(구) Zigbee Alliance, IKEA, Huawei 등** 현재 Matter를 핵심 표준으로 채택한 주요 플랫폼은: **Apple Home / HomeKitGoogle Home / NestAmazon Alexa / EchoSamsung SmartThings** 그리고 조명·플러그·센서·도어락·가전·에너지 관련 디바이스 등으로 **지원 카테고리가 계속 추가**되고 있습니다. Matter 1.4 이후에는 에너지·인프라·카메라 등으로 확장 중입니다. 즉, 이미 “미래 후보”가 아니라 **현실적인 기본 규격**에 가까운 단계까지 성장했다고 볼 수 있습니다. --- ## 5. ESP 보드를 Matter 게이트웨이로 보는 관점 시중 고가 상용 Matter 허브는 허브 1대 가격이 꽤 높고, 커스터마이징이 제한적인 반면 ESP Thread Border Router/Zigbee Gateway 보드는 **보드 가격이 저렴**해 ESP 보드 + (옵션) Sub-Ethernet만으로 **저가 DIY Matter 게이트웨이**를 구현할 수 있고 OpenThread·ESP-IDF·Home Assistant를 조합해 **라우팅·로그·업데이트 전략을 개발자 입맛대로 제어**할 수 있습니다. 즉, 이 보드는 단순한 OTBR를 넘어, > **기존 고가 상용 Matter 허브 의존에서 벗어나** > **개발자·메이커가 직접 구축하는 저가 Matter 게이트웨이 플랫폼** ### 1. Project Overview The article **“How to build a Thread 1.4 OpenThread border router”** covers the entire process of building a **Thread 1.4 OpenThread Border Router (OTBR)** using the ESP Thread Border Router Development Board. **Firmware buildESP32-H2**: Thread RCP firmware **ESP32-S3**: Build the `esp-thread-br` example (OTBR) Select **Wi-Fi** or **Ethernet (W5500)** in the configuration menu **Thread network & platform integration** Create a new Thread network or join an existing Thread network Integrate with **Home Assistant, Google Home, and SmartThings** to control Matter-over-Thread devices **ESP Thread Border Router/Zigbee Gateway Board** ![ESP Thread Border Router/Zigbee Gateway Board](https://maker.wiznet.io/upload/mirror/body/2a22b5431dc1a3a9ba9e.png) Image source: **ESP Thread Border Router/Zigbee Gateway Sub-Ethernet** ![ESP Thread Border Router/Zigbee Gateway Sub-Ethernet](https://maker.wiznet.io/upload/mirror/body/b6d08dcb9d65512693fb.png) Image source: > **Note:** This article is a summary of Matter Alpha’s “How to build a Thread 1.4 OpenThread border router.” For full details and the latest updates, please refer to the original on Matter Alpha. > Source: --- ### 2. Why the ESP Thread Border Router/Zigbee Gateway Board? This board is a **low-cost border router + Zigbee gateway platform for developers**. **ESP32-H2**: Thread 1.4 radio (RCP) **ESP32-S3**: Runs OTBR and connects to the home network via Wi-Fi (Optional) **W5500 Sub-Ethernet board** for wired Ethernet support The overall architecture is designed with **future Matter use** in mind You can start with a simple Wi-Fi setup, and later add the Sub-Ethernet board to expand it into a **stable wired border router**. ![](https://maker.wiznet.io/upload/ckeditor5/201746129%5F1765451215%2Epng) Image source: AI-generated --- ### 3. What is Matter, and Who is Involved? **Logo and brand asset library – CSA-IOT** ![Logo- en merkactivabibliotheek - CSA-IOT](https://csa-iot.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/matter_lkup_rgb_night.png) Image source: [https://csa-iot.org](https://csa-iot.org?utm_source=chatgpt.com) #### 3-1. What is Matter? Matter is an **IP-based standard** designed to improve interoperability between smart home and IoT devices. Its goal is to allow devices from different brands and platforms to communicate over common networks such as **Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and Thread**, using the **same application protocol (Matter)**. #### 3-2. Major Participants and Ecosystem Size Matter is led by the **Connectivity Standards Alliance (CSA)**, with **around 500–600+ companies** participating. Representative companies that have been involved since the early **Project CHIP** days include: Amazon, Apple, Google, Samsung / SmartThings The former Zigbee Alliance, IKEA, Huawei, and others Today, major platforms that have adopted Matter as a core standard include: **Apple Home / HomeKitGoogle Home / NestAmazon Alexa / EchoSamsung SmartThings** Support categories continue to grow, covering **lighting, plugs, sensors, door locks, home appliances, and energy-related devices**, and since Matter 1.4, it has been expanding into **energy, infrastructure, and cameras** as well. In other words, Matter is no longer just a “future candidate” but has grown into something very close to a **practical default standard** for smart home connectivity. --- ### 5. ESP Board as a Matter Gateway Commercial Matter hubs on the market tend to be relatively expensive per hub, and customization is often limited. In contrast, the **ESP Thread Border Router/Zigbee Gateway Board** is inexpensive, so: With just the ESP board + (optional) Sub-Ethernet board, you can build a **low-cost DIY Matter gateway** By combining **OpenThread, ESP-IDF, and Home Assistant**, you can fine-tune **routing, logging, and update strategies** exactly the way you want as a developer In short, this board is more than just an OTBR: > It lets you move away from relying solely on expensive commercial Matter hubs > and instead build a **low-cost, developer- and maker-friendly Matter gateway platform**. --- Source: https://maker.wiznet.io/mason/projects/how-to-build-a-thread-1-4-openthread-border-router/