Nest, Home-based IPv6 802.15.4 Wireless Protocol Supported by Samsung, ARM & Yale

Nest, otherwise known as Google Nest since the $3.2bn acquisition earlier this year by the search engine company, is forging ahead with a new wireless mesh network standard for the home called Thread. The company is quickly becoming known for its elegantly designed home devices.

The “new” wireless standard isn't completely new as really it's a cobbled together standard that straddles IEEE 802.11 and IETF TCP/IP standards. The IPv6 802.15.4 wireless protocol operates a little like Bluetooth (which is a competing technology in the space) and is intended for use primarily in the home through thermostat, fire alarm and carbon monoxide detectors.

The standard was spun out on its own because whilst it's bigger brother, IEEE 802.11 (otherwise known as Wi-Fi) was being pushed ahead for faster rates of data transfer at the expense of high energy consumption, the intention of the IEEE 802.15.4 standard was as a low-powered wireless network to control sensors, light switches, thermostats and other devices in the home. The 2.4 GHz band is utilized via 16 channels, which stays clear of the 3 other channels that Wi-Fi uses.

Growing Industry Adoption

The low-powered wireless standard is gradually gaining some acceptance with Google, Samsung, Yale Security, ARM, Big Ass Fans, Silicon Labs and Freescale Semiconductor. All these players agreeing to the new Thread home wireless standard is quite a rare thing. TVs, set-top boxes and remote controllers have been using Thread for several years now. The technology is ideal to complement smart home designs.

Home Surveillance Acquisition

Nest also entered into an agreement to buy Dropcam, a home surveillance startup in June. This was seen as a strategic acquisition in order to quickly extend the usefulness of Thread into home surveillance. This will expand further the Internet of Things and smart home approach to the business.

Don't Wave At The Smoke Detector!

It's not all good news for Nest though. Back in April they had to take their smoke and carbon monoxide detection product known as Nest Protect off the market. A problem was discovered with the wave gesture that could be recognised by the device and used to turn off the fire alarm. In a real fire and in a panic, a frantic wave by occupants could inadvertently turn off the very fire alarm that would be needed in such an event. A new version of Nest Protect that fixes the gesture issue has since been released.

Mesh Networks Vulnerable?

There is also the risk of someone hacking into a wireless home network that controls various features in the home. Context Information Security Limited based in London demonstrated recently how they were able to gain illicit access to a smart phone connected LIFX light-bulb network. A mesh network protocol was used in this case.

Clearly there are some risks with wireless networking for the home and the kinks need to be worked out to provide confidence to home buyers that their home is safe as houses.