Thread
As the Authorized Test Lab (ATL) of Thread Certification, Allion now provides one-stop professional consulting and certification services to help manufacturers accelerate their integration into the smart ecosystem.
InquiryWhat is Thread Certification?
Thread is a low-power, IPv6-based wireless mesh networking protocol designed specifically for the Internet of Things (IoT) and smart home applications. Thread Certification, provided by the Thread Group, is the official testing program that ensures devices correctly implement the protocol, maintain interoperability, and comply with security and stability standards. Devices that achieve certification receive the Thread badge, enhancing market competitiveness and ensuring smooth integration with products from different manufacturers.
Thread Certification has become an essential qualification for smart home and IoT products entering the global market. As an officially recognized third-party testing and certification laboratory by the Thread Group, Allion is committed to providing clients with comprehensive certification consulting services.
From early-stage technical consulting and pre-test preparation to in-depth technical support during the official certification process, we help clients ensure compliance with Thread standards, accelerate time-to-market, and enhance cross-platform integration advantages.
Thread Certification Versions Overview
Thread Certification has released versions V1.1 to V1.4, where each certification version must fully include the testing requirements of all previous versions. The key features of each version are as follows:
※ For example, V1.3 Certification requires execution of all test cases from V1.1, V1.2, and V1.3.
Starting in 2026, Border Routers will only be eligible for V1.4 Certification, while other device categories will continue to qualify for Thread 1.3 Certification.
Simplified Network Setup & Management
Thread 1.4 delivers a more user-friendly, interoperable, and stable network environment, benefiting anyone looking to launch or expand a smart home system. By enabling standardized device identification and trust through Thread Border Routers—without restrictions from specific manufacturers—Thread 1.4 streamlines the process of adding new devices to the network. As a result, new Thread-enabled devices can be seamlessly integrated into existing Thread networks, providing a more stable, reliable, and secure smart home experience.
Expanded, More Resilient Network
You can add Thread Border Routers to the same network, strengthening the mesh network for wider coverage and increased reliability. Thread’s low-power mesh network allows devices to communicate directly with one another, not solely through routers. This means that if a device fails, network data can be rerouted through other devices, ensuring reliable connectivity throughout the entire home.
Potential Risks in the Thread Certification Process
Without expert guidance, the Thread certification process often becomes a significant technical hurdle. Below are the common challenges clients frequently encounter during certification:
Lack of certification knowledge and membership at the initial stage
If a manufacturer has not joined the Thread Group early in the product development phase, they typically have only limited knowledge of Thread standards, version differences, and certification requirements. In addition to their incomplete understanding of certification procedures and membership levels, they may also struggle to identify the appropriate Thread network topologies and device roles their products should support.
Risks of Incorrect Chip Selection and Uncertain Certification Versions in Early Stages
When chip suppliers state that a chip is certified but fail to clearly indicate the certification version, manufacturers risk selecting a chip that does not meet their product’s requirements—for example, choosing a chip certified only to Thread v1.1 when Thread v1.3 is required. This misstep often leaves customers stuck with fixed hardware designs, leaving firmware revisions as the only option to pass certification tests, ultimately extending development timelines.
Insufficient Pretesting and Test Knowledge Gaps
Some manufacturers believe their products are ready for certification without the need for pretesting. However, bypassing this crucial step often leads to multiple failures during formal certification, delaying project schedules. Furthermore, the absence of pretests and insufficient knowledge of certification requirements often translates into constant rework and an inefficient certification process.
Lack of Testing Equipment and Environment
Without the support of an ATL laboratory, customers are often uncertain about how to acquire the necessary testing equipment to establish a Thread testing environment, making it difficult to execute tests independently.
With years of technical expertise and comprehensive certification experience, Allion proactively integrates risk management during the planning stage, helping clients gain a complete understanding of potential risks. By prioritizing high-risk items, we enhance testing efficiency and improved the prospect of project success.
Thread Certification Consulting Service
Pre-Certification Consulting
Analyze whether the product design meets Thread requirements and assist clients in preparing the technical documentation and certification application materials, enabling a rapid development validation strategy.
Pre-Testing Guidance
Assist clients in setting up a Thread certification test environment and implement a comprehensive validation plan and test methodology, enhancing certification efficiency and reducing retest cost.
Hands-On Testing Support
Design test scenarios and operate professional testing platforms (such as Test Harness software or test beds), while providing expert issue isolation and debugging support for any problems encountered during the testing process.
Application & Follow-up
Support clients throughout the certification process, ensuring timely progress tracking and seamless interaction with the Thread Group.
Faster, Easier, Better! Smart Home Ecosystem Consulting Services
In addition to Thread, Allion is also an accredited testing laboratory for Matter, Wi‑Fi, Bluetooth®, and WWA (Works With Alexa) standards and more. Whether you are a service provider, smart home device manufacturer, or system integrator, we offer tailored, one‑stop certification testing consulting services for your products—delivering faster, easier, and more better solutions.
With Allion’s consulting expertise, you no longer have to move between different testing labs. We leverage extensive testing experience and a full range of specialized equipment—including wireless devices, instruments, and anechoic chambers—to provide comprehensive validation solutions, issue analysis, and expert recommendations, ensuring your products meet all standards and achieve certification faster to gain a competitive market advantage.
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