Thread topology - Installation - Planning - OCT100.BR - OCT100.R

The wireless network starts at the TBR. It is the border between the Thread wireless and Ethernet network at the Northbound Edge gateway. TBRs change the communication media from wireless to wired but have no gateway functionality.

The TBR is connected directly to sleepy end devices (SED) and mesh extenders (TME).

TMEs extend the Thread radio range to connect additional TMEs and SEDs located further away from the TBR.

The radio coverage of the TME and TBR may overlap so that some SEDs and TMEs are located within the reception area of more than one TME or TBR. This is not a problem on a mesh network.

During operation, only one radio link is active. The Thread leader identifies the active radio link and the organization of the mesh network. All the TME and TBR devices dynamically elect the Thread leader.

Self-healing

Devices communicate with each other, and channels are automatically allocated, based on usage and noise level (minimizing interference).

For example, a communication failure between two devices because a TME was removed from the Thread network or powered-off: In this case, the Thread network dynamically adapts the radio links to reestablish communication between working devices. The self-healing function makes Thread networks very robust.

See figure below.