Matter Architecture

This topic describes the Matter solutions from Tuya and third-party platforms.

Definitions

Term	Definition
Thread	A low-power IEEE 802.15.4-based IPv6 mesh networking technology (see Thread specification).
Border Router	A router, also known as an edge router, which provides routing services between two IP subnets (typically, between a hub network and a peripheral network).
Bridge	A node that represents one or more non-Matter devices on the Fabric.
Certification Declaration	A digitally signed token that conveys Matter certification status of a vendor's certified device.
Cluster	A specification defining one or more attributes, commands, behaviors, and dependencies, which supports an independent utility or application function. The term may also be used for an implementation or instance of such a specification on an endpoint.
Access Control List	A list of entries in the Access Control Cluster expressing individual rules that grant privileges to access cluster elements.
Administrator	A node having administer privilege over at least the Access Control Cluster of another node.
Attribute	A data entity that represents a physical quantity or state. This data is communicated to other nodes using commands.
Commission	To bring a node into a Fabric.
Manual Pairing Code	An 11-digit or 21-digit numeric code that can be manually entered/spoken instead of scanning a QR code, which contains the information needed to commission a Matter device.
Fabric	A logical collection of communicating nodes, sharing a common root of trust, and a common distributed configuration state.
Device Attestation Certificate	An RFC 5280 compliant X.509 v3 document with attestable attributes.
Onboarding Payload	The information needed to start the process of commissioning a device.
OTA Provider	A node implementing the OTA Software Update Provider role. See OTA Software Update Provider Cluster.
OTA Requestor	A Node implementing the OTA Software Update Requestor role. See OTA Software Update Requestor Cluster.
Product Attestation Authority	An entity that operates a root level certificate authority for device attestation.
Product Attestation Intermediate	An entity that operates an intermediate level certificate authority for device attestation.
Product ID (PID)	A 16-bit number that identifies the type of a device, uniquely among the product types made by a given vendor.
Router	A device that provides routing services in its network in cooperation with other routers.
Vendor ID (VID)	A 16-bit number that uniquely identifies the vendor of the device.

Matter model

Matter unifies the data model and interaction model to implement interoperability between smart devices, as shown in the following layered architecture. This allows smart devices of different types and brands to seamlessly connect and communicate with each other.

The Dotdot Architecture Model and Zigbee Cluster Library specification define the data model. If you have experience with the Zigbee protocol, you are likely familiar with this data model. The data model defines the nodes, endpoints, clusters, and attributes, which can reflect a physical device and its features. For more information, see Chapter 7 in the Matter Core Specification.

The interaction model defines interactions, transactions, and actions between nodes, such as read, write, command, report, and event. For more information, see Chapter 8 in the Matter Core Specification.

Standards terminology mapping

Matter	HomeKit	Weave	Thread	Zigbee	Tuya
Administrator	Admin	Fabric provisioner	Commissioner	Coordinator	Admin
Attribute	Characteristics	Property	-	Attribute	DP
Binding	Event subscription	Subscription	Link	Binding	Device management
Broadcast	-	-	Broadcast	Broadcast	-
Client	-	Service client	Client	Client	-
Cluster	Services	Interface	-	Cluster	DP
Cluster	Trait	Service	-	Cluster	DP
Command	Command	Command	Command	Command	DP
Commissioning	Pairing	Pairing	Commissioning	Association	Add device
Commissioner	Admin	Fabric provisioner	Commissioner	Coordinator	Gateway/Device
Device	Accessory	Device	Device	Device	Device
End device	-	-	End device	End device	Device
Endpoint	Profile	Resource	Interface	Endpoint	Device
Endpoint address	Device ID	Resource ID	Endpoint identifier	Endpoint address	Device ID
Fabric	Network	Fabric	Partition	Network	Network
Network manager	Device/Controller	Nest service	Leader	Network manager	Network manager
Node	Accessory	Node	Node	Node	Node ID
Router	-	-	Router	Router	-
Server	-	Service host	Server	Server	-
Service discovery	-	Service directory	-	Service discovery	-

Match the actual product

You can download the Matter specifications from the CSA website to access information about device types and specific requirements.

• Matter Device Library Specification

• Application Cluster Specification

The Matter model should align with the product you intend to develop. To develop a Matter product, first, check if your desired product category is supported by Matter Device Library Specification. If it is, find the features available in the respective cluster from the Application Cluster Specification.

Suppose that you develop a socket device.

1. Find the section On/Off Plug-in Unit in Matter Device Library Specification.

   

2. Check the cluster Requirements.

   

3. Open the Application Cluster Specification and find the details of the corresponding cluster.

   For example, review the attributes and commands of the On/Off cluster.

   

Add a device

Add a non-Matter device

To set up a non-Matter device, the user needs to download the brand-specific mobile app to activate the device and then bind it with third-party voice assistants for voice control. Smart devices from different brands cannot talk to each other directly but through a third-party platform after skill binding and authorization. The pairing process varies by protocol and brand, hindering interconnection across platforms and brands.

Add a Matter device

To unify the fragmented smart home ecosystems, Matter offers a hassle-free pairing and setup process, regardless of the specific manufacturer.

The user can scan the QR code to pair a Matter device using any Matter-enabled mobile app. Then, the device is ready to be controlled through voice assistants, such as Siri, Alexa, and Google. The user can share a paired device with other Matter-enabled platforms for management and control, significantly simplifying the user experience.

Tuya’s Matter solution

Tuya provides an all-in-one Matter solution that incorporates cloud services, mobile apps, and devices. Tuya can act as a Matter full administrator to handle the first-time pairing and activation and then share the device with third-party platforms. Alternatively, a Matter-enabled app can be used to independently pair a device.

Matter only supports adding a device by QR code scanning, without the Wi-Fi EZ or AP mode. In addition to the standard Matter pairing method, the Tuya-enabled mobile app also supports auto discovery of Matter devices.

Interoperability across platforms

Controller	Tuya-enabled Matter device		Third-party Matter device		Matter bridge
	Tuya-enabled Wi-Fi Matter device	Tuya-enabled Thread Matter device	Third-party Wi-Fi Matter device	Third-party Thread Matter device	Tuya-enabled Zigbee device	Third-party Zigbee device
Tuya-enabled app for iOS	Supported, no hub needed.	Supported, used with a Tuya-enabled Matter gateway.	Supported, no hub needed.	Not supported yet	Supported, used with a Tuya-enabled Matter gateway.	Applicable to Zigbee 3.0 devices, used with a Tuya-enabled Matter gateway.
Tuya-enabled app for Android	Supported, no hub needed.	Supported, used with a Tuya-enabled Matter gateway.	Supported, no hub needed.	Supported, used with a Tuya-enabled Matter gateway.	Supported, used with a Tuya-enabled Matter gateway.	Applicable to Zigbee 3.0 devices, used with a Tuya-enabled Matter gateway.
Apple Home app	Supported, used with an Apple Home hub.	Supported, used with an Apple Home hub.	Supported, used with an Apple Home hub.	Supported, used with an Apple Home hub.	Add the device to a Tuya-enabled app and then bridge it to the Home app.	Add the device to a Tuya-enabled app and then bridge it to the Home app.
Google Home app for iOS and Android	Supported, used with a Google Home hub.	Supported, used with a Google Home hub.	Supported, used with a Google Home hub.	Supported, used with a Google Home hub.	Add the device to a Tuya-enabled app and then bridge it to the Google Home app.	Add the device to a Tuya-enabled app and then bridge it to the Google Home app.
Amazon Alexa app for iOS and Android	Supported, used with an Alexa hub.	Supported, used with an Alexa hub.	Supported, used with an Alexa hub.	Supported, used with an Alexa hub.	Not supported yet	Not supported yet
SmartThings app	Supported, used with a SmartThings hub.	Supported, used with a SmartThings hub.	Supported, used with a SmartThings hub.	Supported, used with a SmartThings hub.	Supported, used with a Tuya-enabled Matter gateway.	Applicable to Zigbee 3.0 devices, used with a Tuya-enabled Matter gateway.

Third-party platforms’ Matter support

Apple Home

Apple incorporates its support for Matter into the iOS system, along with the HomeKit. The existing HomeKit API is natively compatible with Matter accessories, freeing users from modifying the HomeKit-supported Home app for iPhone and iPad. The Home app that runs on iOS 16.1 or later can seamlessly work with HomeKit and Matter devices.

A hub is not necessary to add a Wi-Fi HomeKit device unless remote control and automation features are desired. However, a hub is required to add a Matter device.

Amazon Alexa

To enhance the Matter device setup experience, Amazon offers two methods to eliminate or simplify manual setup processes.

• Matter Simple Setup (MSS) – Frustration-Free Setup (FFS) for Matter: When a device is paired for the first time, it can complete the setup process automatically without the user scanning QR codes or inputting setup codes.

• Commissionable Endpoint. The Commissionable Endpoint API creates a local, Matter-based connection to Alexa devices without any steps required by users with their permission. To enable another Matter connection, there is no need to input setup codes and switch between apps.

Google Home

Google’s Home Developer program allows device manufacturers to connect their smart home devices with the Google Home ecosystem. Google is expanding the Smart Home Actions local fulfillment path with the ability to add Matter-enabled devices for setup using the Google Home app (GHA) and control them using Google Assistant, GHA, or smart displays like the Google Nest Hub (2nd gen).

With Google’s comprehensive suite of tools for Matter development, you are on the fastest path to build Matter products that are compatible with all major ecosystems, and specifically work seamlessly with Google Home. Four steps to get your devices ready for Matter:

• CSA membership
• Building with Google
• Development checklist
• Compatibility

SmartThings

Matter Works With SmartThings

SmartThings is a truly open platform that connects devices across brands and ecosystems, including Works With SmartThings devices. Most Matter devices work with SmartThings right out of the box. Devices with the Works With SmartThings badge all are tested to ensure they meet the quality and user experience standards.

Matter devices must connect to a compatible hub. Connect using stand-alone SmartThings hubs or one built into the latest Samsung TVs, Smart Monitors, Family Hub refrigerators, and SmartThings Station. Users can connect a Matter device to their network through the SmartThings app. SmartThings supports all Matter devices listed in Edge Device Driver Reference > Matter Libraries.