Matter Glossary - Smart Home Terms Explained

Connectivity

Thread

A low-power wireless mesh network designed for smart home devices. Thread devices create a mesh where each device can relay messages to others, improving range and reliability.

Thread is especially good for battery-powered devices like sensors and locks. Requires a Thread Border Router (built into Apple TV 4K, HomePod Mini, some Google/Amazon devices).

Example: Eve Door Sensor uses Thread and can run for months on a single battery.

WiFi

Standard wireless connection using your home WiFi network. No additional hub required. Most common for plugs, bulbs, and devices that are always powered.

Example: A Meross Smart Plug connects directly to your WiFi router.

Ethernet

Wired network connection. Offers the most reliable connection but requires running cables. Typically found in hubs, bridges, and some high-end devices.

Border Router

A device that connects a Thread network to your IP network (WiFi/Ethernet). Required for Thread devices to communicate with the internet and your phone.

Example: Apple TV 4K, HomePod Mini, Google Nest Hub (2nd gen), Amazon Echo (4th gen)

Clusters

Cluster

A group of related features that a device can have. Each cluster defines specific attributes (data the device reports) and commands (actions you can trigger).

Example: The "On/Off" cluster includes an attribute for current state (on or off) and commands to turn on, turn off, or toggle.

Server Cluster

A capability that a device provides. When a device has a server cluster, it means other devices (or your app) can read data from it or send commands to it.

Example: A light bulb has "On/Off" as a server cluster — it can be turned on/off by others.

Client Cluster

A capability that a device uses from other devices. When a device has a client cluster, it can control that feature on other devices.

Example: A wall switch has "On/Off" as a client cluster — it can turn other devices on/off.

Common Clusters

Here are some clusters you'll see frequently:

On/Off 0x0006 — Turn device on or off
Level Control 0x0008 — Dimming, volume, or other levels
Color Control 0x0300 — Color temperature and RGB colors
Temperature Measurement 0x0402 — Reports temperature readings
Occupancy Sensing 0x0406 — Motion/presence detection
Door Lock 0x0101 — Lock and unlock commands
Thermostat 0x0201 — HVAC control

Device Concepts

Binding

A direct connection between two devices that allows them to communicate without going through a hub. Bindings work even when your internet or hub is offline.

Example: Bind a smart switch to a smart bulb. Press the switch, and the bulb responds instantly — no cloud, no hub, no delay.

Endpoint

A logical sub-device within a physical device. A single Matter device can have multiple endpoints, each representing different functionality.

Example: A power strip with 4 outlets might have 4 endpoints (one per outlet) plus a 5th endpoint for overall device control.

Device Type

A predefined template that specifies what clusters a device should support. Device types ensure consistency — all "Dimmable Lights" support the same basic features.

Examples: On/Off Light, Dimmable Light, Color Temperature Light, Door Lock, Thermostat, Contact Sensor

Vendor ID

A unique number assigned to each manufacturer by the Connectivity Standards Alliance (CSA). Used to identify who made a device.

Examples: Eve = 4874, Aqara = 4447, Philips = 4107

Product ID

A number assigned by the vendor to identify a specific product model. Combined with Vendor ID, it uniquely identifies any Matter device.

Matter Specification

Matter Version / Spec Version

The version of the Matter specification a device was built against. Newer versions add features and device types. Current versions include 1.0, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, and 1.4.

Example: Matter 1.3 added support for water leak sensors and electric vehicle chargers.

Mandatory Cluster

A cluster that the Matter specification requires for a specific device type. If a device is missing mandatory clusters, it's not fully spec-compliant.

Optional Cluster

A cluster that a device may support but isn't required to. Optional clusters provide extra functionality beyond the basics.

DCL (Distributed Compliance Ledger)

A public database maintained by the CSA that lists all certified Matter devices. We use DCL data to match vendor/product IDs to product names.