---
title: ThreadNetwork
framework: ThreadNetwork
role: collection
role_heading: Framework
platforms: [iOS 15.0+, iPadOS 15.0+, Mac Catalyst 16.1+, macOS 14.0+, visionOS 1.0+]
path: threadnetwork
---

# ThreadNetwork

Create robust, smart device networks using Thread Border Routers.

## Overview

Overview The Thread standard is a low-power, wireless mesh networking protocol that runs over standard Internet protocols that allows smart home devices — such as Apple Home—compatible devices — to communicate with each other. Mesh networks are peer-to-peer networks that don’t have a single, centrally defined router, eliminating the risk of a single point of failure. They can dynamically reconfigure themselves and discover nearby peer devices with shared credentials. This allows them to maintain communication even when some devices go offline, like the following image illustrates:

The robustness of Thread relies on member devices forwarding packets to their neighbors; this creates a mesh that strengthens and increases its reliability as people add more devices. The mesh can also provide faster communication, especially over large networks, because there are more paths for messages to take across the network. The Thread Border Router hardware device is a key element of Thread networks. It routes IP traffic between Thread and Wi-Fi or Ethernet networks, and enables iOS devices to communicate with Thread devices. HomePod and HomePod mini are examples of Border Routers. To create your own Thread Border Router, use the ThreadNetwork framework to configure and manage your router. The ThreadNetwork framework helps you choose the right Thread network for your certified Thread Border Router. Learn about Thread network device roles A Thread network can contain several types of devices that someone can deploy in many combinations: The following image illustrates the connections between a Border Router, an end device, and a sleepy end device:

To learn more about Thread, visit the OpenThread Guides and What is Thread? note: Thread standard is developed by the Thread Group, and that use of “Thread” to describe Border Routers is subject to Thread Group’s Trademark and Certification Policies. To learn more about the process of ThreadNetwork development, see Getting started with ThreadNetwork.

## Topics

### Setting up Thread Border Routers

- [Getting started with ThreadNetwork](threadnetwork/getting-started-with-threadnetwork.md)
- [Configuring a Border Router](threadnetwork/configuring-a-border-router.md)
- [Managing Thread network credentials](threadnetwork/managing-thread-network-credentials.md)

### Managing clients and sharing credentials

- [com.apple.developer.networking.manage-thread-network-credentials](bundleresources/entitlements/com.apple.developer.networking.manage-thread-network-credentials.md)
- [THClient](threadnetwork/thclient.md)
- [THCredentials](threadnetwork/thcredentials.md)