Broadband Forum’s New Spec Cracks the Code for Greater Control of Thread Connected Devices

Seamless communications of devices over Thread networks, improved management of Fixed Wireless Access, and support of Wi-Fi HaLow inside and outside the smart home

Broadband service providers (BSPs) now have more visibility and control of devices and applications connected over a Thread network thanks to the publication of an updated specification from Broadband Forum.

The latest update to its TR-181 data model – Device:2.19 – is set to provide comprehensive support for managed smart home deployments using low-power mesh networking. Those BSPs that adopt the Broadband Forum data model can remotely communicate and manage the Customer Premises Equipment (CPE), such as modems, routers, or wireless access points, and diagnose problems with Thread connected devices.

“Interoperability of devices is a hot topic in the smart home, and we recognize the importance of our role in bridging communications between all Thread connected devices,” Broadband Forum CEO Craig Thomas said. “Alongside this, the updated specification promises improved management of diverse smart home technologies, such as Wi-Fi HaLow. We are excited to see the Connected User Work Area advance its mission to simplify the home broadband network.”

Another major enhancement is a revamped data model for cellular radio interfaces, built to support FWA use cases. This advancement aligns with Broadband Forum’s Wireless Wireline Convergence work, enables broadband CPE to leverage cellular connectivity more effectively, and aligns with deployment models using Broadband Forum’s USP/TR-369 protocol for management, telemetry, and automation.

Device:2.19 also expands support for Wi-Fi Alliance’s Data Elements Release 4, introducing standardized KPIs that improve monitoring and troubleshooting of Wi-Fi performance. The inclusion of Wi-Fi HaLow elements further extends coverage to long-range, low-power devices.

“Device:2.19 reflects our commitment to evolving with network operator needs,” said Jason Walls of QA Cafe, Co-Director of Broadband Forum’s Connected User Work Area. “With support for next-generation smart home technology, Wi-Fi performance metrics, and Fixed Wireless Access, we’re giving BSPs powerful tools to deliver exceptional broadband experiences.”

The TR-181 Device:2.19 data model continues to apply broadly across residential gateways, CPE, and other access devices, supporting flexible deployment and lifecycle management under a unified, standards-based framework.

About the Broadband Forum

The Broadband Forum is an industry-driven global standards development organization helping operators, application providers, and vendors deliver better, services-led broadband.

As the industry-recognized center of competence, the Broadband Forum provides an accessible, efficient, and effective community where all broadband stakeholders can collaborate on, develop, and promote open standards and open software. This provides the basis for deployable solutions for the global broadband industry.

The forum publishes interoperable standards and open software, has launched certification programs, and promotes industry education. These best practices and models can be adopted to help realize an effective broadband ecosystem that drives a thriving, services-led broadband industry based on global collaboration, open standards, and open source, maximizing value for all stakeholders.

For more information, visit https://www.broadband-forum.org/. For the latest updates, follow Broadband Forum on LinkedIn, Twitter, and YouTube.

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