Questions about Commissioner and Joiner in Thread network

[Quay]

NRF52840 and NCS

We currently have a large Thread network and plan to configure the network using the Commissioner-Joiner form of network credential distribution. 

I have a question now. 

In a Thread network, the device that joins first will have priority to become a Router. When the number of Routers reaches 32, the devices that join later can only become REEDs. When the distance between the Leader/Commissioner and the new Joiner is too long to communicate directly, will the Router and REED proxy forward the Joiner's request?

The schematic diagram is as follows:

[Charlie]

Hi,

Thank you for reaching out to us with this question.

In theory, this should not work. For a REED to successfully help a Joiner connect to the Thread network, it must promote itself to a router role, which would exceed the limit of 32 routers.

I recommend testing this scenario to confirm the behavior. If you observe any differences or unexpected results, we can dive deeper into the details to investigate further.

Let me know how it goes!

Best regards,

Charlie

[Quay]

Thank you for your answer.

Is there any other way to solve this problem?

[Charlie]

Not easy to break the limitation defined by Thread specification. You may check Issues · openthread/openthread for a custom solution.