Can a Thread Boarder Router have Leader role?

[Jungo88]

Dear support team,

Can a Thread Boarder Router have Leader role? I have not seen any document which mention about it but all the Thread topology diagram have independent boarder routers and a leader node. Is this technically possible?

Thanks and regards,

Jungo

[Jørgen Holmefjord]

Hi Jungo,

Yes, any Router can take the leader role, and a Border Router is a specific type of Router that provides connectivity from the 802.15.4 network to adjacent networks on other physical layers (for example, Wi-Fi and Ethernet). More details about this can ba found on page 5 of the Thread Overview whitepaper:

A Router or Border Router can assume a Leader role for certain functions in the Thread Network. This Leader is required to make decisions within the network. For example, the Leader assigns Router addresses and allows new Router requests. The Leader role is elected and if the Leader fails, another Router or Border Router assumes the Leader role. It is this autonomous operation that ensures there is no single point of failure.

Best regards,
Jørgen

[Jungo88]

Hi Jorgen,

Sorry for my late reply and noted how the leader role can be assigned to routers including border router.

Thanks and regards,

Jungo