How many devices can be configured in a single thread network?

[Akshay D R]

I am working on an application to connect approximately 500 devices in a single network... trying to check if Thread or Mesh is a better option... Please do suggest... 

[Jørgen Holmefjord]

Hi,

The theoretical limit in number of addressable devices in a thread network is 16 384 (max 32 active routers and 511 children per router). I do not know the exact practical limit in number of devices, but it have at least been tested with 250+ devices in a Thread network, but 500 could also be possible.

In a Bluetooth Mesh network, up to 32 768 devices can be addressed. 

Thread is a routed mesh, meaning that each router maintains a list of all paths and costs in the network. This allows the nodes to send the packets through the shortest path to the destination. In Bluetooth Mesh, the packet is transmitted and relayed through very node in the network. The topology of the network, and what/how much data is being sent will impact the choice of technology. 

Our nRF52840 support both OpenThread and Bluetooth Mesh, allowing you to test and switch between solutions on the same HW.

Best regards,
Jørgen

[Akshay D R]

Hello Jorgen,

      Thank you for your reply. Mostly we are trying to send sensor information. 15bytes/ packet should be good enough. 

[Akshay D R]

Also can we configure the network at the site? is it complex??? where can i get more information on thread??? SDK Documents only??? Lastly can configuration part be integrated with out application??? our application runs over a processor and has linux OS running on it... 

[awneil]

Akshay D R said:

can we configure the network at the site?

What do you need to "configure"?

Akshay D R said:

where can i get more information on thread?

https://www.threadgroup.org/

[Akshay D R]

How can we provision the network at the site? getting all the nodes to same network