Matter tools¶

GN tool
Matter controller tools
- Python controller for Linux
- Mobile controller for Android
Thread tools

Use tools listed on this page to test Matter samples and develop Matter applications in the nRF Connect SDK.

GN tool ¶

To build and develop Matter applications, you need the GN meta-build system. This system generates the Ninja files that the nRF Connect SDK uses.

If you are updating from the nRF Connect SDK version earlier than v1.5.0, see the GN installation instructions.

The Matter controller is a role within the Matter development environment. The controller device is used to pair and control the Matter accessory device remotely over a network, interacting with it using Bluetooth LE and the regular IPv6 communication.

The following figure shows the available Matter controllers in the nRF Connect SDK.

Controllers used by Matter¶

Python controller for Linux ¶

The Python Matter controller allows you to test Matter applications on a PC running Linux. You can use it either on a separate device from Thread Border Router or on the same device as Thread Border Router, depending on which development environment setup option you choose.

To use this controller type, you need to build it first using one of the following options:

Use the prebuilt tool package from the Matter nRF Connect releases GitHub page. Make sure that the package is compatible with your nRF Connect SDK version.
Build it manually from the source files available in the modules/lib/matter/src/controller/python directory and using the building instructions from the Working with Python CHIP Controller page in the Matter documentation.

For instructions about how to test using the Python Controller for Linux, see the Working with Python CHIP Controller page in the Matter documentation.

Mobile controller for Android ¶

The Mobile Controller for Android allows you to test Matter applications using an Android smartphone. You can use it in the development environment setup option where Thread Border Router and Matter controller are running on separate devices.

To use this controller type, you need to build it first using one of the following options:

Use the prebuilt tool package from the Matter nRF Connect releases GitHub page. Make sure that the package is compatible with your nRF Connect SDK version.
Build it manually from the source files available in the modules/lib/matter/src/android/CHIPTool directory and using the building instructions from the Building Android CHIPTool page in the Matter documentation.

For instructions about how to test using the Mobile Controller for Android, see the Commissioning nRF Connect Accessory using Android CHIPTool page in the Matter documentation.

Thread tools ¶

Because Matter is based on the Thread network, you can use the following Thread tools when working with Matter in the nRF Connect SDK.

Thread Border Router ¶

The Thread Border Router is a specific type of Border Router device that provides connectivity from the IEEE 802.15.4 network to adjacent networks on other physical layers (such as Wi-Fi or Ethernet). Border Routers provide services for devices within the IEEE 802.15.4 network, including routing services for off-network operations.

See the Thread Border Router documentation for configuration instructions.

nRF Sniffer for 802.15.4 ¶

The nRF Sniffer for 802.15.4 is a tool for learning about and debugging applications that are using protocols based on IEEE 802.15.4, like Thread or Zigbee. It provides a near real-time display of 802.15.4 packets that are sent back and forth between devices, even when the link is encrypted.

See nRF Sniffer for 802.15.4 for documentation.

nRF Thread Topology Monitor ¶

nRF Thread Topology Monitor is a desktop application that connects to a Thread network through a serial connection to visualize the topology of Thread devices. It allows you to scan for new devices in real time, check their parameters, and inspect network processes through the log.

See nRF Thread Topology Monitor for documentation.