OpenThread Border Router GL-S200 for Thread and BLE

A Reliable Low-Power Mesh Network

If you're looking to add a reliable mesh network for your low-power devices, look no further than this OpenThread Border Router, a device that can forward information between a Thread network and a non-Thread network (for example, Wi-Fi). We use a commercially available off-the-shelf GL-S200 Thread Border Router designed for users to host and manage low power and reliable IoT mesh networks. The device supports both Thread and BLE protocols and is capable of running both of them simultaneously.

The Thread protocol is optimal under high-density networks while avoiding network congestion. Bluetooth Low Energy is capable of connecting to devices at greater distances, effectively providing users with the flexibility to connect to a wide range of devices. And the GL-S200 provides a simple Admin Panel UI to configure the Border Router, and it also provides a Topology Graph to see all the node devices as well as the relationship between them.

The GL-S200 Thread Border Router has a Thread network pre-configured, just like a Wi-Fi router, and the good news doesn't stop there. The GL-S200 also translates between IPv6 and IPv4 addresses, so don't worry if your home or work network isn't IPv6 based.

You can connect to the Border Router with an Ethernet cable or over Wi-Fi. To access the web Admin Panel, visit http://192.168.8.1 (a default address, it might differ on your network) and set up an admin password. Once done, head over to the Thread Mesh tab in the sidebar.

Golioth offers a starter project on GitHub that can be leveraged to add the border router to the platform and begin transmitting data back and forth.

• Optimized for high-density networks without causing congestion
• Thread and Bluetooth Low Energy compatible for connecting at greater distances
• Simple configuration with friendly admin panel interface
• Interface includes Topolog Graph for viewing all node devices and relationships

• Supports AES encryption and phone authentication
• Built on the power-efficient IEEE 802.15.4 MAC/PHY
• Open IPv6-based Protocol featuring auto-configuration and multicasting
• Runs on OpenWrt 21.02 (Kernel version 5.4)
• DNS over TLS & DNS over HTTPS
• OpenVPN/WireGuard supporting 30+ VPN services