1026 Matter Architecture and Fabric

1026.1 Matter Architecture: Complete Guide

5 min | Advanced | P08.C46.U01

Learning Objectives

By the end of this section, you will be able to:

Understand Matter’s layered protocol architecture
Explain the Matter Data Model (endpoints, clusters, attributes, commands)
Describe Matter’s Interaction Model (read, write, subscribe, invoke)
Understand fabric management and multi-admin architecture
Explain CASE and PASE security handshakes
Design Matter network topologies for different deployment scenarios

1026.2 Prerequisites

Before diving into this chapter, you should be familiar with:

Matter Protocol Overview: Understanding what Matter is and why it was created
Thread Fundamentals and Roles: Thread is Matter’s primary mesh transport
Networking Basics: IP addressing and network fundamentals
IoT Protocols Overview: Context for Matter’s position in the protocol landscape

1026.3 Chapter Overview

Matter’s architecture is comprehensive, covering protocol layers, data models, security, and network topology. This content has been organized into focused chapters for easier learning:

1026.3.1 Architecture Deep Dives

Chapter	Focus	Time
Matter Protocol Stack and Data Model	Protocol layers, nodes, endpoints, clusters, attributes, commands	15 min
Matter Interactions and Commissioning	Read, write, subscribe, invoke interactions; commissioning flow	15 min
Matter Fabric and Security	Fabrics, multi-admin, PASE, CASE, encryption, network topology	15 min

1026.3.2 Quick Reference

Geometric visualization of Matter protocol stack showing six layers from bottom to top: Link Layer (Thread, Wi-Fi, Ethernet), Network Layer (IPv6), Transport Layer (UDP with MRP reliable protocol), Message Layer (framing), Security Layer (AES-CCM encryption with CASE and PASE authentication), and Application Layer (Data Model with clusters, attributes, commands and Interaction Model) — Matter Protocol Stack

Artistic representation of Matter fabric architecture showing multiple nodes belonging to the same fabric with shared root of trust, demonstrating multi-admin capability where a single device can be controlled by multiple ecosystems like Apple Home, Google Home, and Amazon Alexa simultaneously — Matter Fabric Architecture

1026.4 Key Concepts Summary

1026.4.1 Protocol Stack Layers

Layer	Component	Responsibility
Application	Data Model	Define device capabilities
Application	Interaction Model	Define how to access capabilities
Security	CASE/PASE	Establish secure sessions
Security	AES-CCM	Encrypt and authenticate messages
Transport	MRP	Ensure reliable delivery over UDP
Network	IPv6	Route packets between nodes
Link	Thread/Wi-Fi/Eth	Physical transmission

1026.4.2 Data Model Hierarchy

Node (Physical Device)
├── Endpoint 0 (Root/Utility)
│   ├── Basic Information Cluster
│   └── Network Commissioning Cluster
└── Endpoint 1+ (Application)
    ├── Cluster (e.g., On/Off)
    │   ├── Attribute (OnOff: boolean)
    │   └── Command (Toggle)
    └── Cluster (e.g., Level Control)
        ├── Attribute (CurrentLevel: uint8)
        └── Command (MoveToLevel)

1026.4.3 Security Model

Protocol	Purpose	When Used
PASE	Passcode-based session	Initial commissioning
CASE	Certificate-based session	Normal operation
AES-CCM	Message encryption	All messages after session

1026.4.4 Multi-Admin (Fabrics)

Fabric = Administrative domain with shared Root CA
Max Fabrics = Typically 5 per device
Independent control = Each ecosystem operates separately
No cloud bridging = Direct local control

1026.5 Learning Path

Recommended Order

Start with Protocol Stack and Data Model - Understand the foundation
Then Interactions and Commissioning - Learn how devices communicate
Finally Fabric and Security - Master multi-admin and encryption

1026.7 What’s Next

Begin your deep dive into Matter architecture:

Matter Protocol Stack and Data Model - Start with the foundational architecture