The Matter Distributed Compliance Ledger (DCL) is a centralized, decentralized database used to monitor and ensure the compliance of Matter-certified devices. It enables trusted and transparent storage of compliance data, allowing users and manufacturers to ensure that a device meets the required standards and security requirements of the Matter protocol.
Table of contents
- What does Matter Distributed Compliance Ledger (DCL) mean?
- Frequently asked questions
- What is the Matter Distributed Compliance Ledger?
- How does the DCL work?
- Why is the DCL important for Matter devices?
- Who manages the DCL?
- How safe is the DCL?
- Individual references
What does Matter Distributed Compliance Ledger (DCL) mean?
The Matter Distributed Compliance Ledger (DCL) is a key component of the Matter standard, developed by the Connectivity Standards Alliance (CSA) to ensure the interoperability and security of smart home devices. The DCL serves as a transparent and decentralized registry for all Matter-certified devices. Compliance data for all certified devices is centrally stored and managed here, enabling easy and rapid verification of certification and security standards. Manufacturers and users can thus be confident that the listed devices actually meet the high requirements of the Matter standard.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Matter Distributed Compliance Ledger?
The Matter Distributed Compliance Ledger (DCL) is a decentralized database specifically designed to manage compliance data for Matter-certified smart home devices. It stores information about each device that has received Matter certification and allows users and manufacturers to transparently and securely verify a device's compliance status. Because the DCL is based on blockchain-like technology, it is tamper-proof and ensures the integrity of the stored data.
How does the DCL work?
The Matter Distributed Compliance Ledger functions similarly to a blockchain. Each Matter-certified device is stored in the DCL along with its compliance data. This data includes, for example, certification information, firmware versions, and security logs. Once a device is registered and its data is stored in the ledger, this information can no longer be tampered with. The system is designed to provide a secure and traceable history of all compliance-relevant changes to a device.
Why is the DCL important for Matter devices?
The DCL is an essential building block for building trust in Matter-certified devices. It provides a transparent way for users to verify whether a device actually complies with the security and interoperability standards of the Matter protocol. Furthermore, it allows manufacturers to track compliance with standards throughout a device's entire lifecycle. This is especially important because smart home devices often perform safety-critical functions and must therefore always comply with the latest security requirements.
Who manages the DCL?
The Matter Distributed Compliance Ledger is managed by the Connectivity Standards Alliance (CSA), the organization that developed the Matter standard. The CSA ensures that all compliance data is stored accurately and managed securely. The CSA also works with manufacturers to ensure that all new Matter-certified devices are included in the DCL and that the data remains up-to-date.
How safe is the DCL?
The DCL's security is based on blockchain-like technology that creates tamper-proof and immutable records. Each Matter-certified device receives a unique entry in the ledger, protected by cryptographic procedures. This ensures that compliance data cannot be subsequently altered and that each entry contains a complete history of all changes. The DCL thus meets high security requirements to ensure the integrity and trustworthiness of compliance data.