Aliro Fundamentals#

This page introduces the Aliro access-control standard, its goals, supported transports, security model, and relationship to Matter.

Overview#

Aliro is an open access-control standard developed by the Connectivity Standards Alliance (CSA). It standardizes how smartphones, wearables, smart cards, and other credential devices securely communicate with electronic locks and access readers. The goal is vendor-independent interoperability across device manufacturers, mobile operating systems, and access control vendors, similar to how Matter provides interoperability for smart home devices.

Silicon Labs ships an Aliro reader implementation as part of the Aliro extension v2.0.0, targeting Aliro Specification 1.0.0 on EFR32MG24 and EFR32MG26 wireless MCUs with Simplicity SDK 2026.6.1.

Goals#

Aliro addresses several long-standing challenges in electronic access control:

  • Vendor-independent interoperability

  • Secure mobile credentials

  • Standardized communication between readers and user devices

  • Support for residential and commercial deployments

  • Consistent user experience across Apple, Google, Samsung, and other mobile ecosystems

Typical Use Cases#

  • Smart home door locks

  • Apartment and condominium access

  • Office buildings

  • Hotels

  • Universities

  • Enterprise access control

  • Parking garages

  • Elevators

Supported Communication Technologies#

Aliro supports three communication configurations based on Near Field Communication (NFC), Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), and Ultra-Wideband (UWB).

NFC#

Tap-to-unlock.

  • Lowest power

  • Works even with depleted phone battery on supported devices

  • Mandatory for certification

NFC + Bluetooth LE#

Adds:

  • Longer discovery range

  • More flexible transaction establishment

NFC + BLE + UWB#

Adds:

  • Precise ranging

  • Hands-free unlock

  • Passive entry experiences

High-Level Architecture#

Aliro standardizes the communication between the user device (phone, watch, card) and the reader (lock or wall reader). It does not define how the reader communicates with the remainder of the building or home automation system. The backend may use Matter, Wi-Fi, Ethernet, proprietary protocols, or other technologies.

Security Model#

Aliro is built around modern public-key cryptography.

Key features include:

  • Mutual authentication

  • Certificate-based identities

  • Encrypted communication

  • Privacy-preserving credentials

  • Offline operation

  • Persistent secure sessions for faster repeat transactions

Relationship to Matter#

Matter and Aliro are complementary technologies.

Matter

Aliro

Controls smart devices

Opens doors and access points

Internet Protocol (IP)-based application protocol

Access credential protocol

Runs over Thread/Wi-Fi/Ethernet

Runs over NFC, BLE, and UWB

Smart home interoperability

Access control interoperability

A Matter door lock may support Aliro, allowing users to unlock the door using a standardized digital credential while configuring and controlling the lock through Matter. Silicon Labs provides AliroMatterLock as an example that combines both.

Benefits#

For Manufacturers#

  • Reduced integration effort

  • One protocol for multiple mobile ecosystems

  • Simplified certification

For Installers#

  • Easier deployment

  • Multi-vendor interoperability

For End Users#

  • Phone or watch replaces physical keys

  • Consistent experience

  • Enhanced security

Ecosystem#

Aliro is developed by the Connectivity Standards Alliance with participation from companies including:

  • Apple

  • Google

  • Samsung

  • Allegion

  • ASSA ABLOY

  • HID

  • Infineon

  • NXP

  • STMicroelectronics

  • Silicon Labs

References#

Next Steps#