Definition: Matrix is an open, federated protocol for real-time communication such as chat, voice and video calls. Many independent servers exchange messages under shared rules. Messages can be end-to-end encrypted, and each organization can run its own server.
What Is Matrix?
Most messengers belong to one provider. All messages pass through its servers, and to join in, you need an account right there. Matrix works differently. It is an open standard that anyone may use.
A picture: Matrix works like email. You have your mailbox with your provider, your customer has one with another, and you can still write to each other. In Matrix, an address looks like this: @anna:example.com.
Matrix was created in 2014. Today, the non-profit Matrix.org Foundation looks after the standard. The first stable version of the spec came out in 2019.
How Matrix Works
Homeserver
Each user has an account on a homeserver. Their rooms and messages are stored there. The best-known homeserver is called Synapse. Others include Dendrite and Conduit.
Rooms
Chats take place in rooms, including direct messages between two people. Each server involved keeps a copy of the room. If one server fails, the history is not lost.
Federation
Homeservers exchange messages directly with each other. But an organization can also run its server closed off or connect it only to chosen partners.
Clients
For users, the app is what counts. The best-known one is called Element and runs in the browser, on the desktop and on phones. There are many other apps as well.
End-to-End Encryption
If you want, Matrix encrypts messages so that only the people in the chat can read them. Even the server then sees only data it cannot read. There are two methods for this:
- Olm: a secure link between two devices, based on the double ratchet idea that Signal also uses.
- Megolm: efficient encryption for rooms with many members.
To stop anyone from slipping in a strange device, users should confirm new devices. Element offers a check with emojis or a QR code for this.
Bridges to Other Services
Through bridges, Matrix connects to other chat services, such as Slack, Telegram or WhatsApp. The bridges of the mautrix project are well known. This lets users chat from Matrix with contacts on other networks.
Important for security: at the bridge, messages must be decrypted so that the other service can understand them. Bridges therefore need clear rules on who may use them and which content may leave.
Matrix in the Public Sector
- BwMessenger: the messenger of the German armed forces.
- TI-Messenger: the gematik standard for secure exchange in German healthcare.
- Tchap: the messenger of the French government.
- openDesk: the digital workplace for German public administration uses Element for chat.
The reasons are control over their own data, open standards without being tied to one vendor and the option to link public bodies with each other.
Benefits
- Data control: messages and metadata stay on your own server.
- Open standard: no dependence on a single vendor.
- Outside links: targeted federation with partners instead of closed islands.
- Encryption: end-to-end encryption for private chats.
Limits and Challenges
- Operations: your own homeserver needs care, updates and backups.
- Metadata in federation: the servers involved see who is in a room and when people write, even if the content is encrypted.
- Key management: if you lose all your devices and have no key backup, you can no longer read old messages.
- Bridges: they break end-to-end encryption at the handover point.
Matrix in SecTepe.Comm
The chat in SecTepe.Comm is based on Matrix, with the Synapse server and the Element app. It also uses Keycloak, PostgreSQL, Jitsi, LiveKit and mautrix. Direct messages and invite-only rooms are end-to-end encrypted by default. The server runs on its own or connects only to partners you trust. You can read more about how it works with video calls in our article Matrix and Jitsi: end-to-end encrypted communication.
Conclusion
Matrix is an open standard for chat and calls in which many servers work together instead of one central platform. This way, organizations keep control over their data and can still connect with partners. Running it securely takes well-kept servers, confirmed devices and clear rules for bridges.
FAQ about Matrix Protocol
What is Matrix in simple terms?
Matrix is an open standard for chat, voice and video calls. Instead of one central provider, there are many servers that talk to each other. Each organization can run its own server and still chat with users on other servers, much like email.
Is Matrix a messenger?
Matrix itself is a protocol, a set of rules. The messenger app most people use is called Element. But there are many other apps for Matrix. When people talk about a "Matrix messenger", they usually mean such an app together with a Matrix server.
Is Matrix secure and end-to-end encrypted?
Matrix supports end-to-end encryption with the Olm and Megolm methods. They are based on the double ratchet idea that Signal also uses. In Element, private chats are encrypted by default. But a well-maintained server, device checks and clear rules for bridges to other services also matter.
What is the difference between Matrix, Signal and WhatsApp?
Signal and WhatsApp are central services: all users depend on one provider's servers. With Matrix, each organization can run its own server and decide which other servers it connects to. This keeps data and metadata in-house.
Who uses Matrix?
Besides many companies and open source projects, public bodies also rely on Matrix. Examples are the BwMessenger of the German armed forces, the TI-Messenger in German healthcare and Tchap, the messenger of the French government.
What is Synapse?
Synapse is the best-known server for Matrix, called a homeserver. It stores accounts and rooms and exchanges messages with other servers. There are other homeservers too, such as Dendrite or Conduit.