| # Configuring OpenThread Radio Co-processor on nRF52840 Dongle |
| |
| OpenThread Radio Co-processor design allows to add Thread network capabilities |
| to devices that do not natively support Thread. |
| |
| You can build and program |
| [OpenThread Radio Co-Processor](https://openthread.io/platforms/co-processor) |
| (RCP) firmware onto Nordic Semiconductor's |
| [nRF52840 Dongle](https://www.nordicsemi.com/Software-and-tools/Development-Kits/nRF52840-Dongle). |
| Once programmed, the dongle can be used for |
| [configuring Thread network on a Linux machine](./openthread_border_router_pi.md). |
| |
| ## Requirements |
| |
| You need to set up the |
| [nRF Connect SDK](https://docs.nordicsemi.com/bundle/ncs-latest/page/nrf/index.html) |
| to build and program the OpenThread Radio Co-Processor to the nRF52840 Dongle. |
| Read the |
| [nRF Connect SDK installation](https://docs.nordicsemi.com/bundle/ncs-latest/page/nrf/installation.html) |
| documentation for more information. |
| |
| ## Building and programming the RCP firmware onto an nRF52840 Dongle |
| |
| After you set up the nRF Connect SDK, follow the steps in the |
| [Configuring a radio co-processor](https://docs.nordicsemi.com/bundle/ncs-latest/page/nrf/protocols/thread/tools.html#configuring_a_radio_co-processor) |
| section for the nRF52840 Dongle (USB transport). |
