[KNX] Also known as Konnex, KNX is a technology that provides greater control over building management. The KNX Association introduced version 3.0 of its standard that allows the use of IPv6 for the Internet of Things.
What is the KNX protocol?
Behind the acronym KNX, we distinguish both associations (read below) An open global standard created in 1990 to connect the different uses of a building. This KNX protocol, which celebrated its 30th anniversary on October 20, 2020, is used to gain precise and responsive control of the building’s internal systems. It is based on a communication bus (KNX 2-wire 8/10th cable) that connects all connected units.
KNX and the Internet of Things
The KNX Association introduced version 3.0 of its standard in April 2022, which concludes work that has been carried out on the KNX IoT project since 2017. There have been no changes since version 2.1 was published in 2013. For Connected Object manufacturers, this version allows them, in addition to designing KNX products based on TP, RF, and KNXnet/IP, to more easily interact with KNX installations via RESTful web services and using IPv6 networks, such as Thread. “Of course, there is no doubt that the KNX IoT specification is likely to improve further with more features and improved test specifications,” the association said in a statement. The latter plans to offer version 3.0 to non-KNX members for download via MyKNX.
What is the role of KNX in home automation?
The KNX protocol is mainly used for lighting control, curtain control, monitoring, energy management or the use of household appliances. This technology is particularly suitable for home automation systems and, accordingly, for the Internet of Things. More than 8000 products are certified and interoperable with KNX.
Any install for KNX?
KNX communication methods can be modified according to different technologies: radio frequency, Ethernet connection or electrical network. The use of KNX thus avoids an increase in infrastructure, especially since the installation of cables, regulators and detectors has an additional cost. This is without taking into account the risk of fire. In addition to this structural feature, KNX is compatible with other internal systems such as IP, telephone and multimedia networks. Its structure allows for different configuration modes of a dedicated and completely independent PC or console. KNX developers also developed the KNX Secure security architecture. This is based on internationally accepted security algorithms (ISO 18033-3) and encryption (AES 128 CCM) to prevent computer attacks on the digital infrastructure of buildings.
KNX Association
The association of Bâtibus Club, EHSA and EIBA (former name of KNX Association) led to the creation of the KNX Association in 1999 around twenty founding members. This initiative was born out of a desire to provide a standard that building and equipment manufacturers could rely on. The KNX Association is therefore the creator and owner of KNX technology that it promotes as a global standard dedicated to the control of buildings and homes. KNX has been in the United States since 2015 and created the KNX National Group USA. The KNX Association brings together more than 500 manufacturer members and 100,000 installers around the world, in 190 countries.
KNX Protocol: PDF
The KNX Association provides various PDFs that explain the principles and advantages of the KNX system, technical specifications of buildings, and various solutions or even possible training. Click here to download it.
KNX protocol in Hagar
Hager was committed from the beginning, in 1990, to creating KNX. The company is one of the founding members, along with 14 other manufacturers, to promote an open protocol. Hager develops solutions to improve the comfort and safety of electrical installations in the home. The brand offers solutions for controlling equipment with KNX. Thus it markets the KNX/DALI broadcast driver, dimmer module, presence and light detector, and KNX curtain and blinds control module.
KNX protocol at Schneider Electric
Schneider Electric’s KNX offering makes it possible to connect residential and tertiary buildings thanks to the commercialization of several bus power supply systems. In particular, they make it possible to turn on or off heating or air conditioning devices depending on the presence of the occupants of the house. Schneider Electric guarantees savings of up to 20% per year on your energy bill.
KNX with Google Home
The speakerphone connected to Google Home, which controls home automation objects by voice, is compatible with the KNX protocol. Hager or Legrand produces portals to enhance communications on a building network with connected objects and voice assistants.
KNX protocol training
KNX France industrial members and independent trainers provide training on the KNX Communications Standard, on how to design and build fixtures with KNX, or on the tools needed to master the implementation of a project with KNX. Training is provided by accredited and accredited centers that fully comply with the specifications set by KNX. The latter identified 515 KNX protocol training centers worldwide in 2020. There are 13 centers in France. Among them is the Hager Training Center in Obernai. It offers three levels of training, both for people who are novice in the electrical trade and for professionals who want to enhance their technical skills.