How does KNX work?

KNX is a wired system. The ‘KNX bus’ line is the main central nervous system for all automatons. It is a green cable, which is installed alongside the conventional mains supply during a new build or renovation project. The KNX bus is routed in parallel to the electrical power supply to all devices and systems on the network.

All of the various building technology elements are then connected to one another via the main KNX bus line in accordance with the KNX standard for building automation. Via configuration and programming the behaviour of the system can be defined and changed.

A click on a button will send a message, and a light can react on this message by turning on. Or multiple lights can react to the same message.

The messages and their types are defined in the KNX standard.  Devices that conform to the KNX standard understand these messages and types. A KNX system ensures each device is connected and properly ‘catalogued’ with a group address and device parameters. It doesn’t matter if it is a sensor, a motor, a camera, or a fireplace.

Your KNX system knows where each device is, what it does, and how to communicate with it. This way it can bring all these different elements together into a single system. KNX has many benefits.

KNX is not a DIY system. You will need a KNX licensed system integrator that takes care of the design of your home automation and the planning of the installation and configuration of devices and the system. System integrators use specialised, manufacturer-independent ETS Software, whereby the manufacturers’ product data is contained in the ETS database.

KNX does not provide integration with Home automation standards such as Apple HomeKit, Google Home or Amazon Alexa. This is where you need a Thinka. How does Thinka connect KNX to HomeKit?