The KNX Standard :: Communication media

Apart from the 3 configuration modes, the KNX standard includes several communication media. Each communication medium can be used in combination with one or more configuration modes, which allows each manufacturer to choose the right combination for the target market segment and application.

TP (Twisted Pair)

• TP-0, (Twisted pair, type 0)

This communication medium, twisted pair, bitrate 4800 bits/s, has been taken over from BatiBUS. The KNX TP0 certified products will operate on the same busline as the BatiBUS certified components but they will not be able to exchange information.

• TP-1, (Twisted pair, type 1)

This communication medium, twisted pair, bitrate 9600 bits/s, has been taken over from EIB. The EIB and KNX TP1 certified TP1 products will operate and communicate with each other on the same busline.

PL (Power Line)

• PL-110, (Power-line, 110 kHz)

This communication medium, power line, bitrate 1200 bits/s, has also been taken over from EIB. The EIB and KNX PL110 certified products will operate and communicate with each other on the same electrical distribution network.

• PL-132, (Power-line, 132 kHz)

This communication medium, power line, bitrate 2400 bits/s, has been taken over from EHS, where it is still used. KNX PL132 certified components and EHS 1.3a certified products, will operate together on the same network but will not communicate with each other, without a dedicated protocol converter.

RF, (Radio frequency on 868 MHz)

This communication medium, radio frequency with a bitrate of 38.4 kbits/s, has been developed directly within the framework of the KNX standard.

Ethernet, (KNXnet/IP)

This widespread communication medium can be used in conjunction with the “KNXnet/IP” specifications, which allow tunnelling of KNX frames encapsulated in IP frames.

 

For a more detailed explanation of the various configuration media, please refer to the presentations of the KNX Technology Tutorial workshop.