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Explore the Technologies Behind KNX
Behind every KNX system is a powerful foundation of technologies that connect ideas to innovation. Whether you’re developing wired, wireless, or IoT-based devices, KNX provides the robust framework and certification ecosystem you need to bring your smart building products to life—securely and at scale.
IP Wi-Fi Router
A Wi-Fi Access Point is a topology element required by the Wi-Fi network. It allows Wi-Fi-based devices to communicate with the LAN and WAN.
KNX IP interface/router
A KNX IP Interface connects KNX TP-based installations with IP (IPv4) using the KNXnet/IP protocol. It offers tunneling connections, which are used by clients to establish a connection with the downstream KNX installation. KNX IP Routers provide interface functionality as well as routing capabilities. A KNX IP Router can link several KNX TP sections using IP as a backbone.
Line Coupler
A Line Coupler is a topology element that connects a TP line with other TP lines via a TP backbone. A maximum of 15 lines can be coupled together, forming an area. Up to 15 areas can be coupled together using an Area Coupler.
Power Supply
A KNX Power Supply is required to power the twisted pair (TP) cable that connects KNX TP devices.
TP/Device
A KNX TP device is a certified device (Physical Layer, Stack, Application) that uses a twisted pair cable (TP) as its communication medium.
Segment Proxy
A Segment Proxy enables KNX Data Secure communication with plain KNX communication. This can help prevent easily accessible KNX TP Secure devices (e.g., thermostats) from communicating with back-end KNX TP devices that are not secure. The communication up to the Segment Proxy will be secure.
TP/Device
A KNX TP device is a certified device (Physical Layer, Stack, Application) that uses a twisted pair cable (TP) as its communication medium.
Segment Coupler
A TP/RF media coupler connects an RF segment with a TP line. It can be added as another 'line' or can extend an existing TP line with an RF sub-segment (in this case it is called Segment Coupler).
Media Coupler TP/RF
A KNX RF device is a certified device (Physical Layer, Stack, Application) that uses a RF physical layer (RF) as its communication medium.
RF/Device
A KNX RF device is a certified device (Physical Layer, Stack, Application) that uses a RF physical layer (RF) as its communication medium.
RF/Device
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KNX IoT Point API device - Ethernet
A KNX IoT Router is a gateway between KNX TP, RF or IPv4 devices and KNX IoT devices. It can be a stand-alone device, but it can also be integrated into other network elements (e.g., Thread Border Router + KNX IoT Router).
KNX IoT Router (TP, RF, IPv4, IPv6)
A KNX IoT Router is a gateway between KNX TP, RF or IPv4 devices and KNX IoT devices. It can be a stand-alone device, but it can also be integrated into other network elements (e.g., Thread Border Router + KNX IoT Router).
KNX IoT API Server
The KNX IoT API Server uses the KNX Information Model, natively exported by ETS6, to expose a standardized API for third parties to communicate with KNX installations. A certified KNX IoT API Server has been tested against KNX specifications and is compliant with the standard API model. Third parties can develop clients that seamlessly work with KNX IoT API Servers, regardless of the manufacturer.
KNX IoT Point API device - Wi-Fi
A KNX IoT Point API device - Wi-Fi device is a certified device (Stack, Application) that uses Wi-Fi as its communication medium. Unlike KNX TP and KNX RF devices, the physical layer is not part of the KNX Specifications; instead, an IPv6-based communication medium is used.
Thread Border Router
A Thread Border Router is a topology element required by the Thread network. Similar to a Wi-Fi access point, it allows Thread-based devices to communicate with the LAN and WAN.
KNX IoT Point API device
A KNX IoT Point API device - Thread device is a certified device (Stack, Application) that uses Thread as its communication medium. Unlike KNX TP and KNX RF devices, the physical layer is not part of the KNX Specifications; instead, an IPv6-based communication medium is used.
KNX IoT API Client (application)
The KNX IoT API Server uses the KNX Information Model, natively exported by ETS6, to expose a standardized API for third parties to communicate with KNX installations. A certified KNX IoT API Server has been tested against KNX specifications and is compliant with the standard API model. Third parties can develop clients that seamlessly work with KNX IoT API Servers, regardless of the manufacturer.
KNX TP
What is it?
KNX TP is the most established and widely deployed KNX transmission medium. It uses a dedicated twisted-pair bus cable designed specifically for building automation and enables secure, reliable communication between all types of KNX devices. With more than 8,000 certified products from over 500 manufacturers, KNX TP offers the broadest and most mature device ecosystem in the smart building industry.
Why choose it?
- Unmatched ecosystem: Largest portfolio of certified interoperable products in the market.
- Purpose-built infrastructure: Dedicated bus cable ensures high reliability and predictable performance.
- Ideal for professional installations: Perfect for new builds and major renovations where cabling can be integrated.
- Proven technology: Decades of deployment in residential, commercial, and industrial buildings worldwide.
Typicial use cases
- Lighting and HVAC control
- Shading and blind automation
- Room controllers and multi-sensor devices
- Energy measurement and monitoring
- Access control and security components
- Any application requiring high reliability and wired robustness
KNX RF (sub-GHz)
What is it?
KNX RF (sub-GHz) provides a wireless extension of the KNX standard while maintaining direct compatibility with KNX TP. It uses a dedicated and reliable sub-GHz carrier frequency, with regional variants (EU, US, Japan, etc.) optimized for compliant operation worldwide. KNX RF integrates seamlessly with wired installations through KNX TP–RF segment couplers, enabling hybrid solutions with minimal effort.
Why choose it?
- Wireless flexibility: Ideal where cabling is not possible or practical.
- Interoperable with KNX TP: Native integration with existing KNX installations.
- Robust communication: Sub-GHz frequencies support long range and reduced interference.
- Future-ready: Built on KNX's established physical layer for consistent, predictable behavior.
- Fast installation: Minimizes disruption in retrofit or upgrade scenarios.
Typical use cases
- Retrofitting existing buildings without opening walls
- Battery-powered or batery-less sensors and wall-mounted transmitters
- Shading and lighting control where cabling is difficult
- Extension of KNX TP systems using RF for remote or inaccessible zones
- Residential projects requiring flexible device placement
KNXnet/IP (IPv4)
What is it?
KNXnet/IP introduces KNX communication over IPv4-based IP networks, enabling KNX telegrams to be transported across Ethernet and IP backbones. It provides routing, tunneling, and remote access capabilities, bridging KNX TP installations with modern IT infrastructure and cloud services.
Why choose it?
- Scalable infrastructure: Uses existing IP networks as high-bandwidth KNX backbones.
- Remote access: Allows on-premises or cloud-based access to TP devices.
- Proven technology: A well-established standard used widely across commercial automation.
- Efficient system architecture: Reduces bus load by routing via IP segments.
- Interoperable components: Fully compatible with KNX IP interfaces and routers.
Typical use cases
- KNX IP Routers for backbone routing between TP lines
- KNX IP Interfaces for commissioning, diagnostics, and remote access
- Large commercial installations requiring segmentation and high-speed communication
- Integrating KNX systems into IT-managed networks
- Secure facility monitoring.
KNX IoT (IPv6)
What is it?
KNX IoT is the next-generation extension of the KNX ecosystem, using an open-source, IPv6-based communication layer. It enables KNX to run over any IPv6-capable medium — including Ethernet, Wi-Fi, Thread, and other IPv6 mesh or wireless technologies. This approach unlocks global economies of scale, ensures long-term spectrum availability, and aligns KNX with modern IoT standards.
Why choose it?
- Massive scalability: IPv6 addressing supports virtually unlimited devices and networks.
- Technology-agnostic: Works across multiple media (WiFi, Ethernet, Thread…).
- Cost-effective: Built on widely adopted IP technologies with mature hardware ecosystems.
- Open-source foundations: Enhances transparency, interoperability, and development speed.
- Cloud-ready: Ideal for IoT-native applications and secure remote services.
- Global wireless compatibility: Avoids regional frequency limitations thanks to IPv6 transport flexibility.
Typical use cases
- Next-generation smart building controllers and IoT-native devices
- Cloud-integrated KNX applications
- Thread- or WiFi-based room controllers and sensors
- Energy and environmental monitoring systems
- Cross-domain IoT platforms that require KNX interoperability
- Advanced building management systems using standardized IP-based topologies
Your path to developing with KNX
Access a complete ecosystem designed to help you create robust, secure, and interoperable KNX devices. Leverage standardized interfaces, development tools, certification programs, and a global community of experts to accelerate your product development.
