10 KNX Myths Busted

Truth: KNX is a system with history – and a future.
Many people associate “outdated technology” with obsolete know-how – but KNX proves the opposite. Its decades-long presence on the market means one thing above all: stability, real-world testing, and continuous development. Today, KNX includes IP communication, encrypted data transfer (KNX Secure), and wireless options – alongside the classic bus cable.

Long-term product availability, cross-manufacturer standards, and a global community make KNX a system you can rely on – even 10 or 20 years from now. Proprietary systems often disappear within a few years, but KNX stays – independent of hypes and short-lived trends.

Truth: One system, long-term value.
Other systems may need to be replaced or heavily maintained after just a few years – KNX, in contrast, stands out for its durability, low maintenance, and long-term value. It’s also forward-compatible: Older devices can still be integrated into current projects and controlled using the latest ETS version. Thinking long-term with KNX saves not only energy – but also time, stress, and future costs.

Truth: KNX is fast, local, and failsafe.
KNX is a real-time system that responds in milliseconds. Commands for lighting, blinds, or heating are executed immediately – reliably and without detours via the cloud. That means no delays like those often seen with Wi-Fi-based or cloud-dependent systems.

One big advantage: KNX works even if your internet doesn’t. Devices communicate directly with each other – so your building stays smart even during outages.

In safety-critical areas like emergency lighting, access control, or fire protection, this speed can make all the difference.

Truth: KNX offers cross-brand freedom of choice.
KNX is an open, cross-manufacturer standard supported by over 500 companies worldwide. That means all certified devices – regardless of brand – can work together seamlessly. This gives you a huge range of products and solutions to choose from, without being tied to a single manufacturer.

Unlike many proprietary smart home systems that only work within their own product ecosystem, KNX is vendor-neutral and futureproof. Even if one manufacturer exits the market, the rest of the system keeps running. That’s a major benefit for planners, integrators, and forward-thinking clients.

And with additions like the KNX Matter Server or KNX-DALI interfaces, it’s easier than ever to extend your system – whether you want to connect Apple Home, Google Home, or smart lighting solutions.

Truth: KNX scales – from flats to flagship projects.
KNX is often associated with office buildings, hotels, or industrial facilities. But it works just as well for small apartments or single-family homes. Its modular structure and scalability allow for tailor-made solutions – from basic control of a few functions to full-scale building automation.

In private homes, KNX offers plenty of perks: energy savings, comfort through automation, integration of PV systems, EV charging and more. And the best part? Thanks to KNX RF (radio frequency), it can also be retrofitted wirelessly – no wall chasing required.

Truth: KNX speaks cable, wireless, and IP – you choose.
Yes, classic KNX runs on the iconic green bus cable – but that’s far from the whole story. With KNX RF (wireless) and KNX IP (network-based), two strong alternatives are available for flexible and non-wired setups. That makes KNX suitable for renovations and complex environments alike.

And here’s the kicker: you can even mix transmission types in one project – using wireless for hard-to-reach areas and cable for central zones. The result? Maximum flexibility for both planning and installation.

Truth: It takes expertise to set up – but it’s easy to live with.
Yes, KNX requires professional planning and setup – and that’s actually a strength. Once installed, it runs smoothly, efficiently, and is tailored to the users’ needs. From lighting and shading to heating and irrigation, everything works in sync – automatically and reliably. And despite the complex tech in the background, daily use is simple and intuitive. You get all the benefits of smart control, without having to be a tech wizard.

Truth: KNX runs independently – no cloud, no problem.
Many smart home systems depend on a constant internet connection – which can mean outages, lag, or privacy concerns. KNX is different: it operates locally, autonomously, and without relying on the cloud. The entire logic lives within the system itself.

Of course, KNX can integrate cloud services – for remote access, visualisation or voice control. But it doesn’t have to. That means more freedom and more security – especially in sensitive settings like businesses, public buildings or medical facilities.

Truth: KNX is decentralised – no single point of failure.
Unlike centralised systems, KNX uses a distributed architecture. Each device is an intelligent unit on its own. There’s no central hub that can take down the whole system if it fails. This makes KNX highly stable and reliable.

Want to make changes to your setup? No problem – you don’t need to rebuild a central server. And if one device breaks, the rest of the system keeps working like nothing happened.

Truth: KNX secures control and communication – reliably and proven.
Security is key in building automation – and KNX takes it seriously. Its decentralised setup, local processing and lack of cloud dependency offer a high degree of stability and protection against outages or manipulation.

All communication stays inside the system – no need for an internet connection unless you want it. That’s a big plus for sensitive residential and commercial applications.

Need even more protection? Enter KNX Secure – an extension of the standard that adds encryption and device authentication. Perfect for critical infrastructure or projects with elevated security needs.