KNX RF Radio Solution for KNX Systems

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Explanatory note

Why you need KNX RF radio

The expansion of an existing Smart Home solution is often associated with high effort and costs if fixed cables have to be laid. The KNX radio bus system offers an alternative for retrofitting or modernisation without laying additional cables.

As an interface to the existing KNX standard, you can integrate radio modules into the existing home control system. This means that your KNX home automation can be expanded as desired. Thanks to the KNX standard, products from different manufacturers can be integrated. And all this with the usual security and maximum convenience during installation and operation.

Introduction to KNX RF

What is KNX RF?

KNX RF (Radio Frequency) is a wireless standard for home and building automation and thus part of the international KNX standard, which stands for interoperability and flexibility. KNX RF, the ‘little brother’ of the KNX bus system, works on the basis of radio waves at a frequency of 868 MHz.

Advantages of KNX RF

What are the advantages of KNX RF?

As KNX RF is a wireless radio solution, no cabling is required in contrast to the standard KNX system. The system is therefore ideal for projects where cabling is not feasible, e.g. for renovations or retrofitting in existing properties. KNX RF can be installed cost-effectively here.

KNX RF also offers maximum flexibility, allowing homeowners to easily expand their building automation system to include additional devices or rooms.

As the KNX standard is used, KNX RF devices can also be integrated into an existing KNX cabling system.

The KNX RF system is characterised by a high range and signal strength and boasts a stable and secure connection thanks to bidirectional communication.

Areas of application for KNX RF

Where can I use KNX RF?

The advantages mentioned above result in a wide range of possible uses for the KNX radio system.

For example, the radio standard can be used in smart homes to control lighting, blinds, heating, air conditioning or security features.

KNX RF is also suitable for use in commercial or public buildings such as office buildings, hotels, schools and hospitals. Here, the system can help to optimise energy consumption and increase comfort at the same time.

Modern living room ambient with huge screen on the wall and many windows

Technical details of KNX RF

How does KNX RF work?

The KNX RF smart home radio standard is operated in the licence-free 868 MHz frequency range. This is characterised by low susceptibility to interference and a long range. KNX RF supports linear, star and tree-shaped network topologies and is characterised by a wide variety of devices: KNX wireless actuators, KNX wireless sensors, KNX wireless interfaces and KNX wireless gateways are available for KNX RF. These can be used to control light switches, motion detectors and radiator thermostats, for example.

Installation and configuration

How do I install KNX RF?

Installing KNX RF is quick and easy, as you can choose from numerous plug-and-play solutions. Compared to wired systems, the installation of KNX RF is much quicker and easier.

As with the wired KNX bus system, planning, commissioning and maintenance are carried out using the ETS software (KNX Engineering Tool Software).

Green coiled cable with red cross in front of it

KNX RF and its range

What do I need to look out for with KNX radio?

The radio range plays a decisive role in the installation and use of KNX RF systems. To ensure the optimum radio range with KNX RF, you should pay attention to the materials used in the building. These can have a strong influence on the signal strength.

Materials such as wood, plaster and glass have a low attenuating effect. These allow the radio signal to pass through well and ensure a stable connection.

Water, damp materials and bricks have a medium attenuating effect and can weaken the signal somewhat, which should be taken into account in the planning.

Materials such as concrete, glass and plaster partition walls with metal grids are exciting: these have a high attenuating effect, are real obstacles for radio waves and can significantly reduce the range.

Radio paths through steel constructions and fire doors should be avoided, as these have a very high attenuating effect and are almost impenetrable to radio signals.

The diagram shows radio propagation and factors in the radio path that influence or attenuate the radio signal.

Tip: Take the time to carefully plan and install your KNX RF system in advance. In particular, check the materials used in the building to ensure optimum radio range and reliability of the system later on.

Conclusion on the KNX RF system

Final overview of KNX RF

All in all, the KNX RF radio system offers a wide range of advantages, particularly due to its flexibility and adaptability. Thanks to wireless communication, KNX RF can also be integrated quickly and easily into existing buildings - although the above-mentioned attenuation effect of certain building materials should be taken into account.

Thanks to the stable and secure connection, the long range and low susceptibility to interference, KNX RF can be used in many buildings without any problems.

It can be integrated into existing KNX bus systems and expanded with additional devices and rooms.

KNX RF is suitable for private smart homes as well as for use in smart buildings and covers many applications in lighting control, blinds, heating, air conditioning and security.