In-Depth Technology Comparison

Requires dedicated, more expensive KNX-certified bus cable runs for all devices.

Uses cost-effective serial cables (e.g., RS-485), but requires separate runs from the IT network.

Requires a separate 2-wire bus cable for all lighting circuits, in addition to power and network.

Expensive ETS software licenses, specialized programmer costs, and costly hardware for new functions.

High integration costs due to gateways and reliance on specialized (and expensive) system integrators.

Lower energy use for lighting, but hardware and commissioning costs add up, especially for integration.

New functions often require new wiring and hardware, creating "technological debt" and high retrofitting costs.

Difficult to adapt to modern, guest-facing technologies. Built for static industrial processes, not dynamic environments.

Highly adaptable within its lighting domain, but cannot serve as a building-wide platform for future innovations.

Slower bus speed can cause noticeable delays. Personalization is possible but less dynamic and complex to implement.

Not designed for guest-facing use. Slow response times and minimal user interface capabilities.

Delivers flawless, high-quality lighting control (dimming, scenes), a key part of the premium guest experience.

Data is difficult to extract and requires proprietary gateways. Not designed for modern big data analytics.

Provides basic operational data (setpoints, status) but lacks the richness needed for advanced business intelligence.

Offers valuable data on lamp/driver health, runtime, and energy, but is restricted only to the lighting system.

Basic security via KNX Secure (add-on). Lacks flexible VLANs; uses rigid couplers.

Inherently insecure legacy protocols. Security relies on physical isolation, not built-in features.

No built-in security features. Designed for local, dedicated lighting circuits only.

Max 1000m per line segment, requires repeaters. Generally robust but can be affected by strong EMI.

Up to 1200m, but speed often decreases with distance. Prone to EMI and grounding issues.

Strict 300m maximum distance limit per line. Not suitable for long-distance runs.

Good immunity due to its twisted-pair bus cable, but can be susceptible to very strong EMI. Proper installation is key.

Highly susceptible to EMI and grounding loops. Requires careful routing away from power lines to avoid data corruption.

As an unshielded bus, it is prone to interference from parallel power cables, which can lead to command errors.

Functions often require separate hardware (logic module, gateways), increasing complexity.

Logic resides in large, complex controllers (PLCs/DDCs). Not granular or flexible.

Modern DALI routers often include logic, clock, and power for a complete lighting sub-system.

Changes require a full download to devices via ETS, which can take significant time (15-45 min).

Requires specialized integrators and offline programming of controllers.

Addressing and grouping is fast. Scene changes can be pushed instantly from a gateway.

Basic functions work, but complex, centralized logic will fail without connection.

Controllers are designed to be autonomous for their specific plant/HVAC function.

DALI routers run scenes and schedules independently, ensuring lights always work.

Requires specific, often expensive, KNX-DALI gateways that support the standard.

Does not have a native standard for this; relies on external, dedicated systems.

The DALI standard is designed for emergency lighting, providing native testing and reporting.

Popular in mid-size commercial buildings where a dedicated, non-IT-managed bus system is preferred.

The backbone of traditional BMS for controlling large-scale HVAC, chillers, and plant room equipment.

Primarily used as a sub-system for advanced lighting control (dimming, color tuning) within a larger IP or KNX system.