Smart Home Standards: #KNX or #Zigbee

Smart Home Standards: #KNX or #Zigbee

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The design and installation of a smart home must follow certain standards. These are called communication standards. Simply put, the standard allows smart control devices to interact with each other during operation, much like speaking a common language. Let’s take a look at the commonly used standards today.

KNX Standard

KNX is a smart home standard developed in Europe since 1990. While people were still amazed by personal computers, Europe already had a standard for smart homes and buildings. This standard is independent of both hardware and software, meaning that no matter how technology advances, the standard remains unchanged. It ensures that KNX devices from 1990 can still communicate and work with KNX devices produced yesterday, with nothing becoming obsolete. To achieve this, KNX defines the communication standard between devices through telegrams. As long as the standard is followed, devices from different manufacturers can communicate and control the system together.

Thanks to its advantages and consistency, the #KNX standard is now the most widely recognized worldwide and is acknowledged as the global standard for smart homes. The KNX standard is managed by the KNX Association, headquartered in Brussels, Belgium. The KNX ecosystem of devices is vast and unmatched by any other standard: 458 manufacturers produce KNX-compliant devices with thousands of diverse products. Notable brands include #ABB, #Siemens, #Schneider, #GreenControls, #Panasonic, #Daikin, #theben, and many others. This means that users have many device options on the same standard platform and do not have to worry about whether the devices will be compatible with each other.*

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KNX communication is transmitted through twisted pair signal cables. This means it is wired, not wireless. Although KNX also has wireless RF transmission, it is only used for expanding features or when construction conditions do not permit wired connections. KNX emphasizes wired transmission to ensure the system’s stability and durability, rather than following the wireless trend.

Zigbee Standard

Zigbee is a wireless network protocol based on the IEEE 802.15.4 standard from the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers. It uses short-frequency waves, designed for monitoring and control applications. Zigbee waves consume little power and have a simple design, making them much cheaper compared to personal wireless area networks (WPAN).

The advantage of the Zigbee system is its easy installation, whether for new constructions or upgrading old systems to new smart home systems. The cost is considered affordable and suitable for consumers. However, Zigbee is an open standard, but its device ecosystem is very closed. Unlike KNX, only Zigbee devices from the same manufacturer can communicate with each other. Zigbee devices from different manufacturers cannot communicate at all. This leads to customers being dependent on a single ecosystem with no other options. Imagine hiring a company ‘abc’ to install a Zigbee system in your home. One day, the system malfunctions, and you call their technical support. The operator replies, “Sorry, our technician will be available in 3 days to check it for you.” What will you do during those 3 days of waiting? Call another company for help? You can’t. Because only company ‘abc’ has locked you into their system, and no other company can help since they have no understanding of how ‘abc’s closed system works.**

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This is the story of the user and the service provider. The most important thing: Zigbee is wireless, and therefore, it is limited by coverage and transmission. Zigbee cannot cover the entire area of a house, leading to instability during operation. The transmission capacity of Zigbee is also limited. According to research, Zigbee waves should only be used to connect about 10 devices at a time. In general, Zigbee is only suitable for small areas with few walls and a limited number of electrical devices.

Which Standard to Choose?

It is not easy to take a side in the smart home standard battle. Each standard has its own characteristics and is suited for different situations.

If you have a very tight budget but want to install a smart system, choose Zigbee. If you want to upgrade your old electrical system to a smart one but don’t want to tear down walls, choose Zigbee. However, be prepared for the weaknesses of Zigbee mentioned above. Choosing Zigbee is like buying a KIA Morning.

If you have a larger budget, don’t hesitate to choose KNX. You will have an amazing experience with KNX due to the system’s flexibility and stability. It’s like buying a BMW.**

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