KNX IOT
24/06/2026
The smart home and smart building industry is changing rapidly. New technologies such as Matter, Thread, AI-powered services and cloud-connected devices are becoming increasingly common. While many of these technologies promise greater interoperability, they also create new challenges around reliability, security and long-term support.
This is where KNX IoT enters the market.
Developed by the KNX Association, KNX IoT represents the next evolution of the world’s leading open standard for home and building automation. Rather than replacing traditional KNX, it extends the KNX ecosystem into the world of IP networking, Thread wireless technology and cloud-based services while maintaining the reliability and interoperability that KNX is known for.
Traditional KNX systems communicate using twisted pair cabling (KNX TP), RF or IP networks. KNX IoT introduces a new architecture based on IPv6, allowing devices to communicate using technologies such as Ethernet, Wi-Fi and Thread. This makes KNX more compatible with modern IT infrastructure while retaining full integration with existing KNX installations.
A key advantage is that KNX IoT devices can still be configured using ETS, the same engineering software used by KNX professionals worldwide. Existing KNX installations can therefore be expanded with KNX IoT products without requiring a completely new ecosystem or retraining.
Ireland is experiencing significant growth in smart homes, energy-efficient buildings, commercial offices, hotels and public sector projects. Building owners increasingly expect:
KNX IoT helps address these requirements by combining the proven reliability of KNX with modern IP-based technologies. Installers and consultants can continue specifying KNX while benefiting from new device categories and integration opportunities.
This is particularly relevant as Ireland moves towards stricter energy efficiency targets, smarter building management systems and greater cybersecurity requirements under new European legislation.
One of the most common questions being asked today is:
“Will Matter replace KNX?”
The answer is no.
Matter was designed primarily to improve interoperability between consumer smart home devices such as smart plugs, lighting, thermostats and voice assistants. Its goal is to make devices from different manufacturers work together more easily.
KNX, on the other hand, remains a comprehensive building automation standard designed for professional installations covering:
Rather than competing directly, KNX IoT and Matter increasingly complement each other. Both technologies support modern IP networking and Thread-based communications, creating opportunities for integration between consumer devices and professional building automation systems.
In practical terms, a homeowner in Ireland may use Matter-enabled smart devices while relying on KNX as the backbone of the building’s automation system.
Thread is gaining momentum globally because it offers secure, low-power mesh networking for smart devices. It is already a key component of the Matter ecosystem.
KNX IoT also supports Thread, allowing manufacturers to create wireless KNX devices that communicate using modern IP-based networking principles. Thread networks are self-healing, scalable and particularly suited to residential and commercial buildings where additional wiring may be difficult or expensive.
For retrofit projects in Ireland, this creates exciting possibilities for expanding KNX installations without extensive cabling work.
One of the biggest strengths of KNX IoT is that it protects existing investments.
Unlike many smart home platforms that depend on proprietary cloud services, KNX IoT remains part of the open KNX ecosystem. Building owners retain the freedom to choose products from hundreds of manufacturers while benefiting from emerging technologies such as cloud analytics, AI services and advanced energy management solutions.
As more KNX IoT products become available, Ireland’s growing network of KNX professionals will be able to deliver systems that combine traditional KNX reliability with the flexibility expected from modern IoT solutions.
