KNX IP INTERFACE

A KNX IP Interface allow you to program and connect to the KNX bus over IP. It supports direct tunneling connections and most IP Interfaces support multiple simultaneous connections. A KNX IP interface acts as a bridge between the KNX bus. where KNX devices communicate over a dedicated wire, and an IP network, which may include the internet or a local area network (LAN). By connecting KNX devices to an IP network, users can access and control these devices remotely from a computer, smartphone or tablet, provided they have the necessary permissions and security.These interfaces often come with software that allows installers and system administrators to configure and program KNX devices on the network. Provides a user-friendly interface for configuring automation procedures and scenarios.

VS KNX IP ROUTER

A KNX IP Router also allows you to program and connect to the bus but can be used to connect different parts of a KNX system together over IP. It does this using an additional multicast connection and manages the KNX traffic using a filter table in the same way a line coupler does. The Multicast connection can also be used as a bus interface for programming and external devices.

Third party systems will connect to KNX with either a tunneling (IP INTERCAFE/ROUTER)  or a Multicast (IP ROUTER ONLY)  connection . Because of this we generally recommend a KNX IP Router as it has both options, ensuring compatibility.

KNXnet/IP Tunneling

An IP tunnel is an Internet Protocol (IP) network communications channel between two networks. It is used to transport another network protocol by encapsulation of its packets.

KNXnet/IP Tunneling is the primary method of interfacing to a KNX system and allows for a point-to-point communication (unicast) from a single external device to the KNX system.

This is the simplest form of IP communication within KNX and is easy to understand as you only need to point an external device at the IP address of the KNX IP interface. This allows you to see all traffic from the bus and communicate directly to individual devices such as for ETS programming. It is also commonly used for external systems to communicate with KNX.

APPLICATION OF USE:

The KNX IP interface is a critical component of modern building automation systems because it enables remote monitoring and control of KNX devices, integration with other systems, and improved overall management of building functions. When implementing a KNX-based system, it is important to choose the right interface that meets your specific requirements and provide appropriate security measures to protect the network.

KNX IP Interface is mainly used for connecting KNX system to third party controllers & for connecting ETS software programming over IP. 

KNXnet/IP Routing

KNXnet/IP Routing is a multicast-based telegram, which allows a KNX IP device to perform the function of a Twister pair to IP coupler. This means the backbone of a KNX system can be Ethernet-based, allowing a much higher speed of transmission and more flexibility when installing. 

Multicast is a group-orientated connection method where, instead of using device IP addresses, all devices point to a standard multicast address. This allows all telegrams to be seen by all KNX IP devices looking at this address. The KNX Association has reserved multicast address 224.0.23.12 but any address could be used as long as it is the same on all devices. 

APPLICATION OF USE:

KNX IP Router is mainly used to connect 2 or more Lines or Areas to communicate over IP backbone, earlier Line couplers are used to connect which was working on TP network.

IP router can send more telegrams over IP backbone than TP network used by Line/Area Couplers.

 Functions when using the IP router as a line or area coupler

·       Fast communication between KNX lines

·       Option to extend an existing KNX system beyond the building by using LAN and WAN connections

·       Direct forwarding of KNX data to every network user

·       KNX remote configuration from every network access point

·       Can be used in a new or an existing KNX network

·       Reduces the bus load by means of filter tables, which determine which bus telegrams are forwarded to and from the bus line or blocked. The ETS software automatically generates the filter table when the device is configured and commissioned.

·       When the physical address is assigned, ETS is used to automatically specify the coupler function (area coupler: main line 1 – 15; line coupler: line 1 – 15)

Many Brands now a days provides IP SECURE INTERFCAE & IP SECURE ROUTER.

like Schneider, Theben, GIRA, ABB, MDT, Ekinex, Siemens, Panasonic, Etc.

Thank You.