Robust Design: KNX systems can survive Internet failure
Simon Buddle explains that with a little critical thinking at the design stage, the impact of an Internet outage can be minimised when other platforms fail. Much has been said about the 4th utility – indeed access to the Internet is pretty much taken for granted in most of the UK. Even for those difficult-to-reach […]
Security: the pitfalls of being hacked and how to avoid them using basic IT skills
KNX professionals Andy Ellis and Julio Díaz García point out the pitfalls of an unsecure system, and how to avoid them by investing in basic IT skills. If your KNX system is connected to the outside world, are you sure it’s secure? If not, what are the possible consequences? First, we talk to Andy Ellis […]
Security: configuring KNX Secure systems in ETS
Mark Warburton explains the basics of KNX Secure and gives a step-by-step explanation of how to configure KNX Secure systems in ETS. There are a lot of things that make KNX stand out against other systems – the key one being the standardisation of the system which is represented by over 30 years of backwards […]
KNX Secure: protecting installations from inside and outside
Thomas Weinzierl explains the evolution of KNX Secure, why it is needed, what it comprises, how it works, how it can be applied and what it means for those making KNX products. Communication and data processing are hardly conceivable today without considering security aspects. Indeed, insecure communication systems are fast becoming unacceptable. The way has […]
Best Practice: how to beat the hackers
Mark Warburton gives some great practical advice on how to secure legacy and future KNX systems, with examples of products offering a range of security features and tips on how to take advantage of them. After years of warning of the risks of leaving network ports open, the KNX Association has recently announced that there […]
Interview: Vassilios Lourdas on ETS6 – the new KNX planning, designing, commissioning and diagnostics software tool
In this exclusive interview with KNXtoday, KNX Association Tools Team Leader, Vassilios Lourdas, explains how this major new release, ETS6, came about, what its main strengths are and what it means for the future. Why did you develop ETS6 and how long did it take? [VL] Aspects of the KNX System, such as Security Proxy, […]
Tools of the Trade: finding the right product set
Simon Buddle suggests that KNX professionals take into account engineering, aesthetics and business considerations when choosing a product set. As a child, I would spend many a Saturday night home alone. My grandad would pop down to the pub for a couple of hours whilst my nan would go off to the bingo hall. They […]
Intelligent Heating: KNX and weather compensation
Andy Ellis looks at the variables involved in designing a heating system using weather compensation for maximum comfort and efficiency. It seems that the weather is becoming less predictable. In recent years, the number of days at sub-zero temperatures which have occurred annually within the UK, for example, has fluctuated greatly. In 2020, the number […]
The KNX Advantage: fixing damage caused by catastrophic weather events can be quick and simple
As more of us are faced with extreme weather events, Simon Buddle looks at ways in which KNX professionals can best prepare for emergency call-outs. How was your summer? For most, I suspect it was a bit of a damp squib. For others, however, it may have felt considerably more dramatic. This summer has brought […]
Energy Efficiency: controlling window coverings intelligently using KNX
According to the UN Environment Programme, buildings use about 40% of global energy, so Andy Ellis looks at how controlling window coverings intelligently can help make buildings more energy efficient. The reason for covering a window opening is either to provide privacy or to block light. When we block the passage of sunlight we also […]