Comprehensive comparison of wired (KNX) and wireless smart home systems—covering reliability, cost, scalability, installation, and which technology fits your project.
KNX (wired) is best for new construction and luxury homes where reliability, scalability, and longevity matter most. It costs more upfront but delivers 99.9%+ uptime and 30+ year lifespan.
Wireless (Wi-Fi/Zigbee/Z-Wave) is ideal for retrofits and budget-conscious projects where rewiring isn't feasible. Lower upfront cost but requires device replacement every 5-10 years.
| Factor | KNX (Wired) | Wireless |
|---|---|---|
| Reliability | 99.9%+ uptime No interference, always works | 95-98% uptime Signal interference possible |
| Response Time | Instant (0-50ms) Hardware-based | 200-500ms latency Cloud-dependent |
| Scalability | 1,000+ devices No network congestion | 50-100 devices Bandwidth limitations |
| Installation Cost | ₹800-1,500/sq ft Includes wiring | ₹200-600/sq ft No wiring needed |
| Lifespan | 30+ years Industrial-grade components | 5-10 years Battery/firmware replacement |
| Internet Dependency | Works offline Local control always available | Requires internet Cloud outages affect control |
| Retrofit-Friendly | No Requires rewiring | Yes Installs in existing homes |
| Energy Efficiency | Low power (bus-powered) No battery replacement | Battery-dependent Replacement every 1-3 years |
| Security | Hardwired encryption Hack-proof physical network | Wireless encryption Vulnerable to hacking |
Used in airports, hospitals, hotels—proven reliability in mission-critical applications
95-98% uptime typical—acceptable for convenience but frustrating for critical systems
Example: 3,000 sq ft Luxury Home
Verdict: KNX costs ₹5L more over 15 years but delivers superior reliability. For luxury homes with 20+ year ownership horizon, KNX offers better ROI.
Instant—hardware-based communication
Noticeable delay—cloud processing required
Why it matters: Walk into a room. KNX lights turn on instantly. Wireless has a half-second delay—noticeable and frustrating in daily use.
Many luxury homes use KNX as the backbone for critical systems and add wireless devices for flexibility. This combines reliability with convenience.
Integration: KNX gateways connect to wireless ecosystems. Control KNX devices via Alexa/Google while maintaining wired reliability for critical systems.
Fulcro designs and installs both KNX wired and wireless smart home systems. Let's find the best solution for your project.