The Importance of Reliable Communication in IoT Lighting Control Systems

As technology continues to advance, the Internet of Things (IoT) has become an increasingly important aspect of our daily lives. From smart homes to smart cities, IoT devices and systems are being used to control and automate an ever-growing range of tasks. One area where IoT has made a significant impact is in lighting control systems.

The Challenges of IoT Lighting Control

However, as with any technology, the success of lighting control automation relies heavily on the communication methods used. For the system to function effectively and efficiently, it must be able to communicate reliably and consistently. This is where many systems fall short, as the various communication methods available each have their own pros and cons, and none have proven to be 100% reliable.

What type of lighting control system and communications can you use with landscape lighting systems?

Wifi, Bluetooth, Cellular, Low frequency Bluetooth, DMX, and RF signals are just a few of the communication methods that we spent years testing and a lot of money in development. Each of these methods has its own unique advantages and disadvantages, but none have been able to provide the level of reliability and consistency needed for a successful system. Interference and signal loss are common issues, which can lead to an inconsistent and unreliable performance of the lighting system.

Which lighting control system is best for landscape lighting?

To overcome these challenges, we have selected to partner with Lutron RadioRA 3, a leader in automation, for their lighting control systems. Lutron has taken a unique approach to solving the issue of unreliable communication by purchasing their own radio frequency. This allows them to ensure that their controls work 100% of the time, with no lag or interference. They have also built their products to last. If you have been designing and installing landscape lighting systems for any period of time, it is amazing how quickly the time goes by. Lutron’s products are designed to have a minimum of a 10 year life expectancy and we run across original Lutron systems in clients' homes that are running well at 20+ years old. This level of reliability is crucial for any system, and it is one of the main reasons why Lutron has become the go-to choice for us to provide to our Sterling Lighting customers.

IoT Lighting Control System Importance

The success of an IoT lighting control automation system relies heavily on the communication methods used. While various methods have been tried and tested, none have been able to provide the level of reliability and consistency needed for a successful system. Lutron, by purchasing their own radio frequency, has been able to overcome this challenge and provide a reliable and consistent performance. If you want your lighting control system to be as reliable as your landscape lighting installation (both your fixtures and your installation precision and technique), we recommend going with Lutron RadioRA 3.

Visit our collection of Lutron products including RadioRA 3 and RadioRA 2 Select products. 

~ Patrick Harders, Co-Owner of Sterling Lighting