The Evolution of Smart Lighting: From Switches to Networks

Unlike traditional wireless lighting systems that rely on Wi-Fi, Bluetooth Mesh lighting systems are designed to connect large collections of devices without requiring each device to communicate directly with a central router.

Imagine thousands of switches, heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, sensors, light fixtures, and shades communicating with one another through a wireless network. A command to turn on the third floor’s office lights, for example, can travel across multiple Bluetooth Mesh-enabled devices until it reaches the intended fixtures.

This is what Bluetooth Mesh can do.

How does Bluetooth Mesh lighting work?

Rather than requiring each device to communicate directly with a router, Bluetooth Mesh allows messages to travel between compatible devices. A command originating from a handheld or wall control can pass from one lighting fixture to another, through a network of connected devices, until it reaches its destination.

The network functions like a Bluetooth highway or central nervous system, passing commands between devices to perform specific operations.

“The first version of the Bluetooth Mesh specification was designed specifically for professional lighting applications”

— Simon Slupik, CTO and Co-founder, Silvair^[1]

In other words, Bluetooth Mesh supports device-to-device-to-device communication. Devices do not have to be within direct radio range of the originating command. Instead, messages can be relayed across the network through a series of hops, allowing communication to extend across large physical areas.

Not every device needs to relay messages. In a Bluetooth Mesh network, designated relay nodes forward messages, while other devices can receive commands or communicate without acting as relays.

Key Bluetooth Mesh terms

• Nodes: Devices that are part of a Bluetooth Mesh network, such as switches, lighting fixtures, sensors, and compatible building controls.
• Messages: Commands and information exchanged between nodes, such as instructions to turn lights on, adjust brightness, or report sensor readings.
• Relay Nodes: Devices configured to receive and retransmit messages, extending the network’s communication range.
• Groups: Collections of devices that can receive the same command, allowing multiple fixtures to be controlled together.
• Provisioning: The process of securely adding and configuring devices within a Bluetooth Mesh network.

Bluetooth Mesh vs. Wi-Fi lighting

The most significant difference between Wi-Fi lighting systems and Bluetooth Mesh lighting systems lies in their network architecture and method of communication.

A conventional Wi-Fi lighting system relies on wireless access points connected to a local network. Each connected light fixture or controller must communicate with that network to receive commands and exchange information. If the required network infrastructure becomes unavailable, communication with connected devices may be interrupted.

In contrast, Bluetooth Mesh nodes communicate with other nodes within radio range. Relay-enabled devices can forward messages across the network, allowing commands to reach fixtures and controls beyond the originating device’s direct wireless range.

This distributed approach can reduce dependence on centralized wireless access points for local lighting control.

Both technologies can support intelligent lighting systems. The appropriate choice depends on the size of the installation, existing infrastructure, control requirements, and compatibility with other building systems.

“Wireless lighting control has matured to offer a powerful and versatile option for control communication.”

– Illuminating Engineering Society^[2]

Two-way communication and building data collection

One advantage of Bluetooth Mesh lighting is its ability to support two-way communication between connected devices and controls.

Once compatible luminaire sensors are in place, the same wireless infrastructure can be used to monitor building conditions, such as occupancy or temperature, and communicate this information to other devices or a connected control system.

Gathering data about room use and occupancy patterns allows building operators to automate lighting and other processes, potentially reducing energy consumption and improving building performance with fewer dedicated control wires.

For example, occupancy sensors can communicate with connected lighting fixtures to automatically adjust illumination when a room becomes occupied or vacant. Lighting groups can also be configured to respond to schedules, daylight conditions, or changes in space utilization.

Wi-Fi systems can also support two-way communication and building data collection. Bluetooth Mesh’s distinguishing advantage is its ability to distribute these communications across a network of compatible devices without requiring each one to maintain a direct connection to a Wi-Fi access point.

Benefits of Bluetooth Mesh for commercial lighting

Bluetooth Mesh offers several potential advantages for commercial and architectural lighting installations:

• Scalability: Supports networks of connected lighting fixtures, sensors, switches, and controls across large spaces.
• Flexible Lighting Control: Enables individual fixtures or groups of luminaires to respond to wireless commands, schedules, and compatible sensors.
• Reduced Control Wiring: Wireless communication can reduce the need for dedicated control wiring, particularly in renovation and retrofit projects.
• Expanded Communication Range: Relay nodes extend network coverage beyond the direct wireless range of an individual device.
• Energy Management: Integration with occupancy and daylight sensors can support automated lighting adjustments and reduced energy consumption.

These capabilities make Bluetooth Mesh particularly relevant to offices, retail environments, hospitality spaces, and other commercial buildings where lighting flexibility and centralized or distributed control are important.

What to consider when specifying Bluetooth Mesh lighting

Although Bluetooth Mesh can simplify wireless lighting control, successful implementation depends on selecting compatible devices and planning the network appropriately.

Architects, lighting designers, and specifiers should consider whether fixtures require Bluetooth Mesh-compatible drivers or external controllers, how the system will be commissioned, and whether the selected products support the intended control functions.

Compatibility between manufacturers is also important. Bluetooth Mesh provides a standardized networking foundation, but devices do not necessarily support the same lighting features or work together without additional configuration or compatible application profiles.

For larger installations, designers should also evaluate network coverage, relay placement, security, and any gateways required to connect the lighting network with other building management systems.

The future of connected lighting

Today, many LED lighting fixtures support advanced control capabilities, including adjustable light intensity, dimming, color temperature, and energy monitoring.

Wireless communication technologies such as Bluetooth Mesh expand the possibilities for intelligent lighting by allowing fixtures, sensors, and controls to operate as part of a connected system.

As commercial buildings increasingly incorporate automated controls and connected technologies, Bluetooth Mesh offers a flexible approach to managing lighting across individual rooms, entire floors, and larger building environments.

Browse Alcon Lighting’s collection of Bluetooth Mesh-ready devices.

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