IEC TR 63425:2022

IEC TR 63425
®

Edition 1.0 2022-10
TECHNICAL
REPORT

colour
inside


Connectivity for lighting systems
IEC TR 63425:2022-10(en)

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IEC TR 63425

®


Edition 1.0 2022-10




TECHNICAL



REPORT








colour

inside










Connectivity for lighting systems




























INTERNATIONAL

ELECTROTECHNICAL


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® Registered trademark of the International Electrotechnical Commission

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– 2 – IEC TR 63425:2022 © IEC 2022
CONTENTS
FOREWORD . 4
INTRODUCTION . 6
1 Scope . 7
2 Normative references . 7
3 Terms and definitions . 7
4 Topologies, OSI model, physical layers and communication protocols . 8
4.1 Topologies . 8
4.1.1 Point-to-point topology . 8
4.1.2 Bus topology . 8
4.1.3 Daisy chain topology . 8
4.1.4 Ring topology . 9
4.1.5 Star topology . 9
4.1.6 Mesh topology . 10
4.1.7 Hybrid topology . 10
4.2 Open systems interconnection (OSI) model . 11
4.2.1 Layer 1: physical layer . 11
4.2.2 Layer 2: data link layer . 11
4.2.3 Layer 3: network layer . 11
4.2.4 Layer 4: transport layer . 11
4.2.5 Layer 5: session layer . 11
4.2.6 Layer 6: presentation layer . 11
4.2.7 Layer 7: application layer . 11
4.3 Lower layers . 12
4.3.1 General . 12
4.3.2 IEEE 802.3 (10BASE-T, 100BASE-T and 1000BASE-T Ethernet). 12
4.3.3 IEEE 802.11 (wireless local area network (WLAN), Wi-Fi). 12
4.3.4 IEEE 802.15.1 (low-rate wireless personal area network (LR-WPAN),
Bluetooth) . 13
4.3.5 IEEE 802.15.4 (low-rate wireless personal area network (LR-WPAN),
ZigBee and Thread) . 13
4.3.6 IEC 62943 (VLC and Li-Fi, IEEE 802.15.7) . 14
4.4 Communication protocols . 14
4.4.1 BACnet . 14
4.4.2 IEC 62386 (digital addressable lighting interface, DALI®) . 15
4.4.3 DMX 512 (digital multiple X) and RDM (remote device management) . 16
4.4.4 Zigbee and Dotdot . 16
4.4.5 ECHONET Lite . 17
4.4.6 EnOcean . 18
4.4.7 KNX . 18
4.4.8 LonWorks . 19
4.4.9 0-10 VDC. 19
4.4.10 PWM (pulse width modulation) . 19
5 Examples of lighting systems and other systems which can control lighting . 20
5.1 Typical OSI model layers for lighting systems . 20
5.2 Typical communication protocols for lighting systems . 20
5.3 Typical characteristics of communication protocols for lighting systems . 21
5.4 Typical schematic diagram for lighting systems . 22

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IEC TR 63425:2022 © IEC 2022 – 3 –
Bibliography . 24

Figure 1 – Point-to-point topology illustration . 8
Figure 2 – Bus topology illustration . 8
Figure 3 – Daisy chain topology illustration . 9
Figure 4 – Ring topology illustration . 9
Figure 5 – Star topology illustration . 10
Figure 6 – Mesh topology illustration . 10
Figure 7 – Hybrid topology illustration . 11
Figure 8 – Typical diagram for lighting system connection to other systems . 23

Table 1 – Seven-layer OSI model . 12
Table 2 – Typical OSI model layers for lighting systems and other systems which can
control lighting . 20
Table 3 – Typical communication protocols for lighting systems and other systems

which can control lighting . 21
Table 4 – Typical characteristics of communication protocols . 22

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– 4 – IEC TR 63425:2022 © IEC 2022
INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION
____________

CONNECTIVITY FOR LIGHTING SYSTEMS

FOREWORD
1) The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) is a worldwide organization for standardization comprising
all national electrotechnical committees (IEC National Committees). The object of IEC is to promote
international co-operation on all questions concerning standardization in the electrical and electronic fields. To
this end and in addition to other activities, IEC publishes International Standards, Technical Specifications,
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9) Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this IEC Publication may be the subject of
patent rights. IEC shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
IEC TR 63425 has been prepared by IEC technical committee 34: Lighting. It is a Technical
Report.
The text of this Technical Report is based on the following documents:
Draft Report on voting
34/896/DTR 34/913A/RVDTR

Full information on the voting for its approval can be found in the report on voting indicated in
the above table.
The language used for the development of this Technical Report is English.
This document was drafted in accordance with ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2, and developed in
accordance with ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1 and ISO/IEC Directives, IEC Supplement,
available at www.iec.ch/members_experts/refdocs. The main document types developed by
IEC are described in greater detail at www.iec.ch/publications.

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IEC TR 63425:2022 © IEC 2022 – 5 –
The committee has decided that the contents of this document will remain unchanged until the
stability date indicated on the IEC website under webstore.iec.ch in the data related to the
specific document. At this date, the document will be
• reconfirmed,
• withdrawn,
• replaced by a revised edition, or
• amended.

IMPORTANT – The "colour inside" logo on the cover page of this document indicates that it
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– 6 – IEC TR 63425:2022 © IEC 2022
INTRODUCTION
Lighting systems are used in various applications such as indoor lighting (both residential and
non-residential), outdoor lighting and emergency lighting. These lighting systems can include
functionalities such as lighting monitoring and control, lighting energy management and data
collection. There are many communication protocols in the global market. It is important for
system designers and integrators to have an understanding of the variety of communication
protocols used in lighting systems. By taking into account knowledge and information of other
industries, designers can create appropriate systems that integrate lighting and non-lighting
performances. Standards and reports referencing communication protocols such as the
ISO/IEC 14543 series, the IEC 62386 series and ANSI/IES TM-23-17 exist, but a need for a
comprehensive international technical report has been identified.
Technologies of lighting systems are rapidly developing as a result of evolving customer
needs and new connectivity technologies. Examples of such systems are smart
homes/buildings, smart cities, adaptive roadways and horticultural lighting. The internet of
things (IoT) enables the interconnecting of lighting systems. This document provides
information and guidance on how lighting systems operate and interconnect with other
systems.

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IEC TR 63425:2022 © IEC 2022 – 7 –
CONNECTIVITY FOR LIGHTING SYSTEMS

1 Scope
This document provides information and guidance on the connectivity aspects of lighting
systems to operate and to interconnect with other systems.
This document provides an overview of various connectivity solutions used within lighting
systems, including topologies, communication protocols and related embedded functionalities.
This document does not express preference for any specific topology or protocol.
2 Normative references
There are no normative references in this document.
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminology databases for use in standardization at the following
addresses:
• IEC Electropedia: available at http://www.electropedia.org
• ISO Online browsing platform: available at http://www.iso.org/obp
NOTE Terms and definitions for lighting systems and related equipment are given in IEC TS 63105.
3.1
communication protocol
set of rules for data transmission in a system interlinking several system components
[SOURCE: IEC 60050-351:2013, 351-56-14, modified – The term "protocol" has been
replaced by "communication protocol", in the definition "participants" has been replaced by
"system components" and the notes to entry have been deleted.]
3.2
open protocol
communication protocol which is publicly available and developed in an open consensus
process under the auspices of a recognized organization
[SOURCE: ANSI/IES TM-23-17, 2.14.1, modified – "open protocols are standards that are"
has been replaced by "protocol which is" and "typically not-for-profit" has been deleted.]
3.3
proprietary protocol
communication protocol that is not an open protocol
3.4
connectivity
capability of a system or device to communicate to other systems or devices without
modification
[SOURCE: ISO/IEC 13066-1:2011, 2.9, modified – "be attached" has been replaced by
"communicate".]

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1
4 Topologies, OSI model, physical layers and communication protocols
4.1 Topologies
4.1.1 Point-to-point topology
Point-to-point topology is a type of topology where two fixed nodes are connected directly to a
single line. This topology is the basic form of a network. See Figure 1.
– Features:
• This topology is the simplest topology which connects two nodes in the network.
– Examples of use in lighting systems and other systems which can control lighting:
TM
• Bluetooth®, ECHONET Lite (ISO/IEC 14543-4-3) and Ethernet (IEEE 802.3).

Figure 1 – Point-to-point topology illustration
4.1.2 Bus topology
Bus topology is a type of topology where each node is connected to a single line. This
topology is one of the basic forms of a network. See Figure 2.
– Features:
• A new connection on the bus topology is possible simply by attaching a new node.
• Small to even relatively large systems can be configured in a relatively economical
way.
• Faults on each node have no effect on other parts of the network. However, failure of
the main line will affect the whole network.
– Examples of use in lighting systems and other systems which can control lighting:
• DALI® (IEC 62386 series), 0-10 VDC, PWM (IEC 60929), KNX® (ISO/IEC 14543-3-10
and ISO/IEC 14543-3-11), BACnet® (ISO 16484-5), LonWorks® (ISO/IEC 14908
TM
series) and ECHONET Lite (ISO/IEC 14543-4-3).

Figure 2 – Bus topology illustration
4.1.3 Daisy chain topology
Daisy chain topology is a type of topology where one node is connected to the next node in
the chain. For example, node A is connected to node B and node B connected to node C, and
so on. See Figure 3.
___________
1
The trademarks and trade names mentioned in this document are given for the convenience of users of this
document. This information does not constitute an endorsement by IEC of the products named.

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IEC TR 63425:2022 © IEC 2022 – 9 –
– Features:
• This topology is one of the simplest topologies to add more nodes in the network.
– Examples of use in lighting systems and other systems which can control lighting:
• DALI® (IEC 62386 series), DMX, BACnet (ISO 16484-5), LonWorks (ISO/IEC 14908
series) and ECHONET Lite (ISO/IEC 14543-4-3) .

Figure 3 – Daisy chain topology illustration
4.1.4 Ring topology
Ring topology is a type of topology where each node is connected to two adjacent nodes,
forming a closed loop or ring shape. See Figure 4.
– Features:
• This topology, compared to the bus topology, has a longer configuration line. And in
the case of a one-way connection, faults on each node will affect the whole network.
– Examples of use in lighting systems and other systems which can control lighting:
• BACnet (ISO 16484-5), LonWorks (ISO/IEC 14908 series) and ECHONET Lite
(ISO/IEC 14543-4-3).

Figure 4 – Ring topology illustration
4.1.5 Star topology
Star topology is a type of topology where each node is connected to one central node and
where the central node has the responsibility of managing the whole network. A star topology
can be used for wired and wireless connections. See Figure 5.
– Features:
• This topology is one of the most popular topologies for a local area network. In the
event of a fault on a specific node, the remaining nodes in the network will function
normally. However, a fault on the central node can affect the whole network.
– Examples of use in lighting systems and other systems which can control lighting:
• DALI® (IEC 62386 series), KNX (ISO/IEC 14543-3-10 and ISO/IEC 14543-3-11),
BACnet (ISO 16484-5), ECHONET Lite (ISO/IEC 14543-4-3), LonWorks
TM
.
(ISO/IEC 14908 series), Ethernet (IEEE 802.3) and Wi-Fi

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Figure 5 – Star topology illustration
4.1.6 Mesh topology
Mesh topology is a type of topology where every node in the network is connected to all other
nodes. Mesh topology is mainly used in wireless technology having logical connections
instead of direct physical connections. See Figure 6.
– Features:
• This topology, compared to the star topology, can be less efficient and less
economical. But since all nodes in the network are linked to others like a net, faults on
any node will have no effect on other parts of the network.
– Examples of use in lighting systems and other systems which can control lighting:
• ECHONET Lite (ISO/IEC 14543-4-3), Zigbee®, Bluetooth® mesh, Z-wave®, Thread®,
EnOcean® (ISO/IEC 14543-3-10 and ISO/IEC 14543-3-11), IEEE 802.15.4 and
VEmesh®.

Figure 6 – Mesh topology illustration
4.1.7 Hybrid topology
Hybrid topology combines two or more of the topologies described in 4.1.1 to 4.1.6. See
Figure 7.
– Features:
• This topology is used to maximize the benefits of different network topologies in
certain environments. Combined star and ring topologies and star and bus topologies
are examples of hybrid topology.
– Examples of use in lighting systems and other systems which can control lighting:
• DALI® (IEC 62386 series), 0-10 VDC (IEC 60929), KNX (ISO/IEC 14543-3-10 and
ISO/IEC 14543-3-11), BACnet (ISO 16484-5), LonWorks (ISO/IEC 14908 series) and
ECHONET Lite (ISO/IEC 14543-4-3).

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IEC TR 63425:2022 © IEC 2022 – 11 –

Figure 7 – Hybrid topology illustration
4.2 Open systems interconnection (OSI) model
4.2.1 Layer 1: physical layer
The physical layer provides the mechanical, electrical, functional and procedural means to
activate, maintain and de-activate physical connections.
4.2.2 Layer 2: data link layer
The data link layer provides functional and procedural means for the connectionless mode
among network entities and for the connection mode for the establishment, maintenance and
release of data link connections.
4.2.3 Layer 3: network layer
The network layer provides the means to establish, maintain and terminate network
connections between open systems containing communicating application entities and the
functional and procedural means to exchange network service data units between transport
entities over network connections.
4.2.4 Layer 4: transport layer
The transport layer provides the functional and procedural means of transferring transparent
data between session entities and relieves them from any concern with the detailed way in
which reliable and cost-effective transfer of data is achieved.
4.2.5 Layer 5: session layer
The session layer provides the means necessary for cooperating presentation entities to
organize and synchronize their dialogue and to manage their data exchange. To do this, the
session layer provides services to establish a session connection between two presentation
entities.
4.2.6 Layer 6: presentation layer
The presentation layer provides for the representation of information that application entities
either communicate or refer to in their communication. It also provides for common
representation of the data transferred between application entities.
4.2.7 Layer 7: application layer
The application layer provides the sole means for the application process to access the open
system interconnection environment. Hence the application layer has no boundary with a
higher layer as shown in Table 1.

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Table 1 – Seven-layer OSI model
Layer Name
7 Application layer
6 Presentation layer
5 Session layer
4 Transport layer
3 Network layer
2 Data link layer
1 Physical layer

4.3 Lower layers
4.3.1 General
Lower layers are the subsection from the physical layer to the transport layer in the OSI
model in Table 1.
4.3.2 IEEE 802.3 (10BASE-T, 100BASE-T and 1000BASE-T Ethernet)
Ethernet is a point-to-point topology based lower layer that especially applies to local area
network (LAN) technology. It was adopted as the IEEE 802.3 standard and commercialized in
the 1980s. Ethernet is the common physical layer for wired internet networks.
– Features:
• Depending on the maximum transmission speed, it is classified as legacy Ethernet,
fast Ethernet and gigabit Ethernet, with each maximum transmission speed of 10 Mb/s,
100 Mb/s and 1 Gb/s, respectively.
• Ethernet uses the carrier sense multiple access with collision detection (CSMA/CD)
method for data transmission. First, the availability of the network is checked to
determine whether the network is in use or not. Data is transmitted only when the
network is available. If the network is in use, the transmitter will wait a certain amount
of time and then try again.
– Examples of use in lighting systems and other systems which can control lighting:
• Common use cases of Ethernet are for commercial wired lighting systems including
indoor applications such as communication towards central controller(s) (backbone),
connections to other building systems and stage lighting applications with streaming
CAN (sACN), Art-Net.
• Communication wiring is also used for powering, by combining data and power in the
same wires. The Ethernet standard has been extended with powering up to 90 W
(IEEE Std 802.3bt) and includes powering using Ethernet: "Power over Ethernet"
(PoE). This is also used in some lighting systems for easy connection and high data
rate.
4.3.3 IEEE 802.11 (wireless local area network (WLAN), Wi-Fi)
IEEE 802.11 is a lower layer dedicated to the wireless local area network (WLAN). It primarily
uses a frequency of 2,4 GHz or 5 GHz for communications. The Wi-Fi alliance certifies
specific implementations of the IEEE 802.11 standard in order to facilitate interoperability
between devices. Wi-Fi is an example of a star topology with the possibility to connect several
stars in one network.

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IEC TR 63425:2022 © IEC 2022 – 13 –
– Features:
• Wi-Fi allows users to use high-speed communication within a certain distance, where a
wireless access point (AP) is installed. Because it uses wireless frequencies as a
medium, it has the advantage of being able to build an infrastructure that is easy to
deploy and highly scalable.
• Initially, Wi-Fi was limited to products developed based on the IEEE 802.11b standard
in the 2,4 GHz band with a data rate up to 10 Mb/s. The IEEE 802.11ax standard
expanded this frequency range to include the 5 GHz band. The sixth generation Wi-Fi,
which was adopted in 2019, provides a data rate up to 1 Gb/s.
– Examples of use in lighting systems and other systems which can control lighting:
• Common use cases of Wi-Fi include commercial and residential wireless lighting
systems. Indoor applications such as office and home lighting as well as outdoor
applications within a medium distance range are also common.
4.3.4 IEEE 802.15.1 (low-rate wireless personal area network (LR-WPAN), Bluetooth)
Bluetooth is a multi-topology (point-to-multipoint and mesh) g
...