This blog will explore the role of BACnet in lighting controls integrations. As modern building designs evolve, there’s a growing desire to create “Smart Buildings.” While the term can mean different things to different people, it generally refers to buildings with interconnected systems that can communicate with one another, rather than operating in isolation. This level of integration allows data from one system to be shared with another, which helps eliminate unnecessary duplication of devices (like occupancy sensors).
Another key feature of smart buildings is centralized monitoring. Instead of having to check multiple screens for different systems, building operators can view everything from a single interface. This unified visualisation is often called a “Single Pane of Glass” (SPoG), where alarms and system data from across the building can be monitored in real-time.
Achieving this kind of integration and unified visualisation requires a gateway solution to facilitate protocol conversion between systems. In most modern buildings, HVAC control systems already use the BACnet open protocol standard, making it the logical choice for integrating lighting control systems.
Integrating Lighting Control with BACnet

Many wired lighting control systems use DALI (Digital Addressable Lighting Interface) devices such as luminaires, switches, and sensors, all of which connect through one or more DALI gateways. These gateways convert device data into a proprietary IP protocol. In the case of wireless systems, the devices are linked to wireless gateways that similarly convert the wireless protocol into an IP format.
While some lighting control manufacturers offer BACnet-compatible gateways at the IP level to enable integration with building management systems (BMS), this is not always the case. For those that do, the integration typically allows for sharing occupancy data, device status, and alarm events.
However, the quality of integration can vary. The real challenge often lies in the details: how much data is shared, and how easy it is to configure the integration. Many DALI lighting systems that claim to support BACnet only provide a limited set of information, or they may require expensive licenses to unlock advanced BACnet features.
Calon SmartBridge: A Superior Solution
Calon SmartBridge offers a better approach to lighting control integration. Unlike many competitors, the SmartBridge DALI application controllers/gateways communicate natively over IP using BACnet, making the system more open and flexible. What sets SmartBridge apart is the efficiency with which it encodes key status information for each connected luminaire, sensor, or emergency light. This minimizes the number of BACnet points needed to monitor the lighting system’s status, streamlining integration and minimising cost (as many BMS solutions are priced according tot he number of data points).
Additionally, Calon SmartBridge uses BACnet alarm messages to report system faults or events. This feature allows for automated testing and reporting of emergency lighting, as well as immediate notifications for lamp failures. These capabilities deliver a richer, more comprehensive integration compared to other systems, enabling smarter building management and more effective control.
