Bluetooth NLC, a full-stack standard that layers onto previous Bluetooth wireless lighting standards to enable true multivendor interoperability across the system, was launched in September 2023 by the Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG), Kirkland, Wash.

The Bluetooth SIG anticipates this will open the door to mass adoption of wireless networked lighting controls in commercial buildings by addressing lack of standardization, and to a certain extent, complexity.

Networked lighting controls

Networked lighting controls can maximize energy savings and unlock value-added services such as space use, indoor wayfinding and asset tracking through data collection. The demand for energy efficiency will continue to escalate with decarbonization and electrification, and lighting controls can deliver savings.

These systems may be wired, wireless or a hybrid, with wireless offering advantages including installation cost, ease and flexibility. Each layer may operate based on proprietary technology or a standard such as Bluetooth.

“A topline benefit for electrical contractors is ease of deployment,” said Damon Barnes, director of product marketing for Bluetooth SIG. “With Bluetooth technology native in 100% of smartphones and tablets, installers can use simple, user-friendly commissioning apps that communicate directly with nodes on the network, eliminating the need for specialized engineering expertise or internet and cloud platforms to support installation and operation of the system.”

In 2010, Bluetooth SIG launched Bluetooth Low Energy for the radio layer and Bluetooth Mesh in 2017 for the communication layer, standardizing communication over mesh networks. Bluetooth NLC adds the device layer to achieve full-stack standardization.

The 1.0 specifications cover six device roles: occupancy sensor, ambient light sensor, energy monitor, scene selector, dimming control and lightness controller. One hardware device can embody multiple roles. The key is all devices in the system are interoperable and interchangeable, regardless of manufacturer.

New products and specifications

Rigorous testing is required to achieve product qualification. Security features cover the product life cycle from manufacturing to disposal. Because Bluetooth NLC devices support point-to-point Bluetooth connections, any smartphone or tablet with a mobile app can be used to provision devices onto the network. 

Once provisioned, devices can be assigned to sequences of operations and reconfigured on-site or remotely. As roles are standardized, resources can be diverted from maintaining proprietary technology and focused on value­-added features, devices that combine multiple roles, data applications and superior system interfaces.

The benefits of standardization in the commercial space include true multivendor interoperability, ease of deployment and scalability. Those at Bluetooth SIG believe standardization and its benefits will drive adoption and expand the market, as with many industries. For ECs, Bluetooth NLC promises to take the heavy lifting out of selecting, programming, commissioning and expanding wireless networked lighting control systems.

Recommending a solution for a space would involve being familiar with Bluetooth NLC and specifying it based on functionalities that can achieve space goals. This provides flexibility for subsequent product selection to optimize cost, features, system interface and technical support. After installation, Bluetooth NLC’s decentralized architecture enables the control system to be expanded based on future needs.

“Contractors no longer need deep technical expertise, but can rely on intuitive, user-friendly interfaces to guide them through network configuration and setup,” said Stephen Zhou, executive vice president, mwConnect, Sacramento, Calif. “Contractors can select devices from different vendors as long as those devices are Bluetooth NLC-qualified. Training resources will likewise be more standardized across solution providers.” 

Contractors may find it beneficial to explore the benefits of wireless lighting control systems based on Bluetooth NLC and the latest product offerings.

“Instead of diving deep into product datasheets, just knowing a product is compliant with Bluetooth NLC is sufficient to understand if it will do the job,” said Szymon Slupik, president and CTO of software company Silvair, San Francisco. “I believe that through strict standardization, we will enable many creative tools for different types of jobs. The bottom line is that by standardizing all layers, we have achieved a system that is fundamentally easy to commission. No manufacturer involvement is necessary; in fact, very often there will be multiple manufacturers. It is mostly plug-and-play.”

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