Gateway placement guide

The Signify Interact gateway plays a vital role in managing professional lighting networks. It is essential to maintain a proper placement of gateways to overcome the unique challenges of steel, concrete, and heavy 2.4 GHz traffic (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and ZigBee) found in offices and industrial infrastructure.

Network constraints and capacity

This is essential in commercial deployments to manage network size and achieve a scalable design.

Category Description

Node limit

For a connected system, each wireless network requires one Signify Interact gateway and supports up to 200 nodes. If the lighting system exceeds this limit, deploy multiple non-overlapping networks, each with a gateway connected to the IT infrastructure.

Routers

Each node functions as a ZigBee router when they are powered, extending the wireless mesh network.

Physical placement of gateway

Position the gateway at a central, and elevated location within the wireless mesh network to optimize the line-of-sight (LoS) for all surrounding luminaires.

Gateways must be placed within 10 meters (33 feet) of at least two Interact Ready luminaires to form a strong network mesh connection.

Mitigating signal attenuation from building materials

Professional buildings have materials that will severely attenuate to 2.4 GHz signal. Avoid positioning the gateway near these materials or relying on the signal path through these materials.

Obstruction type Recommendation

Metal / Steel structure
Example: Steel beams, HVAC ducts, metal cable trays, and industrial racking.

Maintain at least 1 metre (3 feet) separation gap from large metallic surfaces. Never mount a gateway directly on or inside a metal enclosure such as distribution box.

Thick concrete
Example: Firewalls, industrial flooring, and elevator shafts.

Avoid signal penetration through more than one concrete barrier. Use a luminaire (router) immediately on the opposite side of the wall/floor to bridge the signal.

Server / Communication racks
Example: Dense equipment and strong electromagnetic interference (EMI).

Position the gateway at least 3 metres (10 feet) away from any active server or network rack to avoid high EMI.

Water / Liquids
Example: HVAC chillers, large pipes, and industrial tanks.

Ensure that the gateway’s installation path is clear from large bodies of water, as water is highly absorptive at 2.4 GHz.

Mesh network design and commissioning

The system stability relies on a dense, and reliable mesh network of nodes.

Mesh network requirements Recommendation

Nodes

Each node acts as a repeater in a ZigBee mesh and should be positioned within 10 meters (33 feet) of at least two other nodes. Refer to Node distance.

Gateway connection

The gateway must be connected to an unswitched, stable power outlet, and requires an IT network connection.
For more information on IT network connection, refer to Network Requirements.

Deployment order

For ZigBee only devices (non-bluetooth devices), start commissioning with luminaires closest to the gateway, and expanding outwards to build a stable mesh. This applies only to auto-joining devices.
For more information, refer to Gateway mode.

Multiple networks

If a group of luminaires is located too far from the main mesh network (e.g., more than 10 meters or separated by obstructive floors or walls), it is recommended to set up a new network for that group.
Node distance

Following table shows the node distance to be maintained for various devices.

Device Node distance

SC200

15 m (49.2 ft) line-of-sight

SC100

25 m (82 ft) line-of-sight

SNH210 IA

  • Indoor - 30 m (98 ft)

  • Outdoor - 50 m (164 ft)

LCN41x0

49 m (160 ft)

MPS3100, MPS32x0, MPS32x1

50 m (164 ft)

RFSR20

  • 46 m (150 ft) line-of-sight

  • 15 m (50 ft) with two walls between the devices

Wireless drivers (Gen2)

10 m (33 ft)

Connected spot LEDs

10 m (33 ft)