MeshTek® Frequently Asked Questions

Platform FAQ

  • What is a mesh network?

    A mesh network is a localized network infrastructure where connected nodes can intelligently send and receive data between one another. Using either flooding or routing techniques, devices within the network dynamically self-configure, enabling reliable communication with no single points of failure.

  • What is Bluetooth Mesh?

    Bluetooth mesh is a wireless communications protocol that uses Bluetooth Low Energy to facilitate data communication across a local network of devices. According to the Bluetooth SIG, the governing body for Bluetooth standards and specifications, Bluetooth mesh is optimized for scalable networking, making it ideal for building automation, sensor networks, and other IoT solutions.

  • What is MeshTek?

    MeshTek is a unique IoT (“Internet of Things”) platform that uses Bluetooth Low Energy to form both broadcast and connection mesh networks, enabling efficient communication and control among networked devices. Featuring a series of extensible hardware and software products, MeshTek can be custom-tailored to meet your application and product requirements.

  • How many devices can be simultaneously managed in a MeshTek network?

    Using the MeshTek Mobile App, users can simultaneously manage up to 50 devices in a local connection-based mesh network (large data packet size), while large numbers of devices can be managed utilizing a broadcast-based (limited data packet size) connectivity. The MeshTek Bluetooth-WiFi Gateway enables reliable remote access and can control larger connection-based meshed devices.

  • How long does it take to configure a MeshTek network?

    MeshTek networks can be configured very quickly. With our patented technology, devices are commissioned to the MeshTek Mobile app using a simple drag-and-drop process, forming the mesh network automatically during the setup. Once all devices have been physically installed and securely commissioned to an account, the mesh will self-optimize to ensure efficient communication across your network.

  • Can I use MeshTek to schedule or automate device activities?

    Yes! MeshTek modules have the ability to store up to 250KB of data, e.g. custom schedules or default settings, directly onto the module itself. With the addition of a small coin-cell battery to power the Real Time Clock (as seen in our MeshTek Lighting Controllers), schedules will continuously execute as defined. Up to 100 schedules can be stored on a MeshTek device.

  • What happens to my MeshTek mesh network if one of my devices becomes disconnected?

    If a meshed device loses power or otherwise fails to connect to the network, MeshTek will automatically reconfigure the mesh using the most efficient connections available. This self-healing mesh capability ensures that no single point of failure will prevent data from being reliably distributed across the network. Click here to watch the self-healing mesh network in action.

  • What applications or use cases is MeshTek ideal for?

    MeshTek is great for connecting lighting products to the Internet of Things, but it’s flexibility also makes it the perfect fit for numerous other IoT applications. With ongoing projects in HVAC, energy monitoring, security, and location services, we’re actively engaged with manufacturers to integrate and connect to leading-edge platform applications. MeshTek firmware can also be adapted for other devices that utilize the nrf51 or nrf52 chipsets from Nordic Semiconductor.

  • Is MeshTek compatible with products/platforms that use the Bluetooth SIG Mesh specification?

    While MeshTek has not yet integrated the Bluetooth SIG Mesh standard specification into our platform, we’re actively working with our partners to ensure interoperability among certified devices.

  • Can I work with MeshTek to develop custom hardware or software?

    Yes. The MeshTek platform (hardware, firmware, and software) is very flexible, making it easy to specify and develop customized solutions that address your application requirements.

  • Are MeshTek hardware products certified?

    Yes, The MeshTek H52 Module has FCC/IC, CE and Bluetooth SIG certifications. Other MeshTek hardware products may be subject to further certification.

  • Does MeshTek offer APIs and/or an SDK?

    MeshTek SDK and APIs are available for interacting with MeshTek hardware, including our modules, development kits, controllers and gateways. We also have REST APIs available for lighting control, making it easy to develop custom lighting apps using MeshTek Lighting Controllers.

  • I’m interested in MeshTek, but I’m unsure of the best way to implement it in my products. Who can I contact for more information?

    You can contact us by emailing hello@ilumisolutions.com.

Lighting FAQ

  • What applications are MeshTek lighting products currently being used in?

    With flexible hardware and software offerings, MeshTek is an ideal IoT control platform for a variety of LED applications, including:

    Horticultural lighting

    Human-centric lighting

    Automobile lighting

    Commercial/office lighting

    High-bay/industrial lighting

    Pool Lighting

    Landscape Lighting

  • Which LED drivers are compatible with MeshTek Lighting Controllers?

    Our controllers support all CC, CV, CC+CV drivers. Standard Drivers with dimming (0-10V or PWM) are supported by Analog Lighting Controllers. Standard drivers without dimming are supported by PWM Lighting Controller. While integrating driver and load, one should keep in mind the max voltage and current rating supported by MeshTek Lighting Controllers.

  • Which MeshTek Lighting Controller is best suited for my products?

    MeshTek Analog Lighting Controllers (1-4 channels) are ideal for drivers or fixtures with dimming capabilities (0-10V or PWM), while MeshTek PWM Lighting Controllers are suitable for fixtures or drivers that lack dimming capabilities.

  • What are the power and current limitations of drivers to be used with MeshTek Lighting Controllers?

    0-10V controllers don’t have any power restrictions as it produces 0-10V signal that goes directly to the driver and the driver’s output is directly provided to the LED load
    Existing PWM controllers have a limit of up to 100V and 6A (single channel) or 12A (multichannel combined) rating.

  • Will MeshTek help source compatible drivers?

    Yes. If you are unsure if your current driver is compatible with MeshTek Lighting Controllers, or if you’d like to replace your current driver altogether, we can help identify reliable sources for qualified drivers.

  • What is the effective range of control for lighting products that use MeshTek?

    In most applications, a single MeshTek-enabled lighting fixture can be controlled from up to 100 feet away using the MeshTek Mobile App. Since MeshTek utilizes a unique Bluetooth mesh topology, each MeshTek-enabled lighting fixture can relay a message to its neighbors, enabling indirect control of lighting devices up to 1500 feet away. Installing a MeshTek Bluetooth-WiFi Gateway to your local lighting network further increases range of control, allowing access to your lighting network from anywhere in the world with an internet connection.

  • How many lighting devices can be managed using the MeshTek mobile app?

    Our mobile app can communicate with up to 50 MeshTek-enabled lighting devices without the relying on internet connectivity.

  • How many lighting devices can be managed using the MeshTek Gateway?

    Adding a MeshTek Bluetooth-Wifi Gateway to your lighting network enables reliable control of 100+ connected lighting devices, in addition to providing remote monitoring and control capabilities. Additional gateways allow for larger networks.

  • How many MeshTek lighting products are currently deployed?

    There are over 100,000 MeshTek-enabled lighting devices in deployed to-date.

  • Can I create lighting scenes or zones?

    Yes, the MeshTek Mobile App makes it easy to create groups (a.k.a zones). During the pairing process, lighting devices are dragged and dropped into groups you create, allowing simultaneous control of included devices. Users can also create additional networks for groups of lighting devices they’d like to keep separate (i.e. “West Location” vs. “East Location”).

  • Can I create schedules using MeshTek-enabled lighting devices?

    Yes! MeshTek offers the unique ability to store custom schedules directly on the controller, negating the need to rely on internet connectivity for schedules to be activated at the desired time. Using the scheduling wizard in the MeshTek Mobile App, you can create schedules that enable selected lighting devices to turn on or off, execute a custom scene, or apply a new lighting setting.

  • Can I create my own app to control MeshTek-enabled lighting devices?

    Yes. As a MeshTek Lighting Partner, you’ll receive access to our API and SDKs to enable you to build your own app to control MeshTek-enabled lighting devices. We also offer access to the basic version MeshTek Mobile App, which can be white-labeled or customized for a nominal fee.

  • Can I control a MeshTek network from a web-based platform instead of using the mobile app?

    While this feature is not yet available, we understand the value in having the ability to control your lighting networks from a web-based platform rather than a mobile device. We’re actively reviewing the feasibility of such a feature, and we hope to have availability updates soon.

  • Does a MeshTek controller help in reducing LED Driver costs?

    Yes! Please visit our HyperLux technology page to understand how our patented driver utilization can be increased by 300% and why that’s important for your luminaire.

  • How many users can simultaneously control a MeshTek lighting network?

    Only one point of access (i.e. a MeshTek Mobile App or MeshTek Gateway) can actively control a MeshTek network at a time. If User A is actively using the MeshTek mobile app for their network, User B could not control the network from their device until User A completely closes the mobile application on their device. However, users can invite other users to control their network. Network admins can also control the level of access for users they have invited to access their network.

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