Where connected buildings are heading
Buildings as connected systems
The idea of a smart building has widened well beyond automated lighting and air conditioning. Industry analysts now describe buildings as connected systems in which sensors, analytics, security, and energy management share data — shifting from isolated, reactive systems toward software-driven operation.
21.1B
Connected IoT devices worldwide in 2025 · ~13% growth
~2,500
Exhibitors at Light + Building 2026, Frankfurt
Eight shifts to watch
Intelligence moves to the edge
More devices run AI models locally on the camera, sensor, or gateway. Lower delay, less bandwidth, and continued operation when internet links are weak.
Edge devices still need dependable local networks, correct power, and sound configuration.
One converged network for IT and building systems
Cameras, access control, lighting, and climate systems increasingly run over standard IP networking rather than proprietary wiring.
Network design, segmentation, and cabling quality become building-level concerns, not only IT concerns.
AI starts running parts of the building
Around 55% of commercial building decision-makers already use AI for energy management; about 84% plan to increase AI use in the next year.
These systems depend on good data from many sensors — which depends on dependable connectivity throughout the building.
PoE becomes a building-wide power layer
PoE is expanding beyond cameras and access points into lighting and other devices. Market estimates point to strong growth through 2034.
Cabling category, switch power budgets, and backup power need to be planned together.
Interoperability standards mature
Protocols such as Matter, KNX IoT, and DALI+ are improving compatibility between devices from different makers.
Buying open, standards-based equipment reduces lock-in risk.
Digital twins move from showpiece to tool
System-level digital twins of HVAC, energy, and lighting are increasingly practical operating tools.
A twin is only as good as the as-built records behind it — accurate documentation at handover matters.
Smarter access and surveillance
Biometric and mobile credentials, and cameras with on-device analytics, are becoming common in new specifications.
See our Products & Technologies insight for product-level detail.
Security and regulation catch up
IoT security rules continue to evolve, including Europe's Cyber Resilience Act and AI Act, affecting what reaches other markets.
Devices that cannot be patched or secured become long-term liabilities.
Ownership, not technology
Edge computing, digital twins, and PoE are not the main obstacles. The more common problem is unclear ownership of integration: when IT, electrical, security, and facilities each own a piece, nobody owns the whole.
Appoint one accountable party for the building's network and security design from the start.
Start with the foundation
Smart technology depends on connectivity. Ghana had about 261,938 fibre broadband subscribers at the end of 2025 — under 1% of the population, concentrated in urban areas. For many buildings, the practical first step is not an advanced platform.
Dependable connectivity into the building
Fibre or equivalent connectivity as the starting point.
Well-designed structured cabling and Wi-Fi
Internal infrastructure that can carry growth.
Power protection
Every connected system stops when power does.
Security on a segmented network
Cameras and access control designed as part of the network, not bolted on.
Before you specify
- 01Plan cabling for PoE and higher speeds, not only today's devices
- 02Check switch PoE budgets against what you intend to power
- 03Segment building systems, cameras, and staff networks
- 04Prefer open, standards-based devices
- 05Put power protection on core network and security equipment
- 06Keep accurate as-built records and labelling
- 07Name one party responsible for integration
- 08Plan firmware updates and device replacement from the start
Connectivity, cabling, and security
Plan your smart building
Talk to us about connectivity, cabling, and security for your building. Request a quote or book a site assessment.