Hardware · LI Node Z18
Every luminaire becomes a network node.
The LI Node Z18 is an intelligent LoRaWAN® / NB-IoT luminaire controller to Zhaga Book 18 – rugged, open, born in the field and securely manageable from anywhere.
Born in the field
Built for the city of tomorrow.
The idea came from a real project: under genuine operating conditions across nearly 5,000 light points, we worked out, prioritised and field-verified the requirements together with operators.
From the field
Worked out with operators, verified on site.
Open interfaces
Zhaga Book 18, D4i / DALI-2, LoRaWAN® & NB-IoT.
Cold-start proven
Stable rejoin after daytime power-off.
The result is a controller that uses open interfaces and is reliably manageable from afar. It drives demand-based dimming and switching profiles, captures energy and status data in real time, and communicates over either LoRaWAN® or NB-IoT.
Particular attention went to networks with upstream switching systems that cut supply voltage during the day. So operation stays stable after power returns – and radio networks are not overwhelmed – the node implements a robust cold-start and rejoin strategy.
Anatomy
Everything that makes a luminaire digital.
Radio, positioning, sensors, driver interface and an energy buffer – the LI Node Z18 packs a complete digital node. Every component is built for reliable long-term operation in the field.
0102030405- 01
Radio module
LoRaWAN® 1.1 and NB-IoT / LTE – your choice, with eSIM and global roaming.
- 02
GNSS receiver
Positioning to ± 2 m via GPS and QZSS, cellular-assisted.
- 03
Sensors
Light, temperature plus tilt and acceleration – on board as standard.
- 04
D4i / DALI-2 interface
Control, dim and read certified drivers in one workflow.
- 05
Supercapacitor
Bridges power outages for up to 72 hours and buffers the real-time clock.
Mechanics
Dimensions & protection
80 mm
Diameter
40 mm
Height
≈ 80 g
Weight
IK09
Impact rating
IEC 62262
PC · PBT
Housing
Base PC · Cover PBT · Smoked / Transparent
Zhaga
Mounting
Book 18 · Twist-Lock
Connectivity
Choose LoRaWAN® or NB-IoT.
For ongoing operational communication you have the choice – by availability, cost model and project scenario. Firmware updates always run signed and fault-tolerant over NB-IoT.
LoRaWAN® 1.1
Long range & low power
- Device class
- Class C + opt. B
- Frequency band
- 868 MHz
- RX sensitivity
- –137 dBm · SF12
- TX power
- +22 dBm (max)
- Join method
- OTAA
- Encryption
- AES-128
NB-IoT / LTE
Wide coverage, no gateway of your own
- Frequency band
- 700–2200 MHz
- Power classes
- 20 / 23 dBm
- RX sensitivity
- –108 dBm · Cat-M1
- Encryption
- TLS / DTLS
- Power-saving modes
- eDRX · PSM · DRX
- SIM
- eSIM · global
Sensing
More sensing, more impact.
The LI Node Z18 captures light level, temperature and orientation as standard – not a paid add-on. Each sensor delivers a concrete operational benefit, not just a reading.
Light sensor
Switches and dims to the actual ambient light instead of a fixed clock – replacing classic twilight switches, saving energy and lighting only when it's truly needed.
Temperature sensor
Monitors operating temperature and flags overheating or thermal anomalies early – the basis for predictive maintenance and a longer life for driver and LED.
Tilt & acceleration sensor
Captures orientation and shock across three axes – detecting tilt after a vehicle impact or storm as well as vibration or tampering on the pole, and reporting it instantly.
Ride-through
Survives the day on the switched circuit.
An integrated supercapacitor buffers the device for up to 72 hours from power-off and keeps the real-time clock stable. Upstream twilight switches or segment circuits that shut down during the day don't break the rhythm – and on power-up a staggered rejoin strategy prevents overloaded radio networks.
Certifications & partners
Compliant, tested, connectable.
Open standards and joint pilots ensure seamless integration into existing systems.
DALI-2
D4i
Zhaga Book 18
LoRa Alliance
Standards & conformity
Memberships & partners
DALI Alliance · LoRa Alliance · Zhaga Consortium – roaming partner: 1NCE
Next step
Bring the LI Node Z18 to your network.
Get the full datasheet or talk to us directly about pilot, rollout and integration.