Does Casambi require a gateway or bridge?

Short answer: NO, a gateway is NOT required!

Casambi works completely without a gateway or bridge for local operations. However, it depends on your use case.

1. LOCAL CONTROL (gateway not required)

A central hub or gateway is not required for local operation. For remote control outside Bluetooth range, a Casambi gateway can be used as an option. In this case, the free app is sufficient:

✅ Control via smartphone/tablet (on-site)
✅ Control via wall switch
✅ Control via sensor (motion detector, twilight switch)
✅ Create
✅ scenes and automations All functions available

Range: As long as you are in the same house/building with your smartphone and have a Bluetooth connection, everything works without additional Hardware.

2. REMOTE CONTROL (gateway is recommended)

If you want to control your lighting from outside (e.g. from work, on vacation), you will need a gateway:

Option A: Casambi Gateway (standard)
- Allows remote access via the cloud
- Optional for advanced features
- Requires only power supply (no internet required for local use)

Our recommendation:

For most users (private household/office): → Start WITHOUT a gateway. The local control is completely sufficient and free of charge.

Retrofitting recommended if you:
- want to control your lighting on the go
- want to use voice commands ("Alexa, light on!")
- Have multiple locations (homes, branches)
- Want automatic power-saving features based on time of day

Buy directly with gateway if you need
- Remote control from the start
- Prioritize smart home integration

Technical background:
Casambi uses a Bluetooth mesh network that organizes itself. Each Casambi luminaire acts as an amplifier and extends the range. This enables stable, decentralized control without a central unit.

Common misconceptions:
❌ "I need a server for Casambi" → False! Local control does not require a server.
❌ "I can't dim without a gateway" → False! All functions are also available without a gateway.
✅ "Gateway is only necessary for remote control" → Correct!