Editing KNX (section)

== Configuration modes ==
An installation has to be configured at the network topology level and at individual nodes or devices. The first level is a precondition or “bootstrap” phase, prior to the configuration of the distributed applications, i.e. binding and parameter setting. Configuration may be achieved through a combination of local activity on the devices (such pushing a button), and active network management communication over the bus (peer-to-peer, or more centralized master-slave).

The KNX configuration mode:

* picks out a certain scheme for configuration and binding;
* maps it to a particular choice of address scheme; and
* completes all this with a choice of management procedures and matching resource realizations.

Some modes require more active management over the bus, whereas some others are mainly oriented towards local configuration. There are three categories of KNX devices:

*'''A-mode''' or "Automatic mode" devices which can configure themselves, and are able to be installed by the end user;
*'''E-mode''' or "Easy mode" devices that require basic training to install: their behaviour is pre-programmed, but configuration parameters need to be tailored to the user's requirements; or
*'''S-mode''' or "System mode" devices that can be used to create sophisticated [[building automation]] systems: they have no default behaviour, and must be programmed and installed by specialists.

KNX encompasses tools for project engineering tasks such as linking a series of individual devices into a functioning installation and integrating different media and configuration modes. This is embodied in an ''Engineering Tool Software'' (ETS) suite.