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Overview

Terminology & Definitions

A shared vocabulary for gateways, networks, devices, and integrations.

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Overview

This page defines common terms used throughout the C-Bridge documentation.

Use this page as a reference when reading setup guides, integration documents, support notes, API documentation, and internal development pages.

C-Bridge

C-Bridge is the gateway platform that connects Casambi lighting networks to cloud dashboards, APIs, BACnet/IP systems, and third-party integrations.

Gateway

A gateway is the physical C-Bridge device installed at a site.

It connects to the local network through Ethernet or Wi-Fi and communicates with the Casambi lighting network through a local interface.

Edge Gateway

An edge gateway is a gateway that runs local services on-site instead of depending entirely on the cloud.

The C-Bridge edge gateway can process data locally, expose local APIs, run BACnet/IP, store logs, and sync with the cloud.

Site

A site is a physical installation location.

Examples include:

  • Office.
  • Store.
  • Building.
  • Floor.
  • Campus.
  • Hotel.
  • Tenant space.

A site can contain one or more gateways.

Organization

An organization is the top-level customer or account grouping in the cloud portal.

An organization can contain multiple users, sites, and gateways.

Cloud Portal

The Cloud Portal is the web dashboard used to remotely view and manage C-Bridge sites, gateways, users, devices, logs, and integrations.

Casambi

Casambi is the wireless lighting control system that manages the local lighting network, including devices, groups, scenes, switches, sensors, and schedules.

Casambi Network

A Casambi network is a group of Casambi-enabled devices that communicate as a wireless mesh.

The network is typically commissioned using the Casambi app.

Casambi App

The Casambi app is used for standard Casambi commissioning and configuration.

It is typically used to:

  • Pair devices.
  • Create networks.
  • Configure fixtures.
  • Create groups.
  • Create scenes.
  • Create schedules.
  • Manage local lighting settings.

Device

A device is a lighting fixture, controller, sensor, switch, or other connected Casambi unit.

In C-Bridge, devices may be imported from the Casambi network and displayed in the cloud portal.

Unit ID

A Unit ID is the identifier used for a device inside the Casambi network.

C-Bridge may use Unit IDs when mapping devices, reading states, sending commands, or creating integration points.

Group

A group is a collection of devices controlled together.

Groups are often used to represent rooms, zones, areas, or fixture types.

Scene

A scene is a saved lighting state.

Scenes can define preset levels, color settings, or other lighting behavior.

Schedule

A schedule is a timed automation that triggers lighting behavior at specific times or based on defined timing rules.

Sensor

A sensor is a device or input that reports environmental or occupancy data.

Examples include:

  • Presence.
  • Occupancy.
  • Lux.
  • Temperature.
  • Battery level.
  • Custom sensor values.

Switch

A switch is a user input device used to control lighting.

Switches may trigger scenes, dim lights, toggle groups, or send button events.

BACnet/IP

BACnet/IP is a building automation communication protocol used by many building management systems.

C-Bridge can expose selected Casambi data as BACnet/IP points.

BMS

BMS stands for Building Management System.

A BMS may manage HVAC, lighting, meters, alarms, occupancy, and other building systems.

Ignition

Ignition is an industrial automation and SCADA platform.

C-Bridge can provide data to Ignition through BACnet/IP, APIs, or other integration methods depending on project requirements.

API

API stands for Application Programming Interface.

C-Bridge APIs allow external software to read data from or send commands to C-Bridge.

REST API

A REST API is a web-based API that uses standard HTTP requests.

C-Bridge REST APIs may be used to access devices, groups, scenes, schedules, gateway status, and other system data.

WebSocket

A WebSocket is a persistent connection used for real-time data updates.

C-Bridge can use WebSockets to send live updates to dashboards or integrations.

MQTT

MQTT is a lightweight messaging protocol commonly used for IoT systems.

If supported in a project, MQTT may be used to publish gateway or device data to external systems.

OTA

OTA stands for Over-The-Air update.

OTA updates allow C-Bridge software or firmware to be updated remotely.

Firmware

Firmware is low-level software that runs on hardware components.

In C-Bridge documentation, firmware may refer to gateway-related hardware, radio modules, or connected interface components.

Software Version

The software version identifies the version of the C-Bridge application running on the gateway.

This is useful for support, updates, and troubleshooting.

Serial Interface

The serial interface is the communication link between the C-Bridge gateway and the connected Casambi interface hardware.

Serial communication is used to send and receive gateway-level data.

SoftAP

SoftAP stands for Software Access Point.

In C-Bridge, SoftAP mode allows the gateway to temporarily create its own Wi-Fi setup network so an installer can configure Wi-Fi credentials.

Ethernet

Ethernet is the preferred wired network connection method for C-Bridge.

Ethernet is recommended for permanent installations because it is typically more stable than Wi-Fi.

Wi-Fi

Wi-Fi is a wireless network connection option for C-Bridge.

Wi-Fi can be used when Ethernet is not available, but it should only be used where signal quality is strong and reliable.

Cellular Backup

Cellular backup is an optional internet connection method that can keep a gateway online if Ethernet or Wi-Fi is unavailable.

Gateway Registration

Gateway registration is the process of adding a physical C-Bridge gateway to the cloud portal and assigning it to an organization or site.

Site Assignment

Site assignment connects a gateway to a specific site in the cloud portal.

Device Import

Device import is the process of bringing Casambi device information into C-Bridge so it can be shown in the portal, used in APIs, or mapped to integrations.

Device State

Device state refers to the current condition or value of a device.

Examples include:

  • On/off.
  • Dim level.
  • CCT level.
  • RGBW values.
  • Online/offline.
  • Fault condition.
  • Sensor value.

Live Status

Live status refers to real-time or near-real-time information shown in the portal or sent through WebSockets.

Event Log

An event log records system activity.

Events may include:

  • Gateway startup.
  • Device state change.
  • User action.
  • Integration command.
  • Error.
  • Update.
  • Connectivity change.

Error Log

An error log records problems or failures.

Examples include:

  • Serial communication failure.
  • Gateway offline.
  • API error.
  • BACnet service failure.
  • Wi-Fi connection failure.
  • OTA update failure.

BACnet Point

A BACnet point is a mapped value exposed to a BMS.

Examples include:

  • Device level.
  • Group level.
  • Scene trigger.
  • Occupancy status.
  • Fault status.
  • Gateway online status.

Point Mapping

Point mapping is the process of linking C-Bridge or Casambi data to BACnet/IP points or other integration fields.

Demand Response

Demand response is a workflow where lighting levels are adjusted in response to utility, grid, or building energy events.

C-Bridge can support demand response by applying controlled lighting reductions or override states.

OpenADR

OpenADR stands for Open Automated Demand Response.

It is a standard used for automated demand response communication.

Floor Plan

A floor plan is a visual layout of a site used to show device locations, zones, status, or control areas.

Heat Map

A heat map is a visual overlay that shows activity intensity, such as occupancy or traffic patterns.

User Role

A user role defines what a user can see or do in the C-Bridge portal.

Examples include:

  • Admin.
  • Installer.
  • Support.
  • Viewer.
  • Integrator.
  • Developer.

Permission

A permission is a specific access right given to a user or role.

Permissions may control access to sites, gateways, settings, controls, logs, integrations, or API keys.

API Key

An API key is a credential used by software to access the C-Bridge API.

API keys should be stored securely and limited to the required permissions.

JWT

JWT stands for JSON Web Token.

JWTs may be used for authenticated API access.

Local Network

The local network is the building or site network that the C-Bridge gateway connects to through Ethernet or Wi-Fi.

Firewall

A firewall controls network traffic.

Some sites may require firewall configuration to allow C-Bridge to access cloud services or communicate with local systems.

VLAN

A VLAN is a segmented virtual network.

IT teams may place C-Bridge on a specific VLAN for security or network management.

Static IP

A static IP is a manually assigned network address.

Some BMS integrations may prefer or require a static IP address for the C-Bridge gateway.

DHCP

DHCP automatically assigns an IP address to the gateway.

This is common for standard network setup.

Summary

This terminology page defines the key words used across the C-Bridge documentation.

Use these terms consistently when describing your installation or requesting support.