Gira X1: KNX Smart Home Server Configuration and App Setup

What the Gira X1 is — and what it does simultaneously

The Gira X1 (order number 1002 00) is a DIN-rail device powered by 24V DC. It has two Ethernet ports (one for LAN, one for KNX IP backbone) and a KNX TP bus connector. It performs three roles at the same time, which is why it replaces both a KNX IP router and a separate visualisation server in most residential projects.

Two tools, two layers: ETS6 and GPA

A common source of confusion is that the X1 requires two completely separate configuration tools. ETS6 configures the KNX installation itself — device parameters, group addresses, topologies. Gira Project Assistant (GPA) configures only the visualisation layer on top of the existing KNX project. GPA does not replace ETS6.

Installing and licensing GPA

Gira Project Assistant is a free download from gira.com. The license is tied to the X1 serial number — no dongle, no annual subscription. When GPA is first connected to an X1, it reads the serial number and activates automatically over the internet. Offline activation is available via Gira support for sites without internet access during commissioning.

ETS6 export:
  File → Export project → .knxproj (standard KNX project format)

GPA import:
  File → Import → KNX project → select .knxproj

After import, GPA shows all group addresses with:
  - GA name (from ETS6 — name your GAs clearly)
  - DPT type (e.g. DPT 9.001 — temperature, 2-byte float)
  - Current value (live, read from bus)

Best practice:
  Use a consistent GA naming convention in ETS6 before import
  e.g. "L1 Living Room Ceiling — On/Off" for GA 1/0/1
  GPA uses ETS6 names as the default function name

Building structure in GPA: floors, rooms and functions

GPA organises the visualisation as a building structure: building → floors → rooms → functions. The app mirrors this hierarchy exactly. Creating a clear room structure makes the app intuitive for end-users and simplifies favourite selection.

GPA automatically suggests function types based on the DPT of imported group addresses. A GA with DPT 1.001 (1-bit on/off) will be suggested as a switching light or binary function. A GA with DPT 9.001 (2-byte float) will be suggested as a temperature value. Always verify the automatic suggestion — DPT 9.001 could be temperature, humidity or CO2 depending on the device.

Gira Smart Home app: local and remote access

The Gira Smart Home app (iOS and Android) connects to the X1 either locally via KNXnet/IP on the same LAN, or remotely via the Gira cloud relay. The app structure mirrors the GPA building structure exactly — floors, rooms and functions appear in the same hierarchy.

Remote access without cloud: WireGuard VPN

For installations where cloud dependency is not acceptable — hotels, care homes, commercial buildings with data policies — the Gira cloud relay can be disabled entirely. Remote access is then achieved via a WireGuard VPN tunnel from the site router, giving the app direct LAN access to the X1 over an encrypted tunnel.

Client smartphone (remote)
    │
    │  WireGuard tunnel (UDP, encrypted, port 51820)
    ▼
Site router / firewall
  WireGuard server — assigns client IP in 10.8.0.x
    │
    │  LAN — 192.168.1.0/24
    ▼
Gira X1
  IP: 192.168.1.200 (static — mandatory)
  Port 3671 UDP — KNXnet/IP (LAN only, not port-forwarded)

Gira Smart Home app configuration:
  Settings → Connection → Manual → IP: 192.168.1.200
  App connects directly to X1 over VPN as if on-site LAN
  Gira cloud registration: disabled in GPA

WireGuard recommended over OpenVPN for mobile:
  Battery-efficient on iOS/Android
  Reconnects instantly after network switch (WiFi to LTE)
  Supported in: pfSense, OPNsense, Ubiquiti EdgeRouter,
  Mikrotik RouterOS, Unifi (via third-party package)

HomeKit, Alexa and Google Assistant integration

The X1 integrates with three major voice platforms. All three are configured inside GPA under the integration settings. The X1 acts as the bridge — it translates between the platform protocol and KNX group address writes and reads.

Fault monitoring and diagnostics

The X1 provides several diagnostic tools accessible via its web interface (navigate to the X1 IP address in a browser on the same LAN). These are useful for commissioning verification and fault finding after installation.

Gira eNet vs Gira X1 — important distinction

Gira markets two separate smart home platforms that are frequently confused. The X1 is for wired KNX installations. The eNet Server is a completely different product for Gira's proprietary wireless 868 MHz eNet protocol — used in retrofit scenarios where KNX TP cabling is not possible.