RF modules are an excellent choice for lighting control applications, especially for wireless control of niche applications where ease of design and implementation is important. Complex, multi-node networks are most easily implemented using 802.15.4 standard mesh network modules with SNAP (Synapse Network Application Protocol) firmware such as the PAN4555 and PAN4561.  Because SNAP networks don’t use a coordinator, they are more reliable than other network topologies.  Since SNAP networks are IP compliant, one application for these modules is remote lighting control using the internet. Synapse through Panasonic offers a software product called SNAP CONNECT that gives internet access to SNAP networks. When cost is a major factor, ISM should be considered. These are Panasonic’s most aggressively priced and smallest RF modules. The PAN2355, 2356 and 2357 require more time to integrate than SNAP devices but are more versatile and ideal for proprietary networks.