Non-Cellular, 5G Wireless Standard Shows Interoperability for Smart Buildings

Key Takeaways

• NR+ operates in 1.9 GHz license‑free band for massive IoT
• Demo linked ~80 devices from multiple vendors, proving interoperability
• Higher data rates and lower latency than current IoT networks
• Open standard enables installers to avoid vendor lock‑in
• Powered by Nordic Semiconductor and Wirepas production‑grade technology

Pulse Analysis

The emergence of NR+ reflects a broader industry shift toward open, non‑cellular 5G solutions that can meet the demanding connectivity needs of modern smart buildings. By leveraging the 1.9 GHz spectrum—traditionally reserved for DECT telephony—NR+ offers a license‑free channel that supports dense device deployments without the interference and cost constraints of licensed bands. This approach aligns with the growing demand for scalable, low‑latency networks capable of handling everything from lighting controls to HVAC sensors, positioning NR+ as a versatile backbone for the Internet of Things.

In the recent DECT Forum demonstration, roughly 80 NR+‑compatible devices from members of the NR+ Building Interest Group, including Legrand and Schneider Electric, operated seamlessly on a single network. The system, built on production‑grade components from Nordic Semiconductor and Wirepas, delivered data rates and latency figures that outpace conventional Wi‑Fi and LoRaWAN solutions, highlighting its suitability for high‑performance building automation. Crucially, the open‑standard architecture allowed devices from different manufacturers to interoperate without custom integration, a long‑standing pain point for installers seeking to avoid vendor lock‑in and simplify deployment workflows.

For the commercial real estate and facilities‑management markets, NR+ could become a catalyst for faster adoption of advanced building‑automation technologies. Its license‑free operation reduces ongoing spectrum fees, while the open ecosystem encourages competition and innovation among hardware vendors. As major players like Legrand and Schneider Electric back the standard, the momentum may push other manufacturers to adopt NR+, potentially reshaping the IoT connectivity landscape and accelerating the transition toward fully integrated, data‑driven smart buildings.