Fundamentals - PIERRE Offline Control

PIERRE Offline Control allows key home functions to remain available when the internet connection is unavailable.

Instead of relying only on cloud communication, the system can continue to work through the local network inside the building. This helps maintain control of essential functions during an internet outage.

Offline control works automatically when needed. No manual action is required.

At the moment, offline control is available through the PIERRE display. Mobile app offline control is planned for a future release.

Requirements

Offline control requires:

• at least one supported PIERRE display
• all relevant devices connected to the same local network

Supported displays:

• Berlin
• Helsinki
• Rio Pro
• Rio

For best stability, displays should use Ethernet and a static IP address whenever possible.

How It Works

Under normal conditions, the system communicates through the cloud. This allows remote access, synchronization, settings changes, and other cloud-based functions.

If the internet becomes unavailable, the system detects the interruption and switches to local communication automatically.

In this mode, essential control remains available inside the building.

When the internet connection returns, the system reconnects and synchronizes changes automatically.

Local-First Mode

Some installations may use local-first mode.

In this setup, commands are routed locally first, even when the internet is available, while cloud synchronization continues in the background.

This can improve continuity because there is no delay when internet access is lost.

Device Roles

PIERRE uses several hardware device types in the system.

Displays

Displays provide the touchscreen interface and can support local communication during internet outages.

Display types:

• Berlin
• Helsinki
• Rio Pro
• Rio

If multiple displays are installed, the system automatically selects one to take the main coordinating role in this order:

1. Berlin
2. Rio Pro
3. Helsinki
4. Rio

If two displays of the same type are present, the one installed first is selected.

Controllers

Controllers connect physical devices such as lights, locks, and sensors.

They can control connected devices, but they do not take the main coordinating role for offline communication.

Wave Gateways

Wave Gateways support compatible wireless devices.

They participate in device communication, but they do not coordinate offline control for the whole building.

What Works Offline

When offline control is active, users can continue to control essential functions such as:

• lighting
• brightness
• climate
• blinds
• locks
• scenes

Some automations may also continue working, but only if the required devices and conditions are available locally.

What Requires Internet

The following functions require internet connection:

• adding new devices
• changing device settings
• adding or removing users
• firmware updates
• creating schedules
• viewing logs and history
• initial setup
• key sharing

These functions depend on cloud-based services.

Offline Control and Direct Control

Offline control and direct control are not the same.

Offline Control

Offline control works when:

• the internet is unavailable
• the local network is still working
• a supported PIERRE display is present

In this case, devices can continue communicating inside the building.

Direct Control

Direct control is the most basic fallback behavior.

A controller or display can still control devices that are physically connected or directly paired to it, even if wider communication is not available.

Examples:

• a controller can still switch a directly wired light
• a display can still interact with devices paired to it

Direct control does not provide full communication across the building.

Smart Pierre App

The Smart Pierre app currently requires internet connection for control.

During an internet outage, users should use the PIERRE display directly.

Mobile app offline control is planned for a future release.

Status Indicators

Display Status Circle

Displays in the app can show three main status colors:

• Green – connected directly to cloud
• Blue – connected to local broker
• Red – disconnected

Blue is normal and often preferred because it indicates local communication is available.

Controller LED States

Controller LEDs show connection status:

• Solid Green – connected to cloud
• Pulsing Green – connected locally
• Purple – connecting
• Light Blue – commissioning
• Dark Blue – currently configuring
• Yellow – OTA update
• Red – disconnected

“Not Reachable” and “Offline”

These terms have different meanings.

Not Reachable

“Not Reachable” means the system cannot currently send commands to a specific device.

Possible reasons include:

• the device has no power
• the device has lost connection
• the wireless device is out of range
• the controller is offline
• the display is offline
• the phone is not connected correctly

Offline

“Offline” means the device is not connected to the network.

In some situations, a device may still support direct control even if it appears offline.

Troubleshooting

Offline control is not working

Check the following:

• there is at least one supported display in the building
• the display is powered on
• the display is connected to the local network
• all relevant devices are on the same local network

Mobile app does not work during an internet outage

This is expected behavior.

Use the PIERRE display directly when the internet is unavailable.

Display shows red status

Check:

• power supply
• Ethernet or Wi-Fi connection
• local network status

Controller LED is red

Check:

• controller power
• network connection
• router or switch connection

Device shows “Not Reachable”

Check:

• device power
• wiring
• wireless range, if applicable
• status of the controller or display it depends on

Wireless device does not respond

Check whether the device is within range of the display or gateway.
If needed, improve placement or add a repeater.

Summary

PIERRE Offline Control helps keep essential functions available when internet access is unavailable.

It works automatically, uses local communication inside the building, and helps maintain a stable control experience during internet outages.