Network of lights and operating method thereof

Abstract

Described herein is method for operating and controlling a network of lights comprising a plurality of lights arranged in a number of groups (A, B) using a short-distance network. Each light includes a control module () for controlling its normal operation and for short-distance communication over the short-distance network with a designated group controller () and other control modules within the group. Each designated group controller () is also operable for long-distance communication with a central server and transmits its own specific information as a control module as well as information received from other control modules within the group. Information relevant to more than one group can quickly be exchanged between adjacent groups over a long-distance network via the group controller of the adjacent groups, by-passing the central server, or directly over the short-distance connection to a control module of an adjacent group. Failure of a group controller () can be managed by designating another control module () within the group as a new group controller and the flexible short-distance network is re-formed around the new group controller.