If you already know you want Rako lighting control, choosing the hub is straightforward once you know which type of system you have. A wireless Rako system takes the RK-HUB. A wired or hybrid system takes the WK-HUB. This guide explains what each hub does, when you need one, and the mix-ups to avoid before you order.
New to Rako? Start with our guide to what Rako is and how it works, or Rako or Shelly if you are still choosing a system, then come back here to choose your hub.
The short answer
- Wireless Rako system: choose the Rako RK-HUB.
- Wired Rako system: choose the Rako WK-HUB.
- Hybrid system (wired, with some wireless devices): choose the WK-HUB, which bridges to wireless.
- Not sure which you have: ask your Rako installer, or tell us about your project through our Rako project form.
Both are Ethernet hubs. Both give you the Rako app, voice control through Alexa, Google Home and Apple Home, and timed events. The difference is the type of Rako system each one is designed to work with, so the right choice depends on your system rather than a list of features.
Do I need a Rako hub?
You need a hub if you want any of the following:
- Control from the Rako app
- Voice control through Amazon Alexa, Google Home or Apple Home
- Timed events, so lighting changes happen at set times without anyone pressing a button
- NFC programming
If any of those are on your list, the next question is which hub. The hub has to match your system type, so it's worth settling early, ideally when your installer is designing the system rather than once everything else has been ordered.
Rako RK-HUB: the hub for wireless systems
The RK-HUB is Rako's Ethernet hub for wireless systems. It connects to your home network by Ethernet and links your wireless Rako devices to the app, the voice assistants and timed events.
As well as app control, Alexa, Google Home and Apple Home, and timed events, the RK-HUB supports macros, so one action can trigger a sequence of commands.
Choose the RK-HUB when your Rako system is wireless. If any part of the system is wired, look at the WK-HUB instead.
Rako WK-HUB: the hub for wired and hybrid systems
The WK-HUB is the Ethernet hub for wired Rako. Like the RK-HUB, it gives you the Rako app, voice control through Alexa, Google Home and Apple Home, and timed events.
What sets it apart is that the WK-HUB bridges to wireless. That makes it the right hub for hybrid systems, where a wired installation also includes wireless Rako devices, for example when part of the house is wired and another area uses wireless.
If your system is wired, even partly, plan around the WK-HUB.
RK-HUB vs WK-HUB side by side
- System type: the RK-HUB is for wireless Rako. The WK-HUB is for wired Rako, and for hybrid systems through its bridge to wireless.
- Network connection: both connect by Ethernet.
- App control: both.
- Voice control: both work with Alexa, Google Home and Apple Home.
- Timed events: both.
- Bridging to wireless: the WK-HUB.
Because the everyday features are shared, the choice comes down to one question: what type of Rako system do you have, or are you planning?
Which Rako hub do I need for a wired system?
The WK-HUB. The RK-HUB is designed for wireless systems, so a wired system, including a wired system with some wireless devices, should be paired with the WK-HUB.
Which Rako hub do I need for a wireless system?
The RK-HUB. If your installer has specified a wireless Rako system, the RK-HUB is the hub that matches it.
Where RAMPI fits, and why it isn't a hub
The Rako RAMPI often appears in the same searches as the hubs, so it's worth clearing up. RAMPI is a USB stick used with RASOFT Pro, Rako's commissioning software. It's a tool for setting a system up, not a hub.
That means a RAMPI won't give you app control, voice control or timed events. If those are what you're after, you need an RK-HUB or a WK-HUB. Whether your project also needs a RAMPI is for your installer to decide, because commissioning is their job.
Common mix-ups to avoid
- Ordering the RK-HUB for a wired system. Wired and hybrid systems need the WK-HUB.
- Treating a hybrid system as wireless because it includes some wireless devices. If any of it is wired, the WK-HUB is the hub that bridges the two.
- Buying a RAMPI and expecting hub features. RAMPI is for commissioning with RASOFT Pro, not for app, voice or timed control.
- Leaving the hub until last. The app, voice control, timed events and NFC programming all depend on it, so put it on the parts list from the start.
- Forgetting the network connection. Both hubs are Ethernet hubs, so plan where yours will connect to your home network.
Who designs and sets up the system?
We supply the parts. Your Rako system should be designed and commissioned by a Rako installer, who will confirm the right hub alongside your keypads and modules. For the six-button keypad, see Rako RK-EOS-6 vs WK-EOS-6. If you're still at the planning stage, send us the details through our Rako project form and we'll be in touch.
Shop the hubs or plan a project
Know your system type? Go straight to the Rako RK-HUB for wireless systems or the Rako WK-HUB for wired and hybrid systems. You can also browse all Rako hubs and the wider Rako range.
Still working it out? Tell us about your project using the Rako project form, and we'll help you get the right parts in place.