MiLight
MiLight is a line of inexpensive, wirelessly controlled LED lighting products and related controllers. These products are typically marketed under various brands, including LimitlessLED, Easybulb, and iLight, although MiLight is often used as a general descriptor. MiLight systems utilize radio frequency (RF) communication, typically on the 2.4 GHz band, for remote control and communication between devices.
The core components of a MiLight system usually include LED bulbs (or other lighting fixtures like LED strips) and a Wi-Fi controller (sometimes called a bridge or gateway). The Wi-Fi controller acts as an intermediary, translating commands received over Wi-Fi (from a smartphone app or other control system) into RF signals that the LED bulbs can understand.
MiLight devices are often characterized by their ability to adjust brightness, color temperature (in the case of white bulbs), and hue (in the case of RGB and RGBW bulbs). These adjustments are made wirelessly through the controller.
A key aspect of MiLight is its decentralized control architecture. Each bulb can be controlled individually or as part of a group. The grouping mechanism allows for simultaneous control of multiple lights, creating synchronized lighting effects. This functionality relies on assigning bulbs to specific zones via the controller.
Because the underlying RF protocol is relatively simple, reverse engineering and third-party software support are common. This has led to integration with various home automation systems and platforms. The specific communication protocol, while functional, is often seen as a vulnerability from a security standpoint due to its lack of robust encryption.
MiLight products are commonly found in residential and commercial lighting applications where cost-effectiveness and wireless control are prioritized.