A connected lighting fixture network system has a plurality of multi-channel lighting fixtures that communicate over a network. Each lighting fixture (device) may access a plurality of services that reside within an application layer of the device, or on a server accessible to the device. A controller is coupled to the device and configured to send query and command messages to the device and to receive reply messages from the device. A query message from the controller can request information about the device. In response to receiving the reply message, the controller can generate a command message and send the command message to the device. The services available to the device may include network discovery, device health, device status, software versioning, and lighting command and control.