A great solution/s to interconnect BACnet IP devices on BACnet Ethernetnetwork.

BACnet IP

BACnet IP (Internet Protocol) is a communication protocol used for building automation and control networks. It is an open standard that provides a common language for building systems to communicate and exchange data. BACnet IP is based on the Internet Protocol (IP) and allows for communication over Ethernet networks.

In terms of network topology, BACnet IP supports both peer-to-peer and client-server communication models. In a peer-to-peer configuration, devices on the network can communicate directly with each other. In a client-server configuration, one device acts as the server, providing data and services to other devices on the network, which act as clients.

BACnet IP also supports broadcast communication, which allows for one device to send a message to all other devices on the network at the same time. This can be useful for network-wide announcements or updates.

ProtoConvert can supply and support gateways that can have a BACnet IP client or a server interface.

When a gateway is configured as a BACnet IP Client it would keep reading data from the field devices using BACnet IP protocol. It will also be possible to program the gateway to relay commands to the field device/s. Hence when configured as a BACnet IP Client the gateway reads data from BACnet IP devices like power meters, UPS’, PDUs, CRAC units, Thermostats and makes the data available on a variety of other protocols like Modbus, SNMP , LonWorks and many others

When a gateway is configured as a BACnet IP Server it can publish data on a BACnet IP network as a server and other BACnet IP clients can obtain data from the gateway. It would respond to the polls/COV Subscription requests from the BACnet IP Clients on the network and publish the data as per the internal configuration. Hence by using the gateway as a BACnet IP Server it is possible to publish data from other protocol networks on the BACnet IP network for the Building management system (BMS) or any other Building automation and Control system to consume.

BACnet Ethernet

BACnet Ethernet is a communication protocol used in building automation systems to connect devices such as sensors, actuators, and controllers. It uses the Ethernet physical layer for communication, allowing devices to exchange data seamlessly across a local area network (LAN). BACnet Ethernet provides a standardized way for different manufacturers’ devices to communicate with each other, making it easier to integrate and manage building automation systems. With its robust features and widespread adoption in the industry, BACnet Ethernet has become an essential tool for building automation professionals to optimize the energy efficiency, comfort, and safety of buildings.

ProtoConvert can supply and support gateways that can have a BACnet Ethernet client or server interfaces.

When a gateway is configured as a BACnet Ethernet Client it would keep reading data from the field devices using BACnet Ethernet protocol. It will also be possible to program the gateway to relay commands to the field devices (if protocol implementation supports, please check datasheet for details). Hence when used as a BACnet Ethernet Client the gateway reads data from BACnet Ethernet Servers and makes the data available on a variety of other protocols like Modbus, BACnet, SNMP, LonWorks and many others.

When a gateway is configured as a BACnet Ethernet Server it can be connected to a BACnet Ethernet Client and be a source of data. It would respond to the polls from the BACnet Ethernet Client and publish the data as per the internal configuration. Hence by using the gateway as a BACnet Ethernet Server it is possible to publish data from other protocol networks on the BACnet Ethernet network

BACnet IP and BACnet Ethernet datasheets are available for your review on this link for detailed information on the capabilities of these drivers.

The table below lists the various hardware options available with this protocol driver combination, please make a selection based on the point capacity, number of ports, and type of communication interfaces you require.