A great solution/s to interconnect BACnet IP devices on Metasys N2 by Johnson Controls (JCI)network.

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.

Metasys N2 by Johnson Controls (JCI)

Metasys N2 by Johnson Controls (JCI) is a reliable and efficient communication protocol used in building automation systems. It enables seamless integration of various devices such as sensors, actuators, and controllers, allowing them to communicate and work together seamlessly. With Metasys N2, building owners and facility managers can monitor and control their HVAC systems, lighting, and security systems from a single interface, providing maximum energy efficiency and comfort. The protocol is compatible with a wide range of JCI’s products, making it a popular choice for building automation solutions across multiple industries.

ProtoConvert can supply and support gateways that can have a Metasys N2 client or server interfaces.

When a gateway is configured as a Metasys N2 Client it would keep reading data from the field devices using Metasys N2 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 Metasys N2 Client the gateway reads data from Metasys N2 Servers and makes the data available on a variety of other protocols like Modbus, BACnet, SNMP, Lutron Machine and many others.

When a gateway is configured as a Metasys N2 Server it can be connected to a Metasys N2 Client and be a source of data. It would respond to the polls from the Metasys N2 Client and publish the data as per the internal configuration. Hence by using the gateway as a Metasys N2 Server it is possible to publish data from other protocol networks on the Metasys N2 network.

BACnet IP and Metasys N2 by Johnson Controls (JCI) 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.