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[Mesh]

Hi all,

I'm interested in the new wireless trend that's emerging but I keep hearing about BACnet any time building automation is concerned. I take it BACnet is a wired protocol since it's not in the Wireless Mesh Network's forum right? Is it a serial communication protocol? What can I do with BACnet in a commercial building?

Mesh

[Qwerty]

Hey Mesh,

BACnet stands for Building Automation Control network.
It's a data communication protocol that supports the following layers:

·   BACnet/IP (you can link 2 different BACnet sites together through Internet),
·   Ethernet (your typical LAN in an office - more expensive but a really good solution),
·   ARCnet (not really used nowadays),
·   Master Slave / Token Pass (MSTP) over RS-485 (2 wire network - cheap and reliable solution),
·   Point-to-Point over RS-232 (used mostly for modem application) and
·   LonTalk.

All these layers can be connected together through BACnet routers. So an Ethernet device can co-exist with an MSTP device on the same network.
BACnet controllers can do anything you want in your commercial building: it can be used with your typical HVAC/R system but also for lighting controls, fire/life safety controls, access controls or CCTV.

qwerty