Managing VLANs and BBMDs in BACnet Networks: A Practical Guide
On paper, virtual local area networks (VLANs) and BACnet Broadcast Management Devices (BBMDs) seem completely at odds. VLANs are meant to separate and segregate traffic into multiple subnets. At the same time, BBMDs are designed to bypass all that work to broadcast messages across different parts of the network without limiting which devices should get […]
What Is BACnet/SC? Understanding “The Next Generation” of BACnet Security
With the increasing integration of cloud-based systems, IoT devices, and external network connections, operational technology (OT) networks have become more vulnerable to cyber threats. For many organizations using building automation systems (BAS), focusing on operational efficiency and connectivity has historically outpaced the emphasis on security. Older OT systems, like MS/TP, often lack basic encryption and […]
How to Use a BBMD in OT Networks
BBMDs act as a sort of forwarding service. They’re especially useful on large, complicated networks. A BBMD forwards messages from one subnetwork to another, so communications can be broadcast locally.
What You Need to Know About KNX in Smart Building Systems
BACnet gets compared to a lot of other protocols on the market, including LonWorks, Modbus, and KNX. We’re explaining how each of these protocols are different, and how they stack up against each other. In this article, learn about KNX. In a world where smart buildings are increasingly prevalent, the need for a reliable, efficient, […]
BACnet Router Basics: What They Are and When You Need One
The concept of “routers” and “gateways” for BACnet management has morphed a lot over time: A BACnet router and a BACnet gateway can be the same thing, but they don’t have to be. You may need both of them to maintain communications across your networks, but you’ll probably have them both already. And don’t forget […]
Get to Know BACnet, BACnet/IP and MS/TP?
BACnet, short for Building Automation and Control Network, is a communication protocol used to connect and manage devices in building systems like HVAC, lighting, security, and more. It’s a universal language that lets different equipment, even from different manufacturers, talk to each other and work together seamlessly. This open standard makes it easier for building […]
