BACnet

Abstract

BACnet (Building Automation and Control Network) is a standardized data communication protocol developed by the American Society of Heating, Re-frigeration and Air-Conditi-oning Engineers (ASHRAE) for use in building automation to enable devices and systems to exchange information. BACnet is used in numerous building automation systems worldwide and acquired the international ISO 16484-5 standard in 2003.

BACnet evolved from the need for a standardized data communication protocol that would enable the various automation and control components in a building to communicate with each other, ensuring interoperability and manufacturer independence.

Before the introduction of BACnet, building automation was dominated by proprietary solutions from different manufacturers. With the result that a heating controller from vendor A would not communicate with the control center software from vendor B. Air conditioning, ventilation, lighting, and alarm systems, for example, were often planned separately and did not have interfaces over which they could communicate with each other or with a central control center.

Building developers were at a severe disadvantage. Either they had to do without being able to centrally control and monitor all these automation systems, and the synergies that this brought with it, or they were forced to purchase a complete solution from one vendor. When they wanted to expand an installation, they were effectively reliant on this one manufacturer and could not look around for potentially cheaper and better components elsewhere.

BACnet, on the other hand, is an open multi-vendor communication protocol that allows components from different manufacturers to interoperate, providing increased market transparency and competition.