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AnyViz Portal
Universal Cloud Adapter Cloud Adapter protocols
BACnet to Cloud

With BACnet to the Cloud

Building Automation and Control Networks (or BACnet for short) is a communication protocol for use in building automation. It enables manufacturer-independent communication in heterogeneous environments between components such as sensors, controllers, actuators and software systems. BACnet has been standardized since 2003 and is constantly being further developed under the auspices of ASHRAE.

For the cloud connection, the software module Universal Cloud Adapter is required. The Cloud Adapter can be installed on any Windows or Linux device (x86, x64 or ARM). The setup is explained in “Getting Started“. Alternatively, you can also use the AnyViz IoT Gateway.

Installation
Cloud Topologie BACnet

BACnet Topology

Unlike other known protocols from automation, BACnet is not a classic client/server protocol. Each BACnet participant can make data available to other devices as well as access data of other devices. Participants can have different objects (e.g. analog value, binary value, multi-level value…) which can be addressed by the cloud adapter. With the help of BACnet routers it is also possible to communicate with serial BACnet MS/TP devices.

BACnet Cloud Functionality

In the BACnet IP variant supported by the cloud adapter, the commutation takes place via the network on the basis of UDP. Since each BACnet device requires a unique instance number, the cloud adapter must also be assigned one. This almost completes the setup process. The BACnet protocol does not only support a browse of the objects, all participants can also be queried via WHO-IS. Thus all participants and all objects of the participants can be read out with the creation of a single BACnet connection. After the scanning process has been completed, all participants and their objects are clearly listed in the AnyViz portal.

Useful information on connectivity

  • Make sure that the instance number of the cloud adapter is unique within the BACnet network. If multiple cloud adapters are used, the instance number has to be changed.

  • A cloud adapter can only communicate with one BACnet network. To communicate with a second BACnet network, a separate device is required.