The switch to
BACnet/SC

 
 

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In order to use BACnet Secure Connect (BACnet/SC) in building automation (BA), a property operator could of course set up an infrastructure of BACnet/SC-capable devices across the board. However, if you consider that around 25 million end devices currently transmit their data via BACnet, it quickly becomes clear that replacing them completely would involve considerable effort. 

Anyone hoping instead for an update for their existing devices - which is not yet foreseeable - should bear in mind that the existing hardware may not be equipped for the computing power that BACnet/SC requires.

It therefore makes sense to plan a transition: with a combination of the existing BACnet/IPv4 infrastructure (Internet Protocol version 4) plus BACnet/SC-capable hardware. Integrated into the conventional infrastructure, this not only creates a bridge between BACnet and BACnet/SC. It can also be used to physically encapsulate data exchange via BACnet/IP. In this way, secure, encrypted data communication can be ensured in building automation.

The following three diagrams show common network topologies for building automation with BACnet and are intended to provide suggestions on how to make the switch to BACnet/SC a success.

Basically, in order to make a conventional network fit for BACnet/SC, its topology must be changed. To do this, each network is given a central point, the so-called hub, during configuration. This center

  • controls the data traffic between any number of end devices and

  • analyzes the data traffic to check how many end devices the information should be forwarded to.

The Universal BACnet Router (UBR) from MBS can take on this role. Located in the local control technology network, the device has been used for some time to implement the BACnet network topologies ISO 8802-2 (also known as BACnet/Ethernet), BACnet/IP and MS/TP (serial BACnet networks based on RS485). It now also supports the current BACnet revision 22 and is therefore suitable for setting up the innovative BACnet/SC security structure. The UBR-01 contains one network card, the UBR-02 two. Which device can be used depends on the specific circumstances.

 
 

Connect to BACnet/SC across systems via the Internet

A head office with globally distributed locations that are networked via the Internet

BACnet/SC in a campus network (variant 1)

A central office on a campus network with a large number of participants who are networked via the intranet

BACnet/SC in a campus network (variant 2)

A central office on a campus network with a large number of participants who are networked via the intranet