Connecting BACnet Native Ethernet network and a BACnet/IP network

BR2-E BACnet Router

BACnet has the same protocol for the monitoring, automation and field levels. It is unified top to bottom. BACnet field controllers with direct I/O and application specific features (B-ASC) can communicate all the way up to BACnet/IP Operator Workstations (B-OWS) and BACnet Building Controllers (B-BC).

In order to interconnect such levels, a BACnet Router is needed. The Cimetrics BR2 is such a BACnet Router. For BACnet/IP and Ethernet the interface is 10/100 Half/Full Duplex RJ45 standard Ethernet station-side.

The BACnet/IP port on the BR2-E connects to the network Ethernet/TCPIP port using a standard CAT5 cable. The Ethernet port connects to the target BACnet Native Ethernet LAN in the same fashion. The BR2-E can be powered from any 120VAC source. The BR2-E is setup using its embedded webpages.

The Ethernet LAN must have a BACnet Network Number unique from the BACnet Network Number assigned to the BACnet/IP network connection. Nothing precludes the use of multiple BR2-E routers ion the same Ethernet network as long as unique BACnet network assignments are made for each created BACnet/IP configuration access network.

Bridging BACnet Automation and Field Levels with Multiple Routers

BR2-E BACnet Router

Multiple BACnet Routers can reside within the same BACnet internetwork. A group of Ethernet devices located along an Ethernet LAN, spread in any fashion which adheres to the Native Ethernet cabling rules, can be bridged to a BACnet/IP network with a BACnet Router. So too can any others like ARCNET, MSTP (or any supported BACnet datalink) be attached using another BACnet Router.

This means of extension is often better than extending existing Native Ethernet (or ARCNET or MSTP) networks using repeaters. It can also help alleviate LAN loading problems with token collisions, node numbers and cable lengths.

The BACnet/IP port on the BR2-E connects to the main network Ethernet/TCPIP port using a standard CAT5 cable. The Native Ethernet port connects to the target BACnet Native Ethernet LAN. The BR2-E can be powered from any 120VAC source. The BR2-E is setup using its embedded webpages.

The Native Ethernet LAN must have a BACnet Network Number unique from the BACnet Network Number assigned to the BACnet/IP network connection. Nothing precludes the use of multiple BR2-E routers on the same Native Ethernet network as long as unique BACnet network assignments are made for each created BACnet/IP configuration access network.

Commissioning a BACnet Native Ethernet device using a BACnet/IP Laptop or other Commissioning Computer

BR2-E BACnet Router

To commission BACnet Native Ethernet devices one has generally been forced to use a special PC driver for the Ethernet interface to communicate with the Native Ethernet LAN. The secret is that most BACnet Native Ethernet software can be run against BACnet/IP and communicate via BACnet Routing to BACnet Native Ethernet to achieve this configuration/setup connectivity. The Cimetrics BR2-E can accomplish this connectivity. The BACnet/IP port on the BR2-E connects to the PC’s Ethernet/TCPIP port using a standard CAT5 cable. The Native Ethernet port connects in a similar fashion. The BR2-E can be powered from any 120VAC source. The BR2-E is setup using its embedded webpages.

The Native Ethernet LAN must have a BACnet Network Number unique from the BACnet Network Number assigned to the BACnet/IP network connection created by the PC connection. Nothing precludes the use of multiple BR2-E routers on the same Native Ethernet network as long as unique BACnet network assignments are made for each created BACnet/IP configuration access network

BR2 Router – BACnet Network Router

The BR2 router provides routing between  BACnet networks such as BACnet/IP, BACnet ARCNET, BACnet Ethernet, and virtual or tunneled BACnet networks. This allows integrators to mix and match BACnet network datalink technologies within a single BACnet Internetwork. The BR2 router has two communications ports in all cases. One is always a 10/100 Ethernet port and the other can be chosen from any of the above.

The BR2 Router is enclosed in a metal case that can be mounted standalone, in a 1U rack shelf or on a DIN rail. It is powered by 12V at 3A DC via a 5.0/2.1mm barrel connector which can be supplied from an includes external power supply which uses 100-240VAC  at 100mA at 47-63 Hz. The unit has two 10/100 Mbps RJ45 Ethernet connectors.

The Ethernet port uses a standard shielded RJ45 connector with integral LEDs. Connection status can quickly be ascertained from the Link and Activity LEDs on each interface.

An embedded web server allows for commissioning and configuration and troubleshooting via a standard web browser. A power LED is present along with the LEDs for interface status on each interface. 

Flexible routing between: 

• BACnet/IP and BACnet Ethernet
• BACnet/IP and virtual or tunneled networks
• Two BACnet/IP networks
• BACnet Ethernet and BACnet Ethernet
• BACbet Ethernet and virtual or tunneled networks
• Two BACnet Ethernet networks

IP network support:

• Web server for commisiioning and troubleshooting
• Status page for diagnostiocs
• Secure login to web configuration and status interfaces
• BAcnet/IP Broadcast Management Device (BBMD)
• Foreign Device Support (FDS)
• BACnet Device Object support
• IP filtering and exlusion

Standard Communications:

• 10/100 Mbps Ethernet.
• Convenient Installation

Specifications - BR2-E BACnet/IP to BACnet Ethernet Router

Overall:

• Power: 120VAC at under 50W, DC at 12VDC at 3A.
• Operating temperatures: 0 to 40C
• Storage temperature: -20 to 80C
• Relative Humidity: 0-90% @ 40C non condensing
• Dimensions: 210 x 150 x 33 mm (8.3 x 6.0 x 1.3 inches)
• Physical protection: IP30 DIN EN 60529 (VDE 0470) (no entry of 2.5mm probe, NOT waterproof)
• System LED: power as labelled  ON=OK

Ethernet:

• IEEE 802.3 10/100 MBPS
• 10BaseT, 100BASETX phsyical. RJ45 connectors
• Half/Full duplex
• 100m (max) CAT5 cable length.
• LEDs: link and activity as labelled.

Regulatory Compliance:

• FCC and CE marked
• ROHS

Options:

• International power supply.
• DIN rail mounting kit.
• Rack mounting kit.
• External network surge protector.

Applications - see AppNotes

Documentation: B3040 BR2-E

BACnet Ethernet to the central IP Network

•  BR2 E Data Sheet (195.55 kB)
•  B3040 Login (16.42 kB)
• User manual - via embedded simple web user interface
•  B3040 Limited Warranty (24.51 kB)
•  B3040 Warnings (28.9 kB)