BACnet Integration: Gateways, Routers, Loggers, Tools

Intro to BACnet

BACnet is the open standard for Building Automation and Control (ASHRAE/ANSI/ISO 16484-5). It’s the most widely used protocol in BAS for HVAC, lighting, access, fire, and energy systems.

BACnet works across Ethernet/IP (UDP), MS/TP (EIA-485), and other media. Core services like Who-Is/I-Am and Read/Write-Property enable discovery and data sharing between devices from different vendors.

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How BACnet Integration Works

Chipkin gateways translate between BACnet and 200+ protocols. We discover points on the non-BACnet side, map them to BACnet Objects with clear names/units, and expose them on BACnet/IP or BACnet MS/TP for your BMS, EMS, or SCADA.

Deploy on proven FieldServer QuickServer® hardware for on-site conversions, or ask us about software/data-client options when appropriate.

BACnet Flavors and Network Types

BACnet can operate over several different network technologies, often informally referred to as BACnet "flavors." The three most important options in modern BACnet systems are BACnet/IP, BACnet MS/TP, and BACnet Secure Connect (BACnet/SC).

BACnet/IP uses UDP/IP and is commonly deployed over Ethernet and other IP networks. It is widely used for controllers, supervisory systems, routers, gateways, and building management systems.
BACnet MS/TP uses EIA-485 serial communication and token passing. It remains common at the field level for controllers, sensors, actuators, and other building automation devices.
BACnet/SC (BACnet Secure Connect) provides authenticated and encrypted BACnet communication over IP networks using secure WebSockets and TLS. BACnet/SC can operate over IPv4 or IPv6 networks and is designed for systems with modern cybersecurity requirements.

BACnet also supports IPv6 networking. Older or less-common BACnet data-link options include BACnet Ethernet, ARCNET, Point-to-Point (PTP), and BACnet over ZigBee. These may still be encountered in existing installations, but BACnet/IP, BACnet MS/TP, and BACnet/SC are the most relevant technologies for new BACnet systems.

Chipkin provides BACnet gateways, routers, development software, diagnostic tools, and protocol stacks. Our current BACnet products primarily support BACnet/IP and BACnet MS/TP, while the CAS BACnet Stack and CAS BACnet Explorer also support BACnet/SC.

Below is a list of BACnet Protocol Integration Solutions:

The CAS BACnet Stack

The CAS BACnet Stack is a royalty-free software library for adding native BACnet communication to embedded devices and software applications. It supports both BACnet server functionality for field devices and BACnet client functionality for applications such as HMIs, data loggers, and supervisory systems.

The CAS BACnet Stack supports BACnet Protocol Revision 23 and a broad range of BACnet objects, services, BIBBs, and device profiles. Products developed with the stack have successfully completed BTL certification, and Chipkin continues to test interoperability through BACnet PlugFest and internal automated testing.

The stack supports the BACnet network technologies most commonly used in modern building automation systems, including BACnet/IP, BACnet MS/TP, and BACnet Secure Connect (BACnet/SC). This allows developers to use the same BACnet application library across different network types and hardware platforms.

Written in C++ with a C API, the CAS BACnet Stack can be integrated into embedded systems and software applications running on a wide range of processors, operating systems, and development environments.

The dedicated CAS BACnet Stack page contains the current list of supported BACnet objects, services, BIBBs, device profiles, network options, and development products.

The diagram below shows the portion of the BACnet implementation provided by the CAS BACnet Stack and the portions supplied by the developer's application and communications interface.

The area inside the border is provided by the CAS BACnet Stack. The surrounding application and communications components are provided by the developer.

QuickServer Gateways, aka Potocol Translator or Protocol converter

A BACnet protocol translator, also known as a protocol converter or gateway, is a specialized device or software application that facilitates communication between different devices, systems, or networks that use disparate communication protocols and integrating them into BACnet. Its primary function is to bridge the gap between incompatible protocols and BACnet, enabling interoperability and data exchange in a BACnet environments.

Single ethernet port QuickServer

The Single Ethernet port BACnet Translator QuickServers comes in a variety of models that integrate 140+ protocols to BACnet at different point counts. It comes as a Basic model that handles 250 points or enhanced models that handles between 500-5000 points.

Overall, a single port QuickServer offers a compact, reliable, and feature-rich solution for enabling seamless data communication in industrial automation, building management, energy management, and other similar applications.

Dual-Ethernet Port QuickServer

The Dual Ethernet Port QuickServer is the premium secure QuickServer for those needing the best and most secure networks. Besides being capable of handling everything that the classic QuickServer and the QuickServer can handle, it also contains 2 Ethernet ports, can convert up to 10,000 points and has a lot of new security features. It supports 1 RS-485/RS232 Port, 1 RS485 Port, and two Ethernet ports.

With two Ethernet ports, the dual-port QuickServer allows data to move seamlessly across disparate subnets allowing seamless integration with maximum security.

EZ Gateways

The BACnet EZ Gateway from FieldServer is a specialized device designed to streamline integration and communication between building automation systems (BAS) using the BACnet protocol and other devices or systems utilizing different protocols. As a dedicated BACnet gateway, it focuses on enabling interoperability and data exchange within BACnet-based environments and across diverse automation systems.

The EZ Gateway provides quick multiprotocol deployment of field protocols to enable integrators to commission the gateway with ease.

BACnet Routers

The FieldServer BACnet Router provides stand-alone routing between BACnet/IP, BACnet Ethernet and BACnet MS/TP.

It is a robust and versatile networking device designed to facilitate seamless communication and integration within BACnet-based building automation systems. As a specialized router, it focuses on efficiently routing BACnet traffic between different BACnet networks and subnets, enabling scalable and flexible system architectures. The BACnet router comes loaded with a BACnet Explorer to help with discovery and troubleshooting.

BACnet System Block Diagram

BACnet Block Diagram

BACnet Tools

CAS BACnet Explorer

CAS BACnet Explorer is a free BACnet discovery, testing, monitoring, and troubleshooting tool for system integrators, commissioning agents, field technicians, and BACnet developers.

The Explorer supports BACnet/IP, BACnet MS/TP, and BACnet Secure Connect (BACnet/SC). It can discover BACnet devices, browse objects and properties, monitor live values, write to points, execute BACnet commands, inspect BACnet activity, capture network traffic, and generate reports.

A built-in BACnet server simulator also allows developers and technicians to test BACnet clients and workflows without requiring physical BACnet hardware. CAS BACnet Explorer is free for personal and commercial use.

Download CAS BACnet Explorer — free for personal and commercial use.

Additional BACnet Analysis Tools

Chipkin also provides specialized utilities for working with BACnet packet captures when deeper protocol analysis or message replay is required.

CAS BACnet Wireshark Storm

CAS BACnet Wireshark Storm can replay BACnet UDP messages captured in a Wireshark PCAP file and send them to a specified BACnet server. This is useful for reproducing problematic BACnet requests and testing how a server responds without having to recreate the original site conditions.

Learn more about CAS BACnet Wireshark Storm

CAS BACnet Wireshark Report Tool

The CAS BACnet Wireshark Report Tool analyzes BACnet traffic captured in Wireshark PCAP files and produces reports containing BACnet network, device, object, property, message, and packet statistics.

It is intended for deeper analysis of BACnet captures when investigating communication problems or unusual device behavior.

Learn more about the CAS BACnet Wireshark Report Tool

FREE CAS BACNET EXPLORER WITH THE PURCHASE OF A BACNET GATEWAY!

Purchase a FieldServer or CAS Gateway from us that contains any BACnet protocol and we will help you test and document the BACnet interface by providing a free full license to the CAS BACnet Explorer and a Hardcopy of the BACnet booklet.

The USB key and booklet ships with the FieldServer.

BACnet for Field Technicians (Free!)

Learning about BACnet? Want to update your BACnet knowledge? This free EBook will guide you through basic and advanced BACnet topics.

You can purchase a hardcopy of this book from Amazon or you can download the BACnet for Field Technicians for free from our website.

BACnet Articles

BACnet Gateways (aka Protocol Converters)

BACnet IP

BACnet MSTP

BACnet Ethernet

Thanks for choosing Chipkin for your building automation requirements!

Chipkinâ"¢ is a building and industrial automation protocol expert. We develop, configure, install and support gateways (protocol converters), data loggers and remote monitor and controlling applications. Founded in October 2000, Chipkin provides expert solutions for converting BACnet®, Modbus®, and LonWorks®—to name just a few—and enabling interfaces for HVAC, fire, siren, intercom, lighting, transportation and fuel systems. The high-quality products we offer (including those from other vendors) interface with Simplex, Notifier, McQuay, GE and many others—so you can rest assured that we will select the most appropriate solution for your application.

With Chipkin you are buying a solution. Our configuration expertise in this field combined with free BACnet and other tools ensure your success; and our customer support via phone, e-mail, and remote desktop tools means that we're there when you need us. Chipkin is a small responsive company, and we live or die by the quality of our service—and with offices in two-time zones—we can provide support when you need it. Give us a call now!

Customer Support

Chipkin is proud to provide support for the products we sell. For technical support, sales, and customer service, please contact us at 1 (866) 383-1657

Frequently Asked Questions

What is BACnet?
BACnet is the open standard (ASHRAE/ANSI/ISO 16484-5) for building automation—used for HVAC, lighting, access, fire, and energy systems.

Which BACnet flavors do you support?
BACnet/IP and BACnet MS/TP are most common, and we also support BACnet Ethernet, PTP, ARCNET, and more.

Can you convert other protocols to BACnet?
Yes. Our gateways translate 200+ protocols to BACnet/IP or MS/TP with clear object models and naming.

Do you support writes and command prioritization?
Yes. Write-Property and BACnet priority handling can be enabled per point with appropriate safeguards.

How many points can I integrate?
Solutions range from a few dozen to thousands of points. We’ll size the right license and hardware for your project.