FieldServer BACnet Routers

What is a BACnet Router and how is it different that a BACnet Gateway? We often get clients confused weather they need a Router or a Gateway. BACnet Routers transmit messages between BACnet Networks as well as between different BACnet Subnets. Data transmissions occurs indiscriminately between one BACnet flavor to another or within multiple BACnet Subnets. There is no configuration of data mapping to achieve a conversion. The Router transmits all messages it receives and relays them as they come.

A gateway on the other hand, acts as a protocol translator of sorts. It takes data from one protocol (such as Modbus, OPC UA, DNP3 etc.) and converts it to a different protocol. Gateways often need to be configured to map the desired messages. Gateways are substantially more complicated than Routers and come at a higher price.

Products

The FieldServer BACnet Router is available in two models: the dual-port version and the single-port version. See below:

FST BACnet Router
(Dual Serial Port)
FS–ROUTER–BAC2
Ports: Two RS485 and One Ethernet

FST BACnet Router Wifi
(Dual Serial Port)
FS–ROUTER–BACW
Ports: Two RS485 and One Ethernet with Wifi

Block Diagram

The dual-port BACnet Router has two RS-485 ports, enabling connection to up to 64 BACnet devices without the use of additional line drivers. Using a BACnet router frees up valuable RS-485 ports on expensive BACnet Controllers and reduces the cost of connecting BACnet MS/TP devices to a BACnet/IP backbone. Compared to single-port BACnet routers, our dual-port BACnet router can reduce the cost of device connectivity or double the speed of connected devices (half the response time).

As our entry-level and cost-effective BACnet solution, the single-port BACnet Router has one RS-485 port, enabling connection to up to 32 BACnet devices without the use of additional line drivers.

DeviceFind™, our unique discovery feature, allows the integrator to discover all the BACnet devices connected to the router with one push of a button, minimizing time required for successful commissioning. Complementing this feature is our diagnostic FieldServer Toolbox, which allows the user or integrator to view the status of and diagnose all the routers on the network.

Sierra Monitor's BACnet Router is the first standalone device in the industry to carry the BTL (BACnet Testing Laboratories) mark. BTL certification ensures the highest standard of BACnet integration and assures users that they are utilizing a high-quality BACnet product. The BTL mark indicates that our router has passed a series of rigorous independent laboratory testing and verifies that the product fully implements the BACnet features claimed. In addition, the BACnet Router is RoHS compliant, TUV approved to UL-916, and CSA, CE and FCC approved. For more information, please CONTACT US.