BACnet Application FAQs – BACnet Committee

Are there advantages or drawbacks to combining BACnet with Modbus, KNX or other networks in a system?

Aug 3, 2022

There may be some advantages but also some drawbacks. A mixed system with both BACnet and other components will require more complex commissioning, maintenance, training and may lose some degree […]

Do proprietary extensions to BACnet make devices incompatible?

Aug 3, 2022

Not necessarily. Proprietary extensions can be designed to be interoperable with devices that include only standard BACnet capabilities. There are some specialized situations where this might be more effective or […]

Does BACnet provide a way to network multiple buildings?

Aug 3, 2022

Yes, internetworking has been designed into many BACnet products. Campus buildings on a site may be networked with existing or new LAN systems. Buildings not directly connected by LANs may […]

Does BACnet support Ethernet, twisted pair and wireless networks?

Aug 3, 2022

Yes, BACnet supports IPv4 and IPv6 networks which provide for Ethernet, Wi-Fi, and other network technologies. In addition, BACnet supports a specific twisted pair networking technology (MS/TP) that is designed […]

When multiple vendors supply equipment, who determines what information is available to the owner and the BACnet operator workstation?

Aug 3, 2022

As a rule, the specifier provides a detailed list of what information must be available through BACnet according to their perception of what is needed for each portion of a […]

What is important in specifying BACnet?

Aug 3, 2022

A good BACnet specification will clearly state what kinds of functions involving multiple devices are required. For example, to manipulate a controller’s schedule from a remote workstation, both the workstation […]

Is BACnet suitable for government agency projects?

Aug 3, 2022

Yes. BACnet is an international standard (ISO-16848-5) as well as an ANSI standard which facilitates adoption by government and municipal entities. It allows them to specify interoperable equipment within the […]

Is BACnet useful for single vendor installations?

Aug 3, 2022

Absolutely. Use of BACnet ensures controls installed today will be interoperable with controls installed in the future, whether they are from the same vendor or not. In addition, using BACnet […]

Can BACnet products be used for building retrofits?

Aug 2, 2022

Yes. One of BACnet’s major strengths is open-ended, multiple interfaces. Some BACnet devices allow existing non-BACnet systems to interface with BACnet devices. Once the proper interface has been selected, BACnet […]

Where can I find case studies or examples of BACnet installation?

Aug 2, 2022

BACnet has been used in hundreds of thousands of installations around the world. Case studies can be found on the BACnet International website. European-specific case studies can be found in […]