Small to mid-sized project
Consider the following questions for detailed planning when designing a small to mid-sized project with a low level of network complexity:
Question | Designing the BACnet network | Designing the IP network |
|---|---|---|
Is the number of Desigo room automation stations < 500? | One BACnet network | Small to mid-size project and networks of a lower complexity |
Is the number of other devices (PXC and third-party) < 50? | One BACnet network | |
Are only HVAC and Desigo room automation planned on this project? |
| |
Is only one building or building section automated on this project? |
| |
Are BACnet third-party devices used? | Own BACnet network | |
Does data exchange need to be implemented between BACnet third-party devices and Desigo units (PXC)? | Same UDP port | |
Do you anticipate commanding more than 500 group members on central functions (emergency, service, or protection functions or operating modes and set data points for lighting, blinds, HVAC, fire and wind, etc.)? | No → OK | |
| The central functions need to be divided up for more than 500 group members. A group member is not the same as a room segment. A room segment can include lots of group members. | |
Do you anticipate more than 250 group members on central functions that supply demand signals to supply systems? A cooling or heating valve sends out a demand signal. A room segment can send out multiple demand signals. | No → OK | |
| The central functions need to be divided up for more than 250 group members. A group member is not the same as a room segment. A room segment can include lots of group members. | |
Should the IP network be redesigned and implemented? |
| Definition of subnetwork and IP addresses |
Can the existing infrastructure be extended? |
| Clarify with IT |
Are equipment rooms, control panels, distributors distributed over multiple floors? |
| Use of unmanaged layer 2 switches |
What is the distance between control panels? |
| Copper cable or glass fiber optics, clarify the distances |
Is network diagnostics and troubleshooting required? |
| Managed layer 2 switches including configuration for port mirroring |
Is reliability and redundancy required? |
| Managed layer 2 switches, RSTP |
Is monitoring for faults/failures required? |
| SNMP or hardware contact |
Is remote access required? |
| Use of security modules for firewall and VPN |
Is IT security required? |
| Based on local and industry guidelines |
Mid-sized project
Consider the following questions for detailed planning when designing a mid-sized project with a medium level of network complexity:
Question | Designing the BACnet network | Designing the IP network |
|---|---|---|
Is the number of Desigo room automation stations between 500 and 2500? |
| Medium to large project and network of medium complexity |
Is the number of other devices (PXC and third-party) < 250? |
| |
Are BACnet third-party devices used? | Own BACnet network | |
Does data exchange need to be implemented between BACnet third-party devices and Desigo units (PXC)? | Same UDP port | Mounting managed layer 2 switches, configuration of VLAN, and eventually port mirroring |
Are equipment rooms, control panels, distributors distributed over multiple building sections or floors? | Mounting BBMD | |
Are the units to control the primary plants centrally located in an equipment room? | Plant scope The same UDP port for the Desigo system | Plant scope on its own VLAN |
Are the control units for the primary plants decentralized on individual floors together with Desigo room automation stations? | Floor scope The same UDP port for the Desigo system | Floor scope with room automation on its own VLAN |
Are BACnet/Desigo devices together on a separate BACnet network for building, plant,, and floor scope? |
| Managed layer 2 switches, configuration of VLAN, and eventually port mirroring |
Are there Desigo room automation stations with central functions? |
| Unmanaged layer 2 switch cabled in a star topology |
Are there Desigo room automation stations that automate important and critical rooms? |
| |
Are the no more than 20 Desigo room automation stations on the floor? |
| Cabling using daisy chain technology, originated at a distribution switch |
You must distinguish between important and less important room automation stations if there are more than 20 Desigo room automation units on the floor. Starting at the distribution switch, the cabling is either in a star topology or with a max. of 20 units as daisy chain or ring. | ||
Are different IP networks and different UDP ports configured? | One BBMD per IP segment is required with an asymmetrical BDT. FDT must also be possible if there is a Desigo CC management platform or other BAC clients. | Layer 3 switch |
Large project
Consider the following questions for detailed planning when designing a large project with a high level of network complexity:
Question | Designing the BACnet network | Designing the IP network |
|---|---|---|
Are other disciplines (fire, intrusion, video) planned on the project in addition to HVAC and Desigo room automation? |
| Large project and network of high complexity |
Is the number of Desigo room automation stations between 500 and 15,000? |
| |
Is the number of other devices (PXC and third-party) > 250? |
| |
Does building automation and control extend to multiple properties, buildings, and building sections? | Multiple BACnet internetworks, eventually with multiple BACnet networks. See as well: Special case: BACnet referencing over different IP networks | |
Do numerous properties and buildings required a clearly structure IP network? |
| Layer 3 switches for implementing multiple IP segments |
Is IT security required? |
| Implementation of relevant topics on local or industry guidelines |