Popular BMS Protocols

Building Management Systems maintain secure operations using common communication protocols such as BACnet, KNX, and DALI to integrate a broad variety of subsystems

BACnet

Building Automation and Control Networking Protocol
A standard protocol in more than 30 countries
Contains the capabilities for HVAC, closed-circuit camera control, lighting control, and many other building automation systems

KNX

KNX is the most popular standard for home and building control in Europe
Designed to be independent of any particular hardware platform
Combines all main building functions like lighting, heating, air-conditioning or shading into one intelligent system

DALI

Digital Addressable Lighting Interface is global standard for lighting control
Robust communication over a polarity-free, two-wire, in-line, star or mixed topology with a maximum cable length of 984ft (300m)
DALI systems are comprised of an application controller, input devices and drivers/ballasts and support up to 64 individual addresses on a single DALI line

Building Management Systems

Extron Control Helps Make Smart Buildings Even Smarter

Smart buildings employ a number of automated processes that work together to regulate and control vital building systems, including HVAC, lighting, power, utility use, and closed-circuit cameras. This technology is comprised of devices and BMS – Building Management Systems that can “speak” to one another and carry out complex instructions based on the current state of various subsystems. This kind of communication requires software and hardware that can coordinate, monitor, and control via the building’s network. All Extron control systems integrate seamlessly with smart buildings and BMS.

Extron IP Link Pro and IPCP Pro xi Series control processors support popular BMS protocols, such as BACnet, KNX, and DALI in the form of device drivers, with no additional hardware or firmware needs. These protocols allow for centralized monitoring and control of mechanical and electrical systems that include HVAC, lighting, power, and security.

Click on a protocol below for its description and list of available Control System Drivers.

KNX is a worldwide communication standard for home and building control. It was created in 1999 by Konnex Association (now KNX Association), and is a combination of three previous standards: European Home Systems Protocol (EHS), BatiBUS, and European Installation Bus (EIB or Instabus).

The KNX Association has 396 member companies in 38 countries, offering more than 7,000 certified products for building automation, which are handled by approximately 48,000 certified KNX-partners in 138 countries. KNX Association is a non-profit organization governed by Belgian Law.

Applications: KNX is used in residential and commercial building automation for HVAC, lighting, security, remote access, blind and shutter control, visualization, and energy management.

Manufacturer	Model
Extron	KNX 100G
ABB	IPR/S 2.1
ABB	IPR/S 3.1
Elka/Insta	RS-232/485-IP
Gira	KNX IP-Router (2167 00)
Gira	KNX IP-Schnittstelle (2168 00)
Intesis	ASCII KNX Gateway
Intesis	BACnet/IP Server - KNX
Schneider Electric	KNX / IP-Router REG-K
Schneider Electric	KNX / IP-Router REG-K (Tunneling)
Siemens	Desigo PXC

BACnet – Building Automation and Control Networks is a worldwide standard used by more than 800 vendors across hundreds of devices. BACnet stands for Building Automation Control network. BACnet is a data communication protocol developed by ASHRAE. BACnet is known as “ANSI/ASHRAE standard 135-2016" and as the international standard "ISO 16484-5."

Applications: BACnet supports most building operations, including HVAC, lighting, fire protection, and physical security (access control, intrusion) devices.

Manufacturer	Model
Intesis	ASCII Server - BACnet/IP Client
Intesis	BACnet/IP Server - KNX
Siemens	Desigo PXC
Trend	IQ3

DALI - Digital Addressable Lighting Interface is the leading protocol for the control of lighting in building automation and is developed by a group of manufacturers led by Phillips. DALI 2 replaced the original DALI protocol in 2014 and is backward compatible with it. DALI provides exceptionally fine-grained control over lighting, with each device being separately addressable. 256 levels of brightness are possible.

Applications: DALI is used exclusively for lighting and related controls. DALI devices include fluorescent HF ballasts, low voltage transformers, PE cells, motion detectors, wall switches and gateways to other protocols.

Manufacturer	Model
Brightline	BusMaster
Foxtron	PEF 150
Helvar	DIGIDIM 503 AV
Helvar	DIGIDIM 505
Helvar	Digidim 905
Helvar	Digidim 910
Helvar	Digidim 920
Dynalite	DDBC1200

DMX – Digital Multiplex is a digital communication protocol for communication between lighting equipment and lighting controllers. DMX 512 is the most widely used communication standard for controlling stage lighting. It is a digital, unidirectional, serial protocol that is based on RS-485 specifications.

Applications: DMX is well established as a professional light management and used throughout the world on stages, in music clubs, in theaters, in museums and for architectural lighting.

Manufacturer	Model
Acclaim	ART 500DMX
Acuity	Fresco FCS AVI
Artistic Licence	Art-Net 3
Avalk	DMXSERIAL-H
Color Kinetics	iPlayer 2
Doug Fleenor Design	232-DMX
e:cue	Butler XT2

Modbus® is a serial communications protocol developed by Modicon, now Schneider Electric, in 1979. The Modbus protocol uses a client/server architecture to manage communication between a host and intelligent devices, especially sensors in data acquisition systems. In building automation, it is used to control equipment such as chillers, boilers, and fans. Noted for its flexible and open communications, Modbus is one of the most widely used protocols in the world.

Applications: Modbus is most widely used as an industrial protocol, but is also popular in building, infrastructure, transportation, and energy applications.

Manufacturer	Model
Schneider Electric	Modbus TCP/IP
Siemens	Desigo PXC

LonWorks® - Local Operating Network is a widely used standard for many types of control applications, including building automation. It was created by the manufacturer Echelon in 1988, and in 1999 it was accepted as a standard by ANSI for control networking (ANSI/CEA-709.1-B). The protocol’s largest application area is in building automation and is an international standard, with millions of installed devices around the world.

Applications: The majority of LonWorks devices involve buildings projects, including HVAC and lighting. The protocol is also used in many other markets such as outdoor lighting, transportation, utility, process control, and home automation.