Protocols unite behind IP as secure backbone for building automation

The organizations behind the leading technology standards for building automation are working together on a new initiative called IP Building and Lighting Standards (IP-BLiS). This means that BACnet International, KNX Association, OCF, Thread Group and the Zigbee Alliance will work together to better align the connectivity needs of utility users and improve integration.

With IP-BLiS, these standards are jointly promoting a secure multi-standard and IP-based infrastructure that will serve as the backbone of building automation, replacing the inefficient, still widely used single-system solutions. To achieve this, the parties will harmonize the operation of leading technology standards, reduce fragmentation in smart building connectivity and promote broad adoption of coexisting solutions.

Silo solutions as a barrier

Currently, there is no single automation technology available that covers all the use cases required to fully automate a commercial building. From elevators and energy management, to lighting, water supply and air conditioning, to access control and surveillance systems: there are countless applications of technologies to make buildings smart. Some building systems still use a wide variety of solutions that often require separate hardware-based gateways and infrastructures. This fragmentation in smart buildings via ‘silo solutions’ leads to higher costs for planning, installation, maintenance and management. Furthermore, long-term synergy benefits remain untapped.

The future is IP

To overcome these barriers, the members of IP-BLiS want to combine lighting control and building automation systems with IT networks. They do this by using a secure, fully IP-based configuration. At the same time, they will harmonize the operation of their technical standards in accordance with this intention. In this way, system integrators will soon be able to make the data of the most diverse building systems accessible via a single IP address.

This approach has several advantages. Hardware-based gateways become redundant, as different devices in the most disparate systems can communicate via a single secure IP connection. This makes it much easier to seamlessly integrate Internet of Things (IoT) products into existing smart buildings. Furthermore, an IP-based approach will significantly reduce effort and costs while increasing security, making smart building projects more scalable.

Global commitment to IP-BLiS

The joint standards will promote IP-BLiS as the IP-based solution in the building automation market through global marketing and communication campaigns. Together they will identify the security requirements that will be needed for different regions and further influence legislation to increase the adoption of IP-BLiS. Companies that want to support the goals of IP-BLiS can participate by becoming a member of one of the participating organizations. “We are proud to be part of IP-BLiS. This initiative is a real game changer for building automation that will further accelerate the growth of the market, thanks to the added values in terms of integration, scalability and security,” says Franz Kammerl, President of KNX Association International.

Response from parties

“The BACnet community is inherently collaborative and we are excited about the opportunity to promote fully integrated building automation systems through IP-BLiS,” said Andy McMillan, Chairman of BACnet International. “IP-BLiS is a powerful platform for communicating the value of IP and addressing the complexity and dynamic demands of building information and control systems.

“Collaboration is key to unlocking the full potential of IoT,” said David McCall, Chairman of the Open Connectivity Foundation. “IP-BLiS is the perfect platform for OCF and other key industry players to join forces. Together, we can address the challenges facing lighting control and building automation today – removing connectivity barriers and creating truly smart buildings.”

“Thread Group is excited to be part of such a prestigious initiative. Our low-power wireless networking protocol is based on IP, enabling a wide range of applications to work together seamlessly,” said Grant Erickson, Chairman of Thread Group. “We believe IP-BLiS will provide a critical standard that smart buildings need to improve interoperability and reduce costs, improving the efficiency, functionality, automation and safety of buildings such as offices, healthcare facilities, hotels and schools.”

“The advent of IoT will require increased collaboration between manufacturers, ecosystems and global standards organizations to unlock the evolving potential of connected devices,” said Tobin Richardson, chairman and CEO of Zigbee Alliance. “Through IP-BLiS, we look forward to helping enable greater efficiency for users in commercial environments through secure, all-IP-based standards for better lighting control and building automation.”

About KNX

KNX Association is the founder and owner of the KNX technology – the worldwide STANDARD for home and building automation. This includes the control of building functions such as lighting, shading, heating, ventilation, air conditioning, security, personal alarms, water control, energy management and smart energy meters, telecommunications and consumer electronics. KNX is the worldwide standard for home and building automation with a manufacturer and product independent commissioning tool (ETS) with a full range of transmission media (TP, PL, RF and IP) as well as a full range of configuration modes (system and easy mode). KNX is recognized as a European standard (CENELEC EN 50090 and CEN EN 13321-1) and an international standard (ISO/IEC 14543-3). This standard is based on 30 years of experience in the market. More than 495 companies worldwide from various application areas are affiliated with KNX and offer almost 8,000 KNX certified product groups in their catalogues. The KNX Association has cooperation agreements with almost 100,000 installation companies in 190 countries.