Control Network Newsletter
Segmenting MS/TP BACnet Networks
BACnet MS/TP networks are segmented using routers to improve communication speed, isolate performance issues, and allow network expansion without impacting the function of existing devices. The MS/TP network can support a total of 32 full-load devices, and devices exist with full, half, or quarter load transceivers allowing more devices to be added to a single trunk. However, a single device failure can impact the whole MS/TP trunk. The token passing with more devices on the trunk also means each device has to wait longer for its turn to get on the MS/TP bus for communication.
Segmenting BACnet MS/TP networks can also simplify the integration of BACnet MS/TP with BACnet/IP. Contemporary Controls' BASrouter and BASrouterSX multi-network routers allow you to segment your BACnet network and route the traffic to BACnet/IP.
First, connect a BACnet router to each MS/TP segment, then interconnect each BACnet router to an Ethernet switch for the BACnet/IP network. With this Ethernet switch connection, the devices on the BACnet/IP network will receive all MS/TP traffic through their Ethernet ports and utilize the existing IT infrastructure.
All of our BASrouters provide stand-alone routing between BACnet/IP, BACnet Ethernet, and BACnet MS/TP networks—allowing you to mix BACnet network technologies within a single BACnet inter-network. A resident web server allows for commissioning, and troubleshooting using a standard web browser. The routers support BACnet/IP Broadcast Management Device (BBMD) and Foreign Device Registration (FDR) to ensure seamless communication between BACnet devices and an IP network.
The BASrouterSX is high-performance router with a faster processor and more memory than the BASrouter. It offers advanced features and webpage configuration over HTTPS (HTTP over SSL). Its resident HTTPS web server allows for commissioning, troubleshooting, as well as status reporting using any standard web browser. Advanced features include an Allowlist option for enhanced security, and MS/TP frame capture and storage for use with a Wireshark® protocol analyzer for additional BACnet/IP network support.
Three versions of the BASrouterSX are available:
- BASRTSX-B: DIN-rail mount
- BASRTSX-B/P: Panel mount
- BASRTSX-B-GSA: A GSA-compliant model which has been tested and approved for use in U.S. government buildings.
Two versions of the BASrouter are available:
- BASRT-B: DIN-Rail Mount
- BASRT-B-U: A Country of Origin as USA model for projects requiring products that comply with USMCA rules.