IP

With the explosion of computer networks, Internet Protocol has become the defacto standard for communication. All modern buildings will have an Ethernet network installed for traditional PC data communications, but this same network can be utilised for the building management functions.

Ethernet networks (commonly referred to as IP networks) provide enhanced speeds when compared to traditional building control networks. This reduces bottlenecks in the system and therefore allows the size of the system to grow to almost limitless capacities.

However, there are limitations to Ethernet: it cannot be run alongside mains cabling or fluorescent lighting and the topology requires a dedicated cable for each device on the system.

This is where Andromeda’s preferred solution of a combination of KNX and IP works perfectly. The ‘field’ wiring to devices is done using KNX or DALI in small ‘worlds’ – reducing cabling requirements and mains interference concerns. The worlds are then joined using Ethernet cabling – allowing for high speed backbone communication.

A further advantage of IP communication is the fact that it is the language of the Internet. This allows you to seamlessly talk to your building control system from any PC, be it within the building, or anywhere in the world.