Modular system and method for communicating information between different protocols on a control network

摘要

In a BACnet Internetwork, a modular concept is implemented to permit interchangeable protocol conversion between a host protocol like logic-level BACnet MS/TP and another protocol or function by providing pluggable communications modules that avoid tedious software configuration.

主权项

1. A BACnet Internetwork, comprising
multiple controller devices communicating with each other according to at least two different protocols, and at least one micro-router configured to convert between logic-level BACnet MS/TP communications protocol and a second communications protocol, wherein each micro-router defines a replaceable communications module that includes a first connector configured to releasably engage with a complementary connector on a controller device, and a second connector, the micro-router being connectable to only one controller device via its first connector, and the controller device being configured as a BACnet MS/TP controller device in which communications between the micro-router and a CPU on the controller device take place according to logic-level BACnet MS/TP communications protocol.