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BACnet Insight

30 Years of BACnet: From Interoperability to

Security – and Beyond

30 Jahre BACnet: Von Interoperabilität zu

Sicherheit – und darüber hinaus

BACnet celebrates 30 years of innovation,
evolving from interoperability to enhanced
security with BACnet/SC, ensuring
seamless, secure, and scalable automation
for buildings and industries.
BACnet feiert 30 Jahre Innovation und hat
sich von Interoperabilität hin zu erhöh-
ter Sicherheit mit BACnet/SC entwickelt,
um eine nahtlose, sichere und skalierbare © BACnet International
Automatisierung für Gebäude und Indus- BACnet Secure Connect: Secure, Reliable, and Encrypted Communication.
trien zu gewährleisten. BACnet Secure Connect: Sichere, zuverlässige und verschlüsselte Kommunikation.

Since its inception, BACnet has represented openness MS/TP required overcoming strict timing challenges. Through the integration of BACnet/SC, manufacturers
and interoperability. Manufacturers and developers BACnet/IP with BBMD became the preferred gateway like MSA Safety are responding to growing IT security
collaborated to create a protocol seamlessly connecting variant. and data protection requirements. At the same time,
building and industrial automation systems. BACnet’s this improves the future viability of the gateways, as
evolution led to multiple protocol variants: From BTL Tests to Growing Requirements IIoT devices and other networked systems with higher
security standards can be integrated. A corresponding
BACnet ARCNET The establishment of BACnet Testing Labs (BTL) BTL listing and intensive penetration tests are important
An early variant that worked with shared coaxial cables expanded testing and certification, ensuring products quality certifications in this regard.
and enabled local networks for building and industrial could handle rare exceptions. De Wet highlights how
applications. certification rounds drove improvements, necessitating Adaptation and Flexibility as Keys to Success
BACnet PTP Point-to-Point core code rewrites from PIC microcontrollers to ARM9
Typically used over serial lines like RS-232 when network processors. This reflects close collaboration with the The ability to unite different protocol variants and
access wasn’t available or when a direct connection BACnet community. integrate new concepts like BACnet/SC is the secret to
between computers and modems was necessary. success of MSA Safety’s FieldServer gateways. We’ve
BACnet Ethernet Continuous Improvements for Buildings and Industry always had to keep pace with BACnet – and often think
Uses Ethernet without the IP layer and was therefore a step ahead. Only this way is it possible to offer reliable
limited to local networks in the past, but is still relevant in Although older variants like BACnet ARCNET and PTP integration solutions over decades that are used in
certain environments. are rarely used today, they demonstrated BACnet’s buildings, factories, and other demanding environments
BACnet MS/TP (Master-Slave/Token Passing) early flexibility. BACnet Ethernet still plays a role in around the globe.
Relies on twisted pair wiring, communicating via token some networks (editor’s note: In Europe, BACnet/SC
passing. MS/TP was particularly widespread for controls is currently the established standard). Modern building Therefore, BACnet’s 30th anniversary marks not only
and sensor-actuator levels. automation covers HVAC, access control, lighting, and a milestone in the past but also lays the foundation for
BACnet/IP fire protection, while industry benefits from BACnet’s future developments. We already see how IoT devices
The most common variant today, using Ethernet and clear structures and interoperability. To remain relevant, are increasingly entering building automation and how
Internet Protocol (IP), allowing flexible integration into both the protocol and manufacturers must evolve. security requirements are rising. A flexible, secure, and
modern networks. at the same time scalable protocol like BACnet can meet
BACnet/SC: The Secure Future all these needs in the long term.
From Intel 486 to Global Networking
In response to growing cyber threats, BACnet has taken Summary: Shaping the Future Together
BACnet’s adaptability has supported gateway a major step forward with BACnet Security Connect
manufacturers in the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) (BACnet/SC). This addendum specification provides The history of BACnet is a story of collaboration and
era. Bennie de Wet, former CTO and Managing Director encrypted communication over a secure data link layer. innovation. As an important part of the automation
of Sierra Monitor (now MSA Safety), recalls early Each device is authenticated and authorized, making industry, the protocol has proven over decades that it
FieldServer gateways with Intel 486 processors. BACnet networks significantly more resistant to attacks. remains adaptable and expandable. For providers like
Ethernet was implemented smoothly, whereas BACnet MSA Safety, this means we must continuously engage

24 BACnet Europe Journal 42 03/25