BACnet International has approved the recently completed ZigBee building-automation standard as the only wireless-mesh-network standard for BACnet-based devices. ZigBee is a standards-based wireless technology designed to address the unique needs of low-cost, low-power, wireless sensor and control networks in the building automation market.
The ZigBee Alliance, a global ecosystem of companies creating wireless solutions for use in energy management, commercial, and consumer applications, had recently completed development of and ratified the standard.
BACnet International approved the ZigBee Building Automation standard based upon its integration with BACnet building automation systems and because it will meet the needs of most building- automation projects.
“ZigBee Building Automation delivers much-sought-after integration with BACnet building automation systems,” said Andy McMillan, BACnet International president and general manager of Philips Teletrol. “We selected ZigBee Building Automation because its low-power mesh networks will meet the needs of just about any type of building. The result is that building owners and operators using BACnet-based devices will have more options and better control.”
“With ZigBee Building Automation, it is now possible to eliminate the web of wires required to monitor and manage a building and maintain all the benefits of BACnet,” added Bob Heile, chairman of the ZigBee Alliance. “ZigBee Building Automation provides product manufacturers with a proven standard to expand their product line and help their customers adapt for the future. Only a ZigBee Building Automation network makes it easier, faster and cheaper for a space to be reconfigured to meet a new tenant need.”
ZigBee uses the 2.4 GHz radio frequency to deliver a variety of reliable and easy-to-use standards anywhere in the world. Products using ZigBee Building Automation are designed to give building owners and operators control of more building types and offer the ability to reach more areas of buildings. Existing wired BACnet building automation systems can now be expanded with greater ease and reduced operational cost.
The ZigBee Alliance is an open, non- profit association of approximately 400 members driving development of innovative, reliable and easy-to-use ZigBee standards. The alliance promotes worldwide adoption of ZigBee as the leading wirelessly networked, sensing and control standard for use in consumer, commercial and industrial areas. For more information, visit www.ZigBee.org
The alliance expects members to create ZigBee Building Automation products that will become ZigBee Certified. To see a full list of features and benefits offered by ZigBee Building Automation, visit www.ZigBee.org/BuildingAutomation.
BACnet International members interested in testing their devices for ZigBee interoperability can leverage the ZigBee Certified program. The program tests the functionality and interoperability of products using ZigBee standards and specifications. To date, more than 340 products have successfully passed this rigorous program. The certification of products is a critical part of the ZigBee Alliance’s standards development and is required before any standard is released for product development. To learn more, visit: http://zigbee.org/Products/ZigBeeCertifiedProgram.aspx