In the rapidly evolving world of building automation, seamless communication between devices is essential. BACnet — short for Building Automation and Control Network — is an open communication protocol specifically designed to meet this need. Standardized by ASHRAE (American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers) in 1995, BACnet enables devices such as HVAC systems, lighting controls, security systems, and energy meters to speak a common language, regardless of manufacturer.
At Actility, where we specialize in large-scale IoT deployments and smart infrastructure connectivity, we see BACnet as a cornerstone of building management systems (BMS). Whether it’s streamlining HVAC operations or integrating legacy systems with next-generation IoT platforms, BACnet plays a critical role in achieving true interoperability — a core value we support across our industrial and smart city solutions.
“The future of building automation lies in open, interoperable standards. BACnet is a natural ally of IP-based IoT architectures, enabling smart buildings to scale and evolve.“
BACnet, or Building Automation and Control Network, is more than just an acronym — it represents a powerful industry-standard protocol designed for seamless communication between building automation devices. Formally defined under the ISO 16484-5 standard, BACnet provides a vendor-neutral framework that allows devices from different manufacturers to exchange data reliably. This means a BACnet-compatible HVAC system, lighting controller, and energy meter can all operate together within the same building, without requiring proprietary gateways or custom integrations.
At Actility, we believe this level of interoperability is essential to building smart, scalable, and future-proof infrastructures. BACnet’s open architecture simplifies integration, reduces operational complexity, and lowers long-term costs — especially when combined with IP-based IoT networks and standardized protocols like LoRaWAN®, which we champion. By enabling communication across heterogeneous systems, BACnet empowers facility managers, integrators, and IoT platforms to focus on optimization and intelligence, not on compatibility issues.
BACnet operates on an object-oriented model, which is one of its key strengths. Instead of simply transmitting raw data, each BACnet-compatible device organizes its functions into standardized objects — such as Analog Input, Binary Output, Schedule, or Device. These objects contain properties (e.g. present value, status, units), which external systems can query or modify.
Communication between devices is enabled through BACnet services — predefined actions that follow strict rules. Common services include:
BACnet supports multiple network layers, allowing it to run on a variety of physical media:
This multi-link flexibility allows BACnet to bridge the gap between legacy field devices and modern IP-based IoT platforms — something Actility’s network solutions are designed to support at scale. Whether you’re managing a building’s energy efficiency or integrating LoRaWAN sensors into a BMS, understanding BACnet’s inner workings is key to achieving a fully interoperable system.
BACnet is not just a protocol — it’s a foundation for real-world automation systems deployed across millions of square meters of commercial and residential space worldwide.
Common BACnet-enabled devices include:
These devices form the backbone of Building Management Systems (BMS), enabling centralized and automated control over vital infrastructure.
Typical BACnet use cases:
At Actility, we recognize BACnet as a strategic component in the transition from traditional automation systems to IoT-native architectures. By enabling seamless interoperability between edge devices and cloud-based platforms, BACnet helps building operators move toward predictive maintenance, energy optimization, and real-time analytics — especially when coupled with long-range wireless protocols like LoRaWAN®.
When designing or upgrading a building automation system, one of the most common questions is: Which communication protocol should I choose? Among the most widely used are BACnet, Modbus, and LonWorks — each with its own strengths, limitations, and typical use cases.
Architecture
Flexibility and Scalability
| Protocol | Best suited for |
|---|---|
| BACnet | Commercial buildings, smart campuses, BMS |
| Modbus | Industrial automation, power meters, legacy PLCs |
| LonWorks | Older HVAC and lighting systems, large facilities |
At Actility, we prioritize open and future-proof technologies. BACnet’s compatibility with IP networks and its object-based structure make it ideal for integrating with IoT platforms and LPWAN technologies such as LoRaWAN®. We often deploy BACnet as a bridging layer between legacy building systems and modern, cloud-based analytics and automation engines.
Today, BACnet is a global standard in building automation, embraced by manufacturers, system integrators, and facility managers alike. Its open, vendor-agnostic architecture has made it the default protocol for HVAC and BMS applications across sectors.
Leading manufacturers supporting BACnet:
These companies produce BACnet-enabled controllers, thermostats, sensors, actuators, and gateways — all designed to interoperate within complex building ecosystems.
Typical environments where BACnet is deployed:
At Actility, we frequently work with customers who rely on BACnet to extend or modernize their infrastructure. Our IoT platform bridges traditional BMS protocols like BACnet with cloud-native, low-power wireless technologies — enabling a new generation of smart, connected buildings.
About Actility
Actility, one of the co-inventors of LoRaWAN® technology and a founding member of the LoRa Alliance, is the leader in industrial-grade low-power wide-area network (LPWAN) connectivity and IoT tracking solutions. Actility’s ThingParkâ„¢ platform, which supports multi-radio connectivity (LoRaWAN®, NB-IoT, LTE-M), powers the majority of public networks and numerous private and enterprise networks worldwide. Through its subsidiary Abeeway, Actility offers patented ultra-low power, multi-radio trackers and comprehensive indoor and outdoor geolocation services. Additionally, the ThingPark Market boast the largest catalog of LoRaWAN® devices, gateways, and solutions available.Â
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