In a converged cabling system, balanced twisted-pair copper cabling is used to interface between BAS software and IP-enabled BAS devices with modular RJ-45 interfaces or controllers that communicate with multiple BAS devices.

Figure 1 depicts structured LAN cabling connections, represented by blue lines, from a BAS server to an IP-enabled camera and a controller in a basic converged cabling example.

Figure1: LAN Cabling Connections

The cabling from the controller to the BAS devices, represented by green lines, is typically application dependent low voltage wiring (e.g. two 18 AWG conductors).  In some cases, non‑IP BAS devices can accommodate both LAN cabling and low voltage cabling connections.

When the option is available, the use of LAN cabling for non-IP BAS device connections is always recommended to facilitate future migration to a fully IP‑based building automation system.

Note that a Standards-compliant structured cabling topology includes one or two patch panels in the telecommunications room, an equipment outlet in the work area, and an optional horizontal connection point located in a zone box to facilitate BAS device adds, moves, and changes.  For simplicity, these connection points are not shown in Figure 1.

Learn about ConvergeIT, a converged, IP-based intelligent building cabling system using a single, simplified structured cabling infrastructure for a smarter, greener building.