BACnet Integration

BACnet Integration & Setup Guide

Overview

C-Bridge supports BACnet integration to enable communication between Casambi lighting networks and building management systems (BMS). This allows lighting data and control to be exposed to third-party systems such as HVAC, energy management, and facility dashboards.

C-Bridge acts as a BACnet server (device), publishing lighting and sensor data as standard BACnet objects.

Key Features

• Automatic mapping of Casambi devices to BACnet objects
• Real-time or polling-based updates
• Support for lighting, sensors, scenes, and areas
• Standard BACnet object types (Analog, Binary, Multi-state)
• Compatible with common BMS platforms

BACnet Architecture

In a typical setup:

• C-Bridge = BACnet Server (device)
• BMS / Controller = BACnet Client

C-Bridge exposes:

• Device-level data (lights, sensors)
• Group/area control
• Energy and status values

Supported Object Types

C-Bridge automatically generates BACnet objects based on device type:

Before You Begin

Ensure the following:

• C-Bridge is installed and powered
• Network connection is active (Ethernet recommended)
• Casambi network is commissioned and operational
• BACnet client (BMS) is available on the same network

Enabling BACnet on C-Bridge

1. Log into the C-Bridge interface
2. Navigate to Settings → BACnet
3. Enable BACnet service
4. Configure the following:

Required Settings

• Device Instance Number (unique on network)
• BACnet Port (default: 47808)
• Network Interface (Ethernet recommended)

1. Save configuration and restart BACnet service

Device Discovery

Once BACnet is enabled:

• The C-Bridge device will appear on the BACnet network

• Use a BACnet tool or BMS to:

• Discover devices

• Read object lists

Common tools:

• YABE (testing)
• BMS platforms (Tridium, Siemens, etc.)

Object Mapping

C-Bridge automatically maps Casambi devices into BACnet objects.

Example Mapping

• Light fixture → Analog Output (brightness control)
• Occupancy sensor → Binary Input
• Daylight sensor → Analog Input (lux value)
• Scene → Multi-state Value

Example naming convention: Area_DeviceType_ID.

Control & Monitoring

Reading Data

BACnet clients can:

• Read light levels
• Monitor occupancy
• Track sensor values
• View device status

Writing Commands

Where enabled, BACnet clients can:

• Adjust light levels
• Turn devices on/off
• Recall scenes

Update Modes

C-Bridge supports multiple data update strategies:

Real-Time (Event-Based)

• Updates are pushed automatically when values change
• Best for responsive systems

Polling

• BACnet client requests updates at intervals
• Simpler but less efficient

Hybrid

• Combination of event updates and periodic polling

Network Considerations

• Ensure C-Bridge and BACnet client are on the same subnet
• Avoid port conflicts (default UDP 47808)
• Use static IP for stability in enterprise environments
• Configure firewall rules if needed

Commissioning Checklist

Before completing setup:

• BACnet service enabled on C-Bridge
• Unique device instance configured
• Device visible in BACnet discovery
• Objects are readable from BMS
• Control commands function correctly
• No network conflicts or duplicate IDs

Troubleshooting

Device Not Discoverable

• Verify BACnet is enabled
• Check network connectivity
• Confirm correct port and subnet

Objects Not Updating

• Check update mode (polling vs real-time)
• Verify Casambi network communication

Control Not Working

• Ensure write permissions are enabled
• Confirm correct object type (AO vs BI vs MSV)

Best Practices

• Use consistent naming conventions for objects
• Group devices logically by area
• Limit unnecessary polling to reduce network load
• Document device instance numbers for each installation

Ignition Integration

Ignition (an industrial automation and SCADA platform) is a commonly used BACnet client for C-Bridge deployments — see System Overview and Terminology & Definitions. Because C-Bridge exposes standard BACnet/IP objects, Ignition can discover and poll it like any other BACnet device.

An Ignition-specific commissioning walkthrough has not yet been verified. Confirm the driver configuration and point mapping with your integrator before deployment.

Future Enhancements

Planned BACnet improvements may include:

• Advanced object configuration
• BACnet write prioritization handling
• BTL certification for full compliance

Summary

BACnet integration allows C-Bridge to bridge lighting systems into broader building automation platforms. With proper setup, users can monitor, control, and optimize lighting alongside other building systems from a centralized interface.