Is your LAN ready for BIoT?

How do you get the most out of the Building Internet of Things?

Continuous improvement based on up-to-date insights

The Internet of Things could be defined as a network of Internet-connected devices capable of capturing and exchanging data. This allows ongoing monitoring, analyzing and optimizing of operations, productivity, wellbeing and efficiency. The Building Internet of Things (BIoT) applies familiar IoT concepts to commercial buildings, vastly enhancing traditional building automation systems. BIoT’s machine-to-machine (M2M) communication capabilities can deliver significant cost reductions, efficiency gains, reduced energy consumption, and improved use of resources. However, enterprise networks will need to meet the bandwidth, power and flexibility requirements of BIoT applications in order to to realise and leverage these benefits. Is your network future-ready?

Enabling truly intelligent buildings with smart infrastructure

Traditional Building Automation Systems are usually self -contained and not always connected to the Internet. By adding intelligence and flexibility, BIoT enables the creation of Intelligent Buildings, as described by TIA: “An intelligent building, or premise, utilizes communication technology to integrate building systems, allowing for intersystem connection and coordination that provides an environment which is safer, more comfortable, productive or efficient.” According to research by Meemoori*, the number of BIoT hardware devices and applications is growing every day. A recent report puts expected business volume in Europe for BloT products at 4.52 Bn. US $ in 2022, including hardware as well as software and services.  

A BIoT connects a wide variety of devices such as (Smart) Sensors, Access Control systems, or HVAC and Metering systems to a network and is changing the design, implementation and management of in-building data and power infrastructure. Active consolidation points can provide flexibility and help reduce cabling costs. Instead of having to provide new connection points and power outlets each time a new device is added or moved, devices are connected to one of many conveniently located consolidation points. Immediately, it is connected to data and power networks. The LAN provides a physical communication layer over IP, as well as PoE capacity. Because IP devices use the same protocols ‘end to end’, servers, operating systems, cabling and end devices all work together seamlessly, without additional translation steps, and can directly communicate to cloud applications. What’s more, devices and components that work with Ethernet and IP technology are relatively inexpensive and their integrated protocols enhance building automation security and allow an almost unlimited number of devices to be connected.

A ‘Digital Ceiling’- essentially a network of smart digital products and applications installed in the ceiling - enables the creation of these distributed data and power consolidation points. To address cabling density and endpoint flexibility requirements, intelligent building cabling standards such as ISO/IEC 11801-6:2017 recommend using this type of passive zone cabling architecture. Service Concentration Points (SCPs) can be created, each of which can support multiple Service Outlets in a coverage area of about 16 m2. Utilising a zone cabling architecture will result in a cabling density that is designed to support different systems and devices that can be optimally positioned according to the function they serve.

Power, data & flexibility for BIoT

Cabling infrastructure for BIoT needs to support the bandwidth and power requirements of a wide variety of services and devices in different locations. In order to meet these requirements, Nexans has developed the LANactive XGigaSwitch DICE for smart ceiling installation. This offers two 10Gbit/s Uplink (SFP+) ports, four 1Gbit/s and four MultiGig access ports, eight 90W PoE++ connections, and a passive noiseless cooling concept.

Of course, each building is different, and every company and institution has its own unique requirements. However, our experts are always happy to discuss your specific situation and any requirements you may have, to ensure you can make the most of the Building Internet of Things in combination with your LAN network!