As we’ve learned throughout our time spent writing about different protocol gateways, in America at least, there are almost no two communication devices that work the same in building automation. Thankfully, products like BACnet, LonWorks, and Modbus come in handy and allow all the different devices to communicate together on time and reliably.
A serial port interface
This is the broad level view of the topic. As we drill down, we discover that there are many more minute details about the computer communication world that need attention. Some of these things even the casual computer user is familiar with. For instance, there are two main ways outside devices will communicate information with basic computer systems. These include through Serial and Parallel Ports. To differentiate between the two, think of them this way. A serial port is a one way communication method, where it can either give or receive, but it can’t do both at once. This is the frequent communication method over a direct modem connection. Items like USB devices, Ethernet, or FireWire all communicate in a similar fashion. On the other hand, parallel ports are what you would pretty much expect to be the opposite of serial ports; a multi-directional communication method. On your personal computer, these ports look a bit larger with a dual set interface to allow for multiple amounts of information to pass through. It’s typically called a Printer Port as well, because most printer peripherals are attached through a parallel port to allow for dual communication.
Naturally, when you have so many different computers in one building communicating in many different ways, you need a protocol that can handle these various communication methods in one handy device. This is where protocols like LonWorks steps in and helps. Specifically, a version like the FS-B3510 LonWorks Protocol is built to handle multiple serial ports at once, with a mind towards communication Ethernet, serial, and LonWorks information all at once. Other LonWorks devices are available which will instead focus on a single serial communication over Ethernet, or multiple connections. In each instance, the protocol in question is being loaded with many different commands from many different ports, serial and parallel occasionally, all of which it must communicate effectively to other network systems to make sure buildings are run smoothly.
Clearly, this is no easy task, but our favorite protocols are always up for the challenge!
The Gateway 