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1.9 Standards, codes and initiatives

Communications standards are well documented in many environments. For the purpose of the
systems contributing to a building, there have been various initiatives. Different manufacturers have
all promoted proprietary solutions at different times, leading to incompatibilities and non‐
standardized solutions. If the communication infrastructure is built in accordance with recognized
standards, the interfaces developed by other industries generally become applicable. These
approaches have allowed the development of niche solutions, all of which operate using standards
such as:
 RS 232;

 RS 485;
 Ethernet‐TCP/IP;
 BACnet;
 LONworks.
Interfaces for each of these communications protocols are well‐defined. As a result, an
infrastructure capable of reaching all parts of any building, can readily be provided and can interface
with each of the building's systems.

Typically, most of the communication requirements are interpreted as different layers in the
"OSI 7‐Layer Communication Model" (Open System Interconnection).

Using the approach of the OSI layers, it is possible for proprietary communications to be carried
over a common and shared backbone. This common shared backbone, or communication highway,
can easily be made redundant allowing for numerous components to automatically fail over to
alternative devices, thereby ensuring that the building systems are not at risk of losing their
integrity.

The concept of using a digital IP backbone, which can interface to almost any control or monitoring
system has gradually become pervasive. Solutions carried over IP networks are sometimes well‐
publicized and at other times well‐hidden from the public. Examples of systems which are readily
compatible with an IP backbone include:
 Audio paging;
 Fire alarm systems;

 Telephone systems;
 HVAC systems;
 Surveillance systems;
 Access control and intrusion alarms;
 Lighting control systems;
 Elevator control systems;
 HVAC systems.

Based on these systems and others, each of which have the ability to communicate over this
common backbone, it is evident that the standards applicable to the provision of an IP infrastructure
are one possible mechanism by which an intelligent building can be implemented. Depending on
the jurisdiction, there may be a need that some of the systems require special considerations in
order to comply with all aspects of the building code, fire safety code or electrical code. The
discussion in this document will not address any constraints imposed by such regulations However,
it does provide an assurance that there are solutions which are available for all requirements.

464 ITU‐T's Technical Reports and Specifications