Building Controller Managed Network Switch Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing building control systems lack efficient and integrated solutions for managing and configuring network switches within building controllers, which can lead to suboptimal performance and security issues.
Innovation Solution
The proposed building controller incorporates a managed network switch with accessible ports for network cables and a controller that outputs control commands to manage building system components. It also allows user input for configuring managed characteristics of the network switch, such as MAC filtering, port activation/deactivation, and VLAN configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a managed network switch is integrated into the building controller housing, then network control capability and security are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the building controller and managed network switch into a single integrated device housed in one housing. The network switch is physically mounted within the controller housing and electrically connected to the controller circuit board, creating a unified building control device that provides both control functions and network switching capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated device performs multiple functions: it acts as both a building controller for HVAC/lighting/security systems and a managed network switch for data communication. The network switch ports enable data networking capabilities while the controller handles building system control, making the device universally applicable for both control and networking needs.
2Ease of operation
If network switch ports are made accessible from outside the housing, then ease of operation is improved, but security risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The controller serves as an intermediary between the external network and the building control system. It manages and filters traffic between the network switch ports and the building control components, providing security by controlling what data can access the control system while still allowing operational access to the network ports.
Solution Approach 2:
By integrating the network switch within the secured controller housing rather than as a separate external device, the patent combines network accessibility with physical security. The housing provides protection while the controller manages secure access to both the building control functions and network ports.
Data Source
AI summary
A building controller is configured to control one or more building system components of a building control system. In one example, the building controller includes a housing and one or more wiring terminals that are accessible from outside of the housing. A controller is housed by the housing and is operatively coupled to the one or more wiring terminals. The controller is configured to output one or more control commands on one or more of the wiring terminals. A managed network switch is housed by the housing and includes a plurality of network switch ports that are each accessible from outside of the housing and are each configured to be releasably secured to one or more network cables. The building controller is configured to receive user input for configuring one or more managed characteristics of the managed network switch.