MQTT Building Control Architecture for Secure Multi-Vendor Commissioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing building management systems face challenges in commissioning and communication between devices from different vendors due to varied communication protocols and networks, leading to fragmented systems and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
An architecture that converges Operational Technology (OT) with Information Technology (IT) on a common IP network, using MQTT components and MUD certificates to establish secure virtual private networks, allowing devices to be addressable and communicate securely based on intended purposes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If different building control devices from various vendors are used, then device functionality and versatility are improved, but system complexity and difficulty of commissioning increase due to varied communication protocols and networks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a standardized communication interface and common architecture framework as an intermediary layer between diverse building control devices and the central management system. This mediator translates various vendor-specific protocols into a unified communication standard, enabling device versatility while maintaining system simplicity and ease of commissioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The system architecture is segmented into distinct layers: device layer, communication interface layer, and management layer. This segmentation allows each layer to operate independently with standardized interfaces, reducing overall system complexity while supporting diverse devices at the endpoint level.
2Productivity
If building control devices are connected to IT network, then information sharing and communication efficiency are improved, but network security risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
A secure communication gateway and authentication mechanism serve as intermediaries between building control devices and the IT network. This intermediary layer implements security policies, encrypts data transmissions, and controls access permissions, enabling efficient information sharing while mitigating security risks through standardized security protocols.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple communication protocols are supported, then device compatibility is improved, but commissioning and servicing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal communication interface that can handle multiple protocols through a single standardized entry point. The system incorporates protocol translation capabilities and automatic protocol detection, allowing a single device to communicate via multiple protocols while maintaining consistent commissioning and servicing procedures through unified management interfaces.
Data Source
AI summary
A building control device includes a controller for controlling one or more building control components, the controller configured to generate building control information and/or consume building control information. The building control device includes an MQTT component that is operatively coupled to the controller, the MQTT component for publishing outgoing building control information generated by the controller and/or subscribing to incoming building control information for consumption by the controller over an IP network. A MUD component is for use in advertising one or more specifications for the building control device on the IP network.