The new standard focuses on the interoperability of Internet of Things (IoT) devices and provides a complete model for implementing LON IP device-to-device and device-to-application communication interoperability. This new standard will provide multiple parties – including users, developers, vendors, integrators and specifiers of open building control systems – a mechanism to develop and deliver a higher level of interoperability using native Ethernet/IP based devices. The new standard describes the complete set of requirements for vendors to develop LON devices with native IP communications, which offers higher speed and better IT integration flexibility. As more building control networks require more data and more IoT application interfaces, this new media type for LON control networks provides all of the benefits and functionality to meet this growing demand.

“The approval of this new standard is a key milestone in achieving greater IT/OT interoperability,” said Ron Bernstein, CEO and executive director, LonMarkInternational. “Working together, CTA and LonMarkaim to help ensure a broader level of adoption of IoT-based interoperability by enabling Ethernet/IP in LON field controllers and end devices. The new media type is fully interoperable with any other media in the 709.1 protocol set including twisted pair, powerline, fiber optic, and RF.”

“CTA is pleased to help LonMark achieve recognition of this LON specification as an American National Standard,” said Dave Wilson, vice president, technology & standards, CTA. “CTA’s ANSI-accredited standards program exists to help innovators like LonMark develop industry consensus around their innovations.”

Standard Specifications

The ANSI/CTA-709.7 Implementation Guidelines define the application layer requirements for interoperable devices to communicate directly on Ethernet. It defines the addressing requirements for both IPv4 and IPv6. LonMark will offer full interoperability testing of any device utilizing the new channel type. The standard defines all of the timing parameters, configuration, and interface requirements to the full 709.1 protocol stack.

A few years prior the ANSI/CTA-709.6 Application Elements built upon the ANSI/CTA-709.5 Implementation Guidelines by providing a catalog of more than 100 common device profiles, with more than 380 specific implementation options. These profiles define the mandatory and optional design requirements for standard data variables, standard configuration properties, enumeration types and standard interface file requirements. This extensive library of device profiles includes definitions for a broad collection of devices for HVAC, indoor and outdoor (roadway) lighting, security, access, metering, energy management, fire and smoke control, gateways, commercial and industrial I/O, gas detection, generators, room automation, renewable energy, utility, automated food service, semiconductor fabrication, transportation, home appliances and others.

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