IP BACKBONE
Building subsystems are largely analog, even for newer recordholding skyscrapers like the Burj Khalifa and Taipei 101. However, more smart buildings are adopting an IP-based backbone as technology continues to advance, Bier said.
In fact, the convergence of analogand IP-based security systems is noticed in newer smart/green building projects. The ideal approach blends the two technologies with the backbone infrastructure all over the IP network, Wilts said. “Adoption of IP and IT networks as the backbone for building systems helps in minimizing engineering and deployment challenges for new buildings and for existing retrofit applications,” Mecheri said. “For example, deploying an analog video solution in an existing building presents a massive challenge of dedicated cabling to be retrofitted. Alternatively, utilizing existing data points to bridge analog video into the IP network is the most practical way to retrofit a surveillance system into an existing building.”
“Traditional analog systems are acceptable for small sites, but scalability is limited when deployed on larger sites,” Boriskin explained. “With an IP-based approach, protocols that live with security and building management systems would be able to intercommunicate better and faster. With an IP solution, the number of hardware devices gets reduced and SIs would be able to scale the system appropriately to the size of the site.”
Currently implemented network types, like Multiple Spanning Tree Protocol, have been around for 15 years or more already, Hughson said. “While it is probable that these networks will continue to be installed in the short-term, it is important to consider the rising demand for live data and the strain that is placed on a network. IP presents a great deal more longevity when considering what the network needs five years from now.”