Accessing KNX networks via BACnet/WS

In the last years, the desire to access building automation data from within existing enterprise applications has significantly arisen. For this kind of machine-to-machine interaction, the evolution of Web technologies has created new opportunities and challenges. In this way, Web Services (WS) play a pioneering role, since they follow a modular approach supporting transmission, eventing, discovery, and security. Building Automation and Control Network -Web Services (BACnet/WS) is a WS based standard that allows a simple integration of building automation systems and IT networks at the management level. Its services can be used to access and manipulate data from any source. Thus, BACnet/WS is independent from an underlying building automation network. This paper discusses BACnet/WS and compares it to related technologies. Next, a mapping from KNX into the BACnet/WS data model is proposed. As a proof of concept, a prototype of a BACnet/WS server for KNX networks is presented.