Control Network Newsletter
2024 AHR Expo: Let's ChicaGO!
We are looking forward to welcoming customers to Chicago at the 2024 AHR Expo from January 22-24. Be sure to stop by Booth S6549 for a preview of our BACnet-compliant open controllers, gateways and routers, and our Ethernet infrastructure products.
As summarized in the AHR Expo 2024 Trend Report, the HVCAR industry is rapidly evolving to address the need for more advanced and energy-efficient automation control, data analytics, and cybersecurity. "Building Automation Control Systems are driving increased functionality, efficiency, and cybersecurity in the industry," noted Andy McMillan, BACnet International president and managing director. "BACnet is the standard, open integration platform with inherent cybersecurity that can make it happen."
Contemporary Controls will be showcasing several products at the AHR Expo that "Build on BACnet" to support these emerging requirements.
Enhanced Security with BACnet Secure Connect (BACnet/SC)
The BASrouterSC provides easy BACnet/SC integration for existing BACnet/IP and BACnet MS/TP networks without the need for additional BACnet/SC equipment. It retains the BACnet routing functionality found on our other BACnet routers, such as support for BACnet/IP, MS/TP, and BACnet Ethernet networks.
Optimized BACnet/IP Network Security
The BASrouterSX is a high-performance BACnet router that provides stand-alone routing between BACnet networks, such as BACnet/IP, BACnet Ethernet, and BACnet MS/TP. The BASrouterSX can optimize BACnet/IP network security by configuring an Allowlist, so only specific BACnet/IP devices can communicate to the BACnet internetwork. Configuration is done securely using webpages over HTTPS. The BASrouterSX-GSA is a GSA-compliant model which has been tested and approved for use in U.S. government buildings.
VPN Options for Secure Remote Communication
Utilizing the OpenVPN client/server capabilities of our wired and cellular Skorpion Gigabit routers, we offer three VPN solutions to meet your remote access needs—a RemoteVPN subscription service, and Self-HostedVPN and BridgeVPN solutions.
With the routers configured as OpenVPN servers, BridgeVPN and Self-HostedVPN provide secure remote access without subscription fees or the need for a cloud-based VPN server.
BridgeVPN provides secure single-site, remote access with support for up 10 VPN clients on Windows and Linux PCs. BridgeVPN allows passage of multicast and broadcast messages through the VPN tunnel which eliminates the need for a BACnet/IP Broadcast Management Device (BBMD) to access BACnet systems.
Self-Hosted VPN provides secure wired or wireless remote access with support for multiple clients—up to 15 wired/cellular IP routers in OpenVPN client mode and 15 OpenVPN clients on PC/tablet/phone. Each PC/tablet/cell phone client can be configured to communicate with one or more router clients independent of each other to deliver secure remote access across multiple locations.
The RemoteVPN subscription service provides secure communication and the convenience of remote access without having to maintain the VPN server. Hosted on the Internet and maintained by Contemporary Controls, RemoteVPN incorporates a cloud-based OpenVPN server, OpenVPN clients for workstations and mobile devices, and OpenVPN routers installed at job sites.
Be sure to stop by Booth S6549 at AHR Expo to say hello. We are always happy to hear from our customers.