This new Lontalk/IP standard adds native IP to the ISO/IEC 14908-1 International Network Control Protocol and is a crucial element for control platforms in enterprise networks that require greater connectivity and internet access. This new standard will allow control applications to leverage IP infrastructure, network management tools, and standard diagnostic tools.

“The timing is right for a new IP-based network control standard, as the global market for control networking products is rapidly evolving for both consumers and industry as new mobile terminals, Internet of Things (IoT) devices, and IIoT solutions enter the market,” said Ron Bernstein, CEO of LonMark International. “Some of the key environments where the new standard will be deployed with leading IIoT solutions include building automation systems, lighting control systems, transportation automation systems, smart city applications, and metering systems,” he added.

Echelon (owner of the intellectual property of the standard) and LonMark International intend to support the development of the new standard within CEN's TC-247, under the direction of Peter Fischer, Professor of Applied Sciences at the University of Dortmund, Germany and coordinator of the Technical Committee.

The TC-247 committee met in Basel, Switzerland, last March and accepted Echelon's intellectual property proposal. Professor Fischer will work with the committee to develop a draft of the new standard.

LonMark International intends to bring this same standard to the ANSI/CTA standards body simultaneously. The inclusion of this LonTalk/IP standard in the LON standards catalog will greatly improve the ease of use and deployment of larger systems, as well as provide an open control network solution for the IIoT.

More information