What is Protocol?
A Protocol is a set of formal rules and standards governing how data is transmitted between systems – defining message format, timing, sequencing and error handling, and determining the openness and longevity of any building or industrial system.
Technical Definition: A set of formal rules and standards governing how data is transmitted between systems. Protocols define message format, timing, sequencing and error handling. In building automation, the most important protocols include BACnet, Modbus, OPC UA, MQTT and KNX.
Why it matters: Protocol selection determines the openness and longevity of a system. Open, standardised protocols enable multi-vendor competition and future integration. Proprietary protocols create lock-in and integration barriers that grow more costly over time.
HubMind’s view: We always document which protocols are used in a facility and assess their openness. Our rule of thumb: if the protocol is not documented in a publicly available standard, it is a risk.
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