In modern smart buildings, integrating outdoor sensors or remote IoT devices into centralized building control systems is a common challenge. The key lies in understanding how two important technologies—BACnet and LoRaWAN—can work together.
What Is BACnet and Why Does It Matter?
BACnet (Building Automation and Control Networks) is a standard communication protocol widely used in building automation systems. It supports HVAC, lighting, security, and fire systems and is recognized by ISO and ANSI.
Its biggest strength? Interoperability. Devices from different vendors can communicate seamlessly, reducing integration complexity and ensuring long-term flexibility.
What Role Does LoRaWAN Play?
LoRaWAN, on the other hand, is designed for long-range, low-power wireless transmission. It’s ideal for connecting battery-powered sensors installed far from building infrastructure—such as outside walls, rooftops, or parking areas.
Its benefits include:
Long-distance communication (1–15 km)
Ultra-low power consumption
Easy deployment and cost efficiency
Are These Two Compatible?
They serve different purposes but complement each other well.
Think of LoRaWAN as the remote sensing arm, and BACnet as the control brain. LoRaWAN gathers data from places BACnet can’t reach. Once the data is delivered to the right platform, it can be converted and fed directly into BACnet systems.
For example:
A LoRaWAN temperature sensor sends data to the network server.
The server processes and maps this data to BACnet-compatible points.
The building’s automation system reads the data as if it were from any native BACnet device.
The Key Enabler: Manthink’s Thinklink
To make this integration smooth, Manthink developed Thinklink, a network server that bridges LoRaWAN and BACnet with minimal effort.
Here’s what Thinklink offers:
Built-in BACnet templates for plug-and-play compatibility;
Auto point table export for fast system configuration;
Direct data delivery to BACnet systems without custom coding;
Free access for small-scale projects (up to 1,000 devices).
For integrators, this simplifies deployment, reduces engineering effort, and accelerates project delivery.
Final Thoughts
Smart buildings need to talk to both internal systems and remote sensors. BACnet and LoRaWAN are not competitors—they’re collaborators.
With Thinklink, you can connect the physical world to your building logic in a way that’s reliable, scalable, and future-proof.