Glossary · Automation fundamentals, platforms and components
LonWorks
Also known as: LON, LonTalk
German: LonWorks
In building automation, LonWorks is a networking platform based on the LonTalk protocol, originally developed by Echelon and standardized as ISO/IEC 14908 (also ANSI/CTA-709.1). Devices exchange standardized network variables over twisted pair, power line or IP.
- Automation components
- Standards
In one sentence
LonWorks is a building automation network platform based on the LonTalk protocol, standardized as ISO/IEC 14908.
Example
In an older office building, room controllers exchange temperature and occupancy data as LonWorks network variables, and a gateway maps them to BACnet.
How it applies
- Engineering: LonWorks devices share standardized network variable types and functional profiles, which support multi-vendor systems. Networks are configured with network management tools.
- Maintenance: Many existing buildings still run LonWorks; new projects more often use BACnet or KNX, so gateways and migration plans are common.
- Documentation: Keep the network database and device binding information with the as-built documentation. Without it, modifications are difficult.
- Security: Many LonWorks installations were designed without modern security in mind, so IP-connected parts should be segmented from other networks.
LonWorks vs. BACnet
BACnet defines an object model and services for building automation. LonWorks defines a complete network protocol stack with network variables. Both are open standards; they are often combined via gateways. Note: the list's "Ionworks" is a misspelling of LonWorks.