Metasys® System Extended Architecture

Product Bulletin
Code No. LIT-1201526
Software Release 4.1
Issued October 6, 2008
Supersedes March 17, 2008

In addition to the traditional building automation and

facilities management capabilities and features that the
Metasys® system has always provided, the
architecture is continually enhanced for compatibility
with the electronic information distribution and
networking infrastructure of today’s business
enterprises. The adoption of Information Technology
(IT) standards and use of the Internet extends the
Metasys system capabilities beyond the realm of
traditional building control systems. With authorized
access to your network, you can request information
concerning the technical and economic performance of
your facility from any computer using Microsoft® Figure 1: Metasys System Extended Architecture
Internet Explorer® Web browser. Total facility Integration Capabilities
management is made possible by a network of servers
and automation engines that integrate all facility
systems using a combination of standard BACnet®,
LonTalk®, and existing Metasys system protocols.

Table 1: Features and Benefits

Features
Fully Scalable System
Task-Based Web Access
Standard IT Protocols
Alarm and Event Management
Metasys N1 and N2 System Integration
Open Building Automation System
(BAS) Protocols Support
Enterprise Integration
Wireless Communication
Benefits
Provides a flexible network architecture on which to build or expand an
automation system for your building, campus, or entire enterprise.
Enables user display and control capabilities from anywhere within your facility
over your intranet, or worldwide via the Internet.
Use standard IT networking technologies, allowing secure communication over
your private enterprise networks.
Provides effective reporting of alarms and events to Web browser-based alarm
consoles, pagers, cell phones, and e-mail, along with recording to server-based,
secure Structured Query Language (SQL) databases.
Protects existing investment and provides integration and system migration to
the Web-enabled architecture and Web-based user interfaces.
Integrates BACnet devices at both the IP and Master-Slave/Token-Passing (MS/
TP) level and LONWORKS® devices into the Metasys architecture.
Allows enterprise systems to access operational and historical data for business
analysis and planning.
Allows economical control and commissioning of difficult or frequently changing
spaces at multiple system levels.

Metasys® System Extended Architecture Product Bulletin 1

System Capabilities
The Metasys architecture has evolved to bring the
benefits of the latest computing and communication
technologies into building automation and facility
management. At the same time, it preserves and
enhances existing investments in building control
systems and technology in your facilities.
User Interface (UI) Experience
Today’s facility managers and operators demand an
experience that is intuitive and easy to use without
special training or complex technical manuals. The
Metasys user interface combines the best features of
previous building automation systems from
Johnson Controls using the well-accepted display
techniques of the Internet age. A computer with
Microsoft Internet Explorer Web browser is used to log
on to any site configuration. The Metasys system user
experience is a portal into a site. It can be tailored to fit
the needs of all potential system users. The user
experience provided by the Metasys system can evolve
and scale to match the needs of any single facility or
campus of multiple buildings.
The Site Management Portal provides system
administrators or building operators online user and
system configuration capabilities along with real-time
views into their site’s systems. The Site Management
Portal transforms the raw data from the site and
organizes it into a comprehensive set of information
management tools and reports.
Figure 2: Metasys System User Experience
2 Metasys® System Extended Architecture Product Bulletin
This portal is accessed using Microsoft Internet
Explorer Web browser through an Internet or intranet
connection to a Metasys server or engine. The Site
Management Portal has all the features one expects
from a full function traditional workstation, including:
• pop-up alarm windows
• navigation tree – multiple custom trees can be
created to best represent the logical layout of the
facility
• dynamic graphics of systems and floor plans that
can be zoomed in on to show fine details
• multiple display areas that can be individually sized
and controlled
• the entire user manual available in the Help system
The Ready Access Portal software provides a natural,
complementary extension of the Metasys Site
Management Portal UI. The Ready Access Portal UI
provides an intuitive, task-based interface that can be
tailored to meet the needs of building tenants and other
specialized users. Available on a computer or handheld
platform, the Ready Access Portal UI requires only a
Web browser connected via the Internet or intranet to a
Ready Access Portal server.
Graphics Options
The user experience of the Metasys system can be
tailored through the integration of graphical views of a
site’s floor plans and systems. The standard graphic
capabilities of the Metasys system allow for rich,
customized graphical views to be configured and
utilized via the Site Management Portal. The optional
Advanced Graphics application provides additional
dynamic capabilities such as custom animation, color
changing, and flashing for the Metasys system. The
package includes a dynamic example stencil library
and is an add-on to Microsoft Visio® Professional 2003
software. With a comprehensive representation of
facility support systems, building operators can easily
monitor the health of the system on a more intuitive
interface.
Information Management
A BAS is not only a control system but also a source of
valuable information for the management of your
facility. The Metasys system transforms raw data into
valuable support information that authorized users or
business and enterprise systems can access on the
network. Trend logs, historical data, transaction logs,
audit trails, and diagnostic reports are all available to
the user who can generate customized reports to meet
local management requirements.
Standard Online Reports
Metasys system standard online reports include:
• event and audit viewers/reports
• standard online/offline, alarm, and override
summaries
• global search for user-defined queries
• trend studies and trend viewers
Advanced Reporting System
The Web-based reporting option provides standard
report sets to allow users to review the alarm and trend
configuration of their site, run summary and detail
reports to monitor alarm and event information, view
offline information, combine alarm and audit
information in a single report, and view trend summary
or detailed reports.
Export Utility
Export Utility software is an option that provides facility
managers with the ability to build custom reports using
historical data from the BAS. You can use this data to
manage daily building operations.
Metasys® System Extended Architecture Product Bulletin
The Export Utility software downloads historical data
such as trends, alarms, and audit data from an engine
or server. This data can be stored in a format desired
by the customer for analysis such as Microsoft Word or
Microsoft Excel.
Systems Integration and Connectivity
The Metasys system has always been a means to
integrate multiple systems to provide a common user
experience. It uses a combination of standards and
open protocols from both the IT and building
automation industries to extend the integration beyond
the facility managers.
Open Standards
By using the standard data formats and communication
protocols of the IT world, the Metasys system extended
architecture is compatible with the networking
infrastructure in most buildings and facilities today.
These standards include:
• Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol
(TCP/IP) as the communication protocol between
network engines, servers, and Web browsers
• Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) for
alarm traps and object queries in the Management
Information Base (MIB)
• Simple Network Time Protocol (SNTP) for network
time synchronization
• Simple Mail Transfer Protocol (SMTP) for e-mail
message transfer
• Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) and
Domain Name System (DNS) for device naming
and dynamic network addressing
• Simple Object Access Protocol (SOAP) and
Extensible Markup Language (XML) transfer data
between components of the system and make it
available to enterprise applications through the use
of published Web services
• Wireless communication standards, including
Bluetooth® standard, (used during
commissioning), WiFi (used in network
communication), and Zigbee™ standard (for
control and sensor mesh)
• Microsoft Active Directory® directory service
provides a standard IT integration of the
Metasys system into a customer’s existing Active
Directory directory service infrastructure for Site
Management Portal UI logon authentication
purposes
3
The system also uses standard system security and
encoding protocols to protect against unauthorized
access to data and control systems.
For historical data storage, the application servers use
SQL database format. This allows the use of Microsoft
SQL Server™ 2000 Desktop Engine (MSDE), the
Microsoft SQL Server 2000, the Microsoft SQL Server
2005, or the Microsoft SQL Server Express 2005
software package.

Ready Access
Portal UI Printer

Ready Access Portal

Handheld Device

N1 Network IP Network
NIE55 NAE45
NAE55
BACnet
Network

Field Bus

NCM BACnet
MS/TP Bus
LONWORKS NAE85
Network BACnet Rack-Mount Server
FEC1610 VMA1620 Third-Party
Device

LN Series
Controller
Network
Sensor

TCU
Controller
FIG:lnbcint

LONMARK
Third-Party
Device
Fan Coil

Figure 3: Metasys System Network Integration

Integration Services display on the Metasys user interface, for archiving in

The Metasys system integrates building systems using
BACnet, N2, LonTalk, and Web services
communication technology. BACnet devices are
connected directly to the IP Ethernet network or to the
MS/TP Field Bus. LONWORKS enabled controllers from
Johnson Controls® or LONMARK® certified devices
from another manufacturer can be integrated into the
Metasys system architecture. In a similar fashion,
Metasys connects to N2 and N1 protocol devices.
Regardless of protocols used, the data is available for
application servers, or for transmission to other devices
on the IP network.
Johnson Controls P2000 Access Control and security
systems can be integrated with the Metasys system.
The P2000 server provides door reader status, security
point information, and access transactions used to
maintain network security of this information. Security
data is displayed on the Web browser UI in the same
manner as that from all other building systems
connected to the network.

4 Metasys® System Extended Architecture Product Bulletin

System Components
Metasys is a highly scalable system that can be applied
to different sizes and complexities of facilities through
its network of system components.
Servers
The Server (Application and Data Server [ADS] or
Extended Application and Data Server [ADX]) is an
optional component of the Metasys system that
manages the collection and presentation of large
amounts of trend data, event messages, operator
transactions, and system configuration data. As Site
Director, the server provides secure communication to
a network of Network Automation Engines (NAEs),
Network Control Engines (NCEs), and Network
Integration Engines (NIEs).
The ADS runs on Microsoft Windows XP® Professional
Operating System (OS). It includes an Open Database
Connectivity (ODBC) compliant database package for
storage of trend data, event messages, operator
transactions, and system configuration data. The ADS
supports up to 5 concurrent users connected to the Site
Management Portal UI via a Web browser. It provides
manual archiving of historical data and standard
reporting capabilities.
The ADX runs on Windows Server 2003 OS and uses
Microsoft SQL Server 2000 or Microsoft SQL Server
2005 software to provide more advanced historical
data management. The ADX supports up to 10 or 25
concurrent users connected to the Site Management UI
via a Web browser. The ADX offers manual, automatic,
and scheduled archiving of historical data and offers
extended reporting capabilities using SQL Server
software/third-party software.
The Metasys Advanced Reporting System is available
on ADXs with specific Microsoft SQL Server software
components and offers a separate UI on which you can
run reports on system configuration and performance.
Refer to the ADS/ADX Comparison Technical Bulletin
(LIT-12011457) for details on how the ADS and ADX
handle data storage and reporting.
Metasys® System Extended Architecture Product Bulletin
Network Engines
Figure 4: Network Engines
Network Automation Engines
The Network Automation Engines (NAE) monitor
equipment controllers and include the embedded Site
Management Portal for system navigation,
configuration, and operation. When connected to the
TCP/IP network, the NAE also provides data to other
NAEs and to Servers. The NAE55 Series supports a
comprehensive set of supervisory features and
functions for large facilities. The NAE45 and NAE35
Series extend the power of the NAE to the smaller
building and enable the wider distribution of
supervisory functions in larger facilities. The NAE85 is
a high-capacity NAE that allows the integration of large
BACnet systems.
The NAE represents all data internally as BACnet
objects. Its integration capabilities allow it to behave as
a BACnet gateway to LONWORKS and N2 network
devices. It also directly communicates with other
BACnet devices using BACnet IP or BACnet MS/TP.
All NAEs are BACnet Testing Laboratories (BTL)
certified as BACnet building controllers.
Network Control Engines
The Metasys Network Control Engine (NCE)
controllers combine the network supervisor capabilities
and IP network connectivity of a Metasys NAE with the
Input/Output (I/O) point connectivity and direct digital
control capabilities of a Metasys Field Equipment
Controller (FEC). The NCE provides a cost-effective
solution designed for central plant applications and
large built-up air handlers. All NCE models provide IP
Ethernet network connectivity, the Metasys Site
Management Portal, and the network supervisory
capabilities featured on NAE Series network
automation engines, including the BACnet IP
integration.
5
Network Integration Engines
The Network Integration Engine (NIE) communicates
over the IP Ethernet network with Network Control
Module (NCM) supervisory controllers on Metasys N1
networks, integrating them with other engines and
servers. This allows the monitoring and control of
existing Metasys N1 systems using the Metasys user
interface of the extended architecture. The NIE
includes the Site Management Portal for access to its
N1 network data. The NIE85 is a high capacity NIE,
which allows large N1 integrations and can take the
place of multiple NIE55s.
BACnet Family of Controllers
Figure 5: FECs, IOMs, Network Sensors, and
VMA1600s
The Metasys system provides a fully-programmable,
high-performance line of devices including FECs,
Input/Output Modules (IOMs), Network Sensors, and
Variable Air Volume (VAV) Modular Assembly (VMA)
1600 controllers.
FECs are stand-alone digital control devices that apply
to a wide range of Heating, Ventilating, and Air
Conditioning (HVAC) and other building system
applications. All FEC models feature continuous
self-tuning control algorithms, which significantly
reduce commissioning time and automatically respond
to seasonal and other facility load changes. The FECs
can be combined with IOMs to provide control for larger
applications such as chilled water systems. Various
FEC controller models are available with built-in Liquid
Crystal Displays (LCDs). The VMA1600 provides
single and dual duct Variable Air Volume applications.
The Network Sensors provide temperature and
humidity sensing and occupancy override functions.
FEC controllers can be configured for peer-to-peer
communication to provide direct communication
between field devices on a trunk.
6 Metasys® System Extended Architecture Product Bulletin
The Variable Speed Drive (VSD) Series of products
provide speed control of fans and pumps, and can be
fully integrated with FEC controllers using the BACnet
protocol.
The TEC26xx-x Series Thermostats are configurable
devices that provide control of rooftop units, heat
pumps, pressure-dependent VAV equipment, local
hydronic reheat valves, zoning equipment, and single-
and multi-stage heating/cooling equipment. Various
TEC26xx-x Series Thermostats feature an intuitive
user interface with backlit display that makes setup and
operation quick and easy. The thermostats also employ
a unique, Proportional-Integral (PI) time-proportioning
algorithm that virtually eliminates temperature offset
associated with traditional, differential-based
thermostats.
LON Family of Controllers
The Metasys system LN Series controllers use the
LONWORKS communication protocol and can be
programmed through any compliant software, such as
LN Builder. The plug-in for these devices features a
simplified version of BASIC that is custom-made to suit
control requirements. LN Series controllers are
available either in fully-programmable or LonMark
Profile-compliant configurable models. LN Series
application-specific controllers allow you to control
equipment, such as rooftop units, fan coils, heat
pumps, unit ventilators, VAV boxes, and other terminal
units. LN Series programmable controllers apply to
multistage air handling units, chillers, boilers, and
refrigeration systems.
Wireless Capabilities
Figure 6: Wireless Products
Several wireless Metasys solutions are available for
integrating wireless connectivity in desired portions of a
Metasys network. These solutions provide wireless
communication between controllers, thermostats,
coordinators, routers, and room sensors. These
wireless solutions reduce costs by minimizing wiring,
provide application mobility and flexibility, and simplify
the challenges of difficult or cost-prohibitive
installations or renovations. The wireless solutions can
coexist with each other, and offer the flexibility of
coexisting with hard-wired Metasys solutions.
System Configurations for Special
Applications
Metasys for Validated Environments
Metasys for Validated Environments (MVE), extended
architecture is designed for facilities that require
regulatory compliance for their environmental systems.
It brings the flexibility and convenience of a Web
interface to your regulated facility. The MVE feature
operates on an ADX and NAE55, both supported as
validated devices.
The ADX with MVE software provides secure data
management and reporting capabilities, traceable
electronic records and signatures, and time-stamped
audit trails for facilities subject to Part 11 compliance. It
manages and protects the long-term storage of trend
data, audit data, event/alarm messages, and system
configuration data. In addition, complex passwords and
message encryption secure the system from
unauthorized access and data tampering. Whether
your focus is meeting regulatory demands or reducing
business risk, MVE is designed to deliver.
UL864 Smoke Listed Systems
The Metasys system can be configured to provide a
UL864 Ninth Edition Smoke Control Listed system. The
system integrates the Intelligent Fire Controller (IFC)
fire alarm panel, the Firefighter’s Smoke Control
Station, and damper and fan control points throughout
the facility using BACnet and LONWORKS devices.
System Configuration Tools
The tools for system configuration are an integral part
of the concept and design of the Metasys system
extended architecture. The user experience for offline
or online configuration and system operation have a
similar look and feel.
Metasys® System Extended Architecture Product Bulletin
The Site Management Portal’s online system
configuration capabilities are integrated into both
Server and Engine devices. The integrated
configuration capabilities include:
• automatic discovery of field devices on an engine’s
BACnet, LONWORKS, and N2 buses to accelerate
the configuration process
• automatic discovery for Metasys N1 networks
through NIEs
• standard system navigation tree for all connected
networks
• simple creation of customized user navigation
trees
• custom graphics configuration
• user administration for the Site Management and
Ready Access Portals
• point naming and setting of operating parameters
• alarm and event message routing
• graphical Logic Connector Tool for custom
programming
• downloading, uploading, and archiving network
engine databases
• support of the configuration and commissioning
tools for controllers on the N2 bus, MS/TP bus, and
ZigBee wireless mesh network
• demand limiting and load rolling configurations
The SCT provides an offline mechanism for a project
design engineer to create a database for their site and
simulate automatic sequence of control and custom
logic programs before starting up the equipment at the
job site. The SCT can be integrated with the site to
provide database loading and scheduled backups of
the site’s server and engines.
The SCT software package includes the Controller
Configuration Tool (CCT) for the BACnet MS/TP
controllers. CCT allows you to build a control
application from the ground up or to use the library of
standard applications. Once the application is built, the
CCT allows you to run and test the application in
simulation mode to see how it performs.
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Summary The integration of systems and devices from other
manufacturers has always been a major feature of the
The Metasys system extended architecture has
Metasys system. The Web-based generation of the
evolved into the most comprehensive building
Metasys system continues in this tradition, making
automation and facility management system on the
extensive use of open protocols and standards in the
market.
design. The system is able to integrate BACnet, N2,
While maintaining all the basic features of a building and LONWORKS devices in a single cohesive system.
automation system, the Metasys system embraces the
standard and open technologies of the IT and Internet Although the Metasys system extended architecture is
age, enabling the system to be fully integrated into the based on leading edge software and hardware
information and networking infrastructure of buildings technology, it fully integrates Metasys N1 networks to
and enterprises. The management of information and protect existing investments and provide a path for the
its electronic distribution provide extra value to the continuous upgrade of the systems installed in your
building owner and operator, along with more efficient building.
day-to-day operation. Enhanced access to data is The Metasys system has evolved with today’s Internet
available for performance analyses and financial technologies and IT standards, and now offers even
planning. more features that enhance the performance of the
With the advent of the Ready Access Portal, every systems and services within your facilities.
employee’s desk has the potential to be a part of the Related Documentation
Metasys user experience. Service technicians have the
Refer to the following product bulletins listed in Table 2
ability to log on to the system from any location that
for technical specifications and information on
has access to the network and perform their tasks on
operating and performance characteristics of the
either a computer or handheld platform. The system’s
Metasys system extended architecture.
security features protect against unauthorized access.
Table 2: Related Documentation
For Information On See Document LIT or Part Number
Metasys System Overview Metasys System Extended Architecture Overview LIT-1201527
Technical Bulletin
Network Automation Engine Network Automation Engine (NAE) Product Bulletin LIT-1201160
Application and Data Server Application and Data Server Product Bulletin LIT-1201525
System Configuration Tool System Configuration Tool Product Bulletin LIT-1201536
Network Integration Engine Network Integration Engine (NIE) Product Bulletin LIT-1201537
Network Control Engine Network Control Engine (NCE) Product Bulletin LIT-12011283
Export Utility Export Utility Product Bulletin LIT-1201800
Advanced Graphics Application Advanced Graphics Application Product Bulletin LIT-1201848
Metasys System Field Controllers, Metasys System Field Equipment Controllers, LIT-12011042
Network Sensors, and Related Products Network Sensors, and Related Products Product
Bulletin
Wireless Metasys System Wireless Metasys System Product Bulletin LIT-12011244
Metasys for Validated Environments Metasys for Validated Environments, Extended LIT-12011326
(MVE) Architecture Product Bulletin

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Metasys® and Johnson Controls® are registered trademarks of Johnson Controls, Inc.
All other marks herein are the marks of their respective owners. © 2008 Johnson Controls, Inc.

8 Metasys® System Extended Architecture Product Bulletin

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