User Manual

1-4 Building Automation User’s Guide
Network Overview
i-Bean Network Overview
Millennial Net's innovative, self-organizing i-Bean network technology combines micro-power
sensor interface Sub-base Routers and Standalone Routers with a Gateway Server to form a
reliable, scalable Star Mesh wireless network (see Figure 1-2). This is a unique solution for low
data-rate networks that provides fault-tolerant networking. Our patent-pending network
protocol creates robust, fully redundant wireless links from the Gateway Server to the Sub-base
Routers and optional Standalone Routers through a self-configuring mesh network.
Figure 1-2. i-Bean Network Topology
Each i-Bean network device is configured at the factory with a unique device ID and a group ID.
The device ID indentifies the device within a network, while the group ID identifies the i-Bean
network that the device is associated with. Both IDs are statically assigned and cannot be
changed by a system user. The group ID allows i-Bean devices to establish networks within the
same location without interfering with each other. Sub-base Routers and Standalone Routers
can join the network only if they have the same group ID that is assigned to the Gateway
Server.
The i-Bean network devices self-organize at power-up and re-configure in response to changes
in the environment, network traffic, device status, and location. These devices enable mobility
and minimize installation and operating costs.
Figure 1-3 illustrates several different possible i-Bean wireless network topologies. Standalone
Routers are included randomly in the Star Mesh example to illustrate how they can be placed
where needed to increase the communication range between device hops or circumvent
obstacles.