BACnet/IP Now Available in Q-PAC Premium Control Panels

As HVAC systems continue to evolve, so do the expectations around communication, data access, and system integration. One of the most important shifts in recent years has been the move toward IP-based communication.

With that in mind, BACnet/IP is now available in Q-PAC’s premium control panel.

This update expands how the MPF integrates into modern building automation systems, with both BACnet IP and BACnet MS/TP available to match project requirements.

Why This Matters

For many engineers, BACnet MS/TP has long been the standard for AHU fan system communication. It is reliable, widely supported, and well understood.

However, it is also built on a serial communication structure that can introduce limitations as systems grow more complex.

BACnet/IP represents a step forward by leveraging standard Ethernet networks instead of RS-485. This allows for:

• Faster data transmission
• More flexible network design
• Easier system expansion

As buildings become more connected, these advantages become increasingly important.

What’s New in the Premium Panel

Previously, Q-PAC’s premium control panel supported BACnet MS/TP as its primary communication protocol.

Now, it supports both BACnet/IP and BACnet MS/TP.

• The panel defaults to BACnet/IP for modern network environments
• Users can switch to BACnet MS/TP when project requirements call for it

This dual capability allows engineers to apply the same platform across both new construction and retrofit projects without changing communication strategies.

A Quick Look at BACnet/IP

BACnet/IP is simply BACnet running over standard IP networks.

Instead of devices communicating in a daisy-chained sequence, each device connects through a network switch, similar to other Ethernet-based systems in a building.

This shift brings a few key benefits:

• Devices can communicate more directly
• Network performance scales more effectively
• Integration with other building systems becomes simpler

Because BACnet IP operates on standard Ethernet infrastructure, it aligns more closely with other modern protocols such as OPC UA, making it easier to integrate HVAC equipment into broader, data-driven building systems.

Why We Added BACnet/IP

The decision to introduce BACnet/IP into the MPF platform was driven by how systems are being designed today.

Engineers are increasingly working in environments where:

• IP-based networks are already standard
• Data access and responsiveness are critical
• Systems need to scale without added complexity

Adding BACnet/IP allows the MPF to fit more naturally into these environments, while still supporting legacy MS/TP systems when needed.

What Engineers Gain

This update is not about replacing MS/TP. It is about expanding what is possible.

With BACnet/IP available, engineers can expect:

• Faster and more responsive communication
• Simplified network layouts using standard Ethernet
• Greater flexibility when designing or expanding systems
• Easier integration with modern building automation platforms

At the same time, the ability to fall back to MS/TP ensures compatibility with existing infrastructure.

Looking Forward

The addition of BACnet/IP to the premium control panel reflects a broader shift toward more connected, flexible HVAC systems.

As communication becomes a more critical part of system performance, having the option to operate over IP provides a clear advantage in both new and existing applications.

Have questions about how the Q-PAC Fan Controller fits your project? We're here.