ISO IEC 14908-4-2012 PDF

Full title and description

ISO/IEC 14908-4:2012 — Information technology — Control network protocol — Part 4: IP communication. This part defines how Control Network Protocol (CNP) packets are transported over Internet Protocol (IP) networks using a tunnelling/encapsulation mechanism so that CNP devices and routers can interoperate across IP channels.

Abstract

Specifies a tunnelling mechanism in which CNP packets are encapsulated within IP packets to create IP channels equivalent to physical CNP channels. It applies to CNP nodes and CNP routers and sets requirements for transport, sequencing, segmentation/reassembly, addressing (unicast/multicast), optional security, and device behaviour when operating over IP.

General information

• Status: Published (International Standard; confirmed in periodic review).
• Publication date: 14 February 2012.
• Publisher: ISO and IEC (ISO/IEC joint standard).
• ICS / categories: 35.200 (Interface and interconnection equipment); 35.240.99 (IT applications in other fields).
• Edition / version: Edition 1 (2012).
• Number of pages: 52 (official ISO publication).

General bibliographic and status details as published by ISO and national standards bodies.

Scope

Defines only the transport of CNP packets over IP channels (how CNP packets are encapsulated and exchanged via IP). It does not redefine lower-layer (physical, MAC or link) aspects of CNP or IP, nor does it specify routing between non‑IP CNP channels and IP channels beyond the tunnelling behaviour. The intent is to provide vendor‑neutral rules so CNP devices can interoperate over IP networks.

Key topics and requirements

• Tunnelling/encapsulation of CNP packets inside IP packets (definition of an IP channel).
• Transport protocols: mandatory UDP support; TCP optional (UDP preferred for efficiency and multicast support).
• Packet sequencing, timeout handling, duplicate detection, and ordering guarantees (sequence numbers in headers).
• Segmentation and reassembly rules for larger CNP payloads.
• Support for unicast and multicast addressing and configurable port numbers for CNP over IP.
• Device behaviour as standard IP hosts (unicast IP address, optional multicast group membership, status/management interfaces).
• Optional security/authentication mechanisms and recommendations for scalability and QoS considerations.

These topics establish interoperable behaviour for CNP/IP devices and routers and identify where implementation choices (e.g., specific port assignments, optional TCP use) may be made.

Typical use and users

Used by manufacturers and integrators of building automation, industrial control and other local-area control systems that implement the Control Network Protocol (including LonWorks-style systems) and wish to extend or bridge CNP networks over IP infrastructures. Typical users include device vendors, system integrators, test laboratories, and standards/qualification bodies seeking interoperability over IP.

Related standards

Part of the ISO/IEC 14908 series (other parts cover protocol stack, media/channel specifics and implementation guidance). Related regional/adopted standards include the EN/BS EN 14908 series for building automation; ANSI/EIA/CEA LonWorks family standards and relevant Internet RFCs (for IP/UDP/TCP behaviour) are informative references. Implementers often consult Parts 1–3 of the 14908 series when combining IP transport with lower-layer channel specifications.

Keywords

Control Network Protocol (CNP), IP channel, tunnelling, encapsulation, LonWorks, CNP/IP device, CNP router, UDP, TCP (optional), segmentation, sequencing, multicast, interoperability.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ISO/IEC 14908-4:2012 is the part of the ISO/IEC 14908 family that defines how Control Network Protocol packets are carried over IP networks by encapsulating CNP traffic inside IP packets (creating IP channels).

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers tunnelling/encapsulation methods, device behaviour for CNP/IP hosts and routers, transport protocol usage (mandatory UDP, optional TCP), packet sequencing, timeout and duplicate handling, segmentation/reassembly, addressing (unicast/multicast) and optional security measures — but not lower physical or MAC-layer specifics.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Device and gateway manufacturers, building automation and control system integrators, testing and certification labs, and standards bodies that need consistent, interoperable rules for running CNP over IP networks.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: Published in February 2012 (Edition 1). The standard has been subject to periodic review and was confirmed in ISO’s review cycle; users should check national catalogues or ISO for the latest confirmation status before assuming changes.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — it is Part 4 of the ISO/IEC 14908 series (other parts define the protocol stack, physical/media specifics and implementation guidance). It is commonly referenced alongside EN/BS EN 14908 editions used in building automation.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: CNP, IP channel, tunnelling, encapsulation, UDP, multicast, sequencing, segmentation, LonWorks, interoperability.