Critical Infrastructure Knowledge Base

What is a Building Management System (BMS)?

A Building Management System (BMS) is a computer-based control system that monitors and manages a building's mechanical and electrical equipment — HVAC, lighting, power, fire, and security — from a single supervisory platform.

What is BACnet?

BACnet (Building Automation and Control Network) is an open, ISO 16484-5 communication protocol that lets building automation devices from different manufacturers interoperate — the de-facto standard for modern BMS.

What is KNX?

KNX is an open, ISO/IEC 14543-3 standard for home and building control — particularly lighting, blinds, and room automation — enabling interoperable devices from many manufacturers on a common bus.

What is SCADA?

SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) is a control-system architecture that uses computers, networked controllers (PLCs/RTUs), and HMIs to monitor and control industrial processes — often across wide geographic areas.

What is DCIM?

DCIM (Data Center Infrastructure Management) is software that monitors, measures, and manages a data center's IT and facility infrastructure — power, cooling, space, and assets — to improve availability, efficiency, and capacity planning.

What is TIA-942?

ANSI/TIA-942 is the telecommunications infrastructure standard for data centers, best known for its tiered reliability ratings (Rated/Tier 1–4) covering site, architecture, electrical, mechanical, and telecommunications systems.

What is Hot Aisle Containment?

Hot aisle containment is a data-center cooling strategy that physically encloses the hot exhaust aisle so heated air returns directly to the cooling units without mixing with cold supply air — improving cooling efficiency and capacity.

What is Differential Pressure Monitoring?

Differential pressure monitoring measures the pressure difference between two areas — such as cold and hot aisles, or across a filter — to verify airflow, containment integrity, and cooling performance in real time.

What is Modbus?

Modbus is a simple, open, register-based communication protocol widely used to connect industrial and building devices — PLCs, meters, drives, and sensors — over serial (RTU) or Ethernet (TCP/IP).

What is PLC Programming?

PLC programming is the development of control logic for Programmable Logic Controllers — ruggedised industrial computers that automate machinery and processes — typically using IEC 61131-3 languages such as ladder logic and structured text.

What is EcoStruxure?

EcoStruxure is Schneider Electric's open, IoT-enabled architecture for energy management and automation, spanning connected products, edge control, and apps/analytics across buildings, data centers, industry, and power.

What is IEC 62443?

IEC 62443 is the leading international standard for the cybersecurity of Industrial Automation and Control Systems (IACS), defining a risk-based framework of zones, conduits, and security levels for asset owners, integrators, and product suppliers.

What is Substation Automation?

Substation automation uses intelligent electronic devices (IEDs), protection relays, and communication standards such as IEC 61850 to monitor, protect, and control electrical substations locally and remotely.