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(Optional) Using a BACnet Workstation and Registering Foreign Devices

(Optional) Using a BACnet Workstation and Registering Foreign Devices

A BACnet server enables you to interface with a BACnet workstation, such as YABE (Yet Another BACnet Explorer). You can use YABE (Yet Another BACnet Explorer) with your SmartServer to explore and navigate BACnet devices.

The procedure in this section describes how to set up YABE so you can use it with your SmartServer. Whenever the SmartServer and YABE client are running on different networks (e.g., running on a VPN), you can use the procedure in this section to register the SmartServer as a foreign device. Foreign device registration requires that the BACnet Broadcast Management Device (BBMD) is active and properly configured on the remote network.

To use YABE with your SmartServer, perform the following steps:

  1. Open YABE.

     

  2. Select Options → Settings from the YABE menu bar.

    image-20250212-161109.png


    The Settings view appears.

    YABE Settings

     

  3. If your PC, YABE, and SmartServer are in the same network, then go to step #6 and configure the IP address of your PC and the UDP port in the add Device view.

  4. If your PC, YABE, and SmartServer are not in the same network, then configure the following fields:

    1. Default BBMD

      YABE Settings – Default BBMD

       

    2. Default Port

      1. Refer to the SmartServer BACnet Configuration page shown below.

      2. Convert the UDP port value to a numeric format.

        image-20250610-142948.png
        SmartServer IoT BACnet Configuration Tab

         

        YABE Settings – Default Port

    3. Default UDP/IP

      1. Use the IP address for your network (e.g., VPN).

        YABE Settings – Default UDP/IP

         

  5. Close the Settings view.

  6. Select add a Device from the YABE main menu.

    image-20250212-161428.png


    The BACnet Communication Channel view appears.

    image-20250212-161445.png

     

  7. Configure the Port and Local Endpoint fields.

    1. If your PC, YABE, and SmartServer are in the same network, then set the IP address of your PC in the Local Endpoint field, and the alphanumeric UDP port.

    2. If your PC, YABE, and SmartServer are not in the same network, then set the IP address of your network (e.g., VPN) in the Local Endpoint field, and the alphanumeric UDP port.

    3. Click Start.

      image-20250610-144305.png
      YABE BACnet Communication Channel

       

  8. Close the BACnet Communication Channel view.

  9. If you are using YABE outside the local network, then select Functions → IP Services → Foreign Device Registration from the main menu to register the SmartServer as a foreign device.


    The Foreign Registry dialog box appears.

    YABE Foreign Registry

     

  10. Set the IP address for the SmartServer and the numeric UPD Port and click Register.

    image-20250610-143645.png
    YABE Foreign Registry

     

  11. Close the Foreign Registry dialog box

    The Devices view shows the added device.

    YABE Devices

     

    YABE Discovered Device Details

     

    YABE Device Datapoint Property