MAC36NL - License - Licensing of MAC36 controllers and iSMA Supervisor

Introduction

The integration of MAC36NL controllers into a Niagara management station involves understanding the licensing requirements, proxy points, and the optimal setup for effective building management system (BMS) operations.

Good Practice

When integrating MAC36NL controllers, it is essential to follow these best practices to ensure a smooth and efficient setup:

1. Licensing and Proxy Points:

   • Each MAC36NL controller requires a base license which includes a certain number of proxy points (e.g., 1250 points). Additional licenses may be necessary if more proxy points are needed.

   • Proxy points are used to integrate local devices using protocols like Modbus, BACnet, and M-BUS. Each network point (BO, BI, BV, AV, AI, AO) consumes one proxy point. However, alarms, histories (trends), and schedules do not consume proxy points and have no limits.

2. Integration with Niagara Supervisor:

   • Ensure that the Niagara Supervisor has sufficient Niagara connections license to integrate all the MAC36NL controllers you plan to use. For example, integrating eight MAC36NL controllers would typically require a supervisor with at least 10 connections.

   • Use the Supervisor for central management, which allows for the integration of logic, graphics, alarms, and historical data archiving from the MAC36NL controllers.

3. System Maintenance and Updates:

   • Ensure that each controller has an active initial maintenance agreement (mandatory 18 months of SMA) to receive continuous updates and support. This helps in maintaining the security and efficiency of the system. After first 18 months next SMA is optional