Issue
Direct bindings between Automation Server (AS-P) and Infinet (I2) controllers in EcoStruxure Building Operation (EBO) generate excessive Infinet traffic due to polling behavior. As the number of bound points increases, this can lead to network slowdowns and communication issues.
Product Line
EcoStruxure Building Operation
Environment
- EcoStruxure Building Operation
- AS-P (Automation Server)
- Infinet network
- I2 controllers
Cause
Direct bindings configured through the EBO binding window or reference tab rely on polling mechanisms. For certain data flows (such as I2 to AS-P and I2 to I2 on the same network), values are polled at the configured interval (default 10 seconds), increasing network traffic. These bindings do not utilize the Continuum Import/Export (IE) system, resulting in inefficient, polling-based communication rather than event-driven updates.
Note that for data flow from the AS-P to the I2 device, a direct binding maybe used because the AS-P will ensure data will be transferred only when the value changes.
When doing DIRECT bindings via the binding window in EBO to/from I2 devices here is a summary of how the transfer is done for the different data paths
- ASP to I2 (Irrespective of whether the value resides under the Infinet interface or not)
- The value is transferred only when it changes
- I2 to AS-P
- Value is polled per the binding interval
- I2 to i2 on same Infinet network
- Value is polled per the binding interval
- I2 to I2 on the second Infinet network of the parent AS-P
- The value is transferred only when it changes
- I2 on Infinet of AS-P to I2 on Infinet of second (remote) AS-P
- No support for Continuum IE system, value is transferred by AS-P only when it changes.
Resolution
For data paths that result in polling, use script program-based bindings to transfer data between controllers. This approach leverages the Continuum Import/Export system, where values are transferred only when they change, eliminating continuous polling and significantly reducing Infinet traffic.
For optimal performance:
- Use script programs for I2 to AS-P and I2 to I2 data transfers.
- For data paths that result in polling, direct bindings may be used for a small number of points where traffic impact is minimal.
- When using the Import/Export system via Scripts, for values that do not change frequently (such as occupancy schedules), implement a periodic refresh or forced export in the script program to ensure updates are re-transmitted in case for whatever reason an update failed to reach one or more devices.
This approach ensures efficient, event-driven communication and helps maintain stable Infinet network performance.
