Software and data#
.NET Framework
Microsoft .NET Framework
Microsoft runtime and development framework for Windows applications, including C# and Windows Forms.
TECHNICAL KNOWLEDGE · FENIKS PRO
Building automation glossary
Clear explanations of terms used in building automation, BMS, EMS, HVAC, IoT, IT infrastructure, control technology and communication protocols.
Electrical and sensing#
AC
Alternating Current
Alternating electric current.
Cybersecurity#
ACL
Access Control List
Rules specifying permitted access to a resource or network.
Building management#
ACS
Access Control System
Electronic system for managing authorised access through doors and readers.
HVAC and controls#
AHU
Air Handling Unit
An air handling unit that conditions and distributes air.
Electrical and sensing#
AI
Analog Input
Analogue input measuring values such as temperature or pressure.
Energy and metering#
AMI
Advanced Metering Infrastructure
Advanced smart-meter infrastructure supporting two-way communication.
Energy and metering#
AMR
Automatic Meter Reading
Automatic collection of meter readings.
Electrical and sensing#
AO
Analog Output
Analogue output for variable control, such as 0–10 V.
IT and networking#
AP
Wireless Access Point
Wireless access point connecting Wi-Fi clients to a network.
Software and data#
Apache HTTP Server
Apache HTTP Server
Open-source web server for serving websites and forwarding requests to applications such as PHP.
Software and data#
API
Application Programming Interface
Interface for exchanging data and commands between software systems.
Software and data#
Astro
Astro Web Framework
Web framework capable of generating static HTML pages and selectively adding interactive components.
Building management#
BAC
Building Automation and Control
General term for building automation and control.
Cybersecurity#
Backup
Backup Copy
Copy of data retained for recovery following loss, failure or attack.
Communication protocols#
BACnet
Building Automation and Control Networks
Standard building-automation communication protocol defined by ASHRAE 135 and ISO 16484-5.
Communication protocols#
BACnet MS/TP
Master-Slave/Token-Passing
BACnet serial network over RS-485 using token-passing access.
Communication protocols#
BACnet/IP
BACnet over IP
BACnet communication over IP networks, commonly using UDP.
Communication protocols#
BACnet/SC
BACnet Secure Connect
BACnet connectivity using secure web technologies and TLS.
Building management#
BACS
Building Automation and Control System
Building automation and control of technical systems; also a term used in European legislation.
Building management#
BAS
Building Automation System
A building automation system connecting controllers, sensors, actuators and supervision.
Energy and metering#
Baseline
Energy baseline
Reference consumption or condition used for later comparison.
Communication protocols#
BBMD
BACnet Broadcast Management Device
Function forwarding BACnet broadcasts across IP subnets.
Software and data#
BIM
Building Information Modelling
Digital representation of building information across its lifecycle.
Software and data#
BIOS
Basic Input/Output System
Legacy firmware interface used during computer startup, often replaced by UEFI.
Building management#
BMS
Building Management System
A system for central monitoring, control and coordination of building services.
Software and data#
C#
C Sharp Programming Language
Programming language commonly used with .NET for applications, services and tools.
IT and networking#
Cache
Cache / Caching
Temporary storage of frequently used data to reduce response time and backend load.
Software and data#
CAD
Computer-Aided Design
Computer-supported engineering design and drafting.
Building management#
CAFM
Computer-Aided Facility Management
Software-assisted management of facilities, assets, spaces and maintenance.
Communication protocols#
CAN
Controller Area Network
Robust field communication bus used by controllers and embedded devices.
HVAC and controls#
CAV
Constant Air Volume
A ventilation approach with generally constant design airflow.
Building management#
CCTV
Closed-Circuit Television
Video surveillance, often using IP cameras integrated with security systems.
IT and networking#
CDN
Content Delivery Network
Geographically distributed servers delivering web images, scripts and other content efficiently.
Cybersecurity#
Certificate Authority (CA)
Certificate Authority
Organisation or service issuing and signing digital certificates for TLS and other secure systems.
HVAC and controls#
CHW
Chilled Water
Chilled water distributed for cooling.
Software and data#
CI/CD
Continuous Integration / Continuous Delivery
Automation of integrating, testing and delivering software.
IoT and integration#
Cloud
Cloud computing
Use of remotely hosted computing resources over a network.
Building management#
CMMS
Computerized Maintenance Management System
A system for work orders, preventive maintenance and equipment records.
Software and data#
CMS
Content Management System
System for managing web pages, news, media and publishing without editing source code directly.
Building management#
CNS
Centralni nadzorni sistem
Slovenian term for a central supervisory system; often functionally comparable to a BMS.
Communication protocols#
CoAP
Constrained Application Protocol
Lightweight application protocol for constrained IoT devices.
Software and data#
Container
Software Container
Isolated application environment generally sharing the host operating-system kernel.
HVAC and controls#
COP
Coefficient of Performance
Ratio of useful heating output to energy input at defined conditions.
Software and data#
CPU
Central Processing Unit
Main processor executing software instructions in a computer or controller.
Software and data#
CRUD
Create, Read, Update, Delete
Four basic data operations: create, read, update and delete.
Software and data#
CSS
Cascading Style Sheets
Style sheet language controlling web appearance, layout and responsive design.
Software and data#
CSV
Comma-Separated Values
Text-table format using a delimiter, which may be a comma or semicolon.
Software and data#
CSV Import
Comma-Separated Values Import
Importing tabular data from CSV files, requiring appropriate delimiter and encoding settings.
Electrical and sensing#
CT
Current Transformer
Transformer used to measure or protect electrical circuits.
Cybersecurity#
CVE
Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures
Public identifier for a known software or hardware vulnerability.
Cybersecurity#
CVSS
Common Vulnerability Scoring System
Framework for scoring vulnerability severity; it does not directly measure risk in a specific deployment.
Communication protocols#
D4i
D4i
DALI specifications and certification for data-rich, IoT-ready luminaires.
Communication protocols#
DALI
Digital Addressable Lighting Interface
Digital protocol for addressable lighting control and feedback.
Communication protocols#
DALI DT8
DALI Device Type 8
DALI control gear type supporting colour-related lighting functions.
Communication protocols#
DALI-2
DALI-2
Certification programme targeting improved DALI-device interoperability.
Software and data#
Dashboard
Dashboard
Screen aggregating key indicators, charts and states.
Software and data#
DBMS
Database Management System
Software managing storage and access to a database.
Electrical and sensing#
DC
Direct Current
Direct electric current.
Building management#
DDC
Direct Digital Control
Digital control using measured inputs and programmed control logic.
HVAC and controls#
Deadband
Deadband
A range where the controller avoids switching or changing its output.
IT and networking#
DHCP
Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol
Automatic assignment of IP addresses and network configuration.
HVAC and controls#
DHW
Domestic Hot Water
Hot water supplied for domestic use.
Electrical and sensing#
DI
Digital Input
Controller input detecting an on/off or binary state.
IoT and integration#
Digital twin
Digital twin
Digital representation of a physical system linked to its data and condition.
Software and data#
DLL
Dynamic-Link Library
Windows library containing code used by applications at runtime.
Communication protocols#
DMX512
Digital Multiplex 512
Protocol widely used for stage and architectural lighting control.
Cybersecurity#
DMZ
Demilitarised Zone
Segment for exposing selected services with controlled access.
IT and networking#
DNS
Domain Name System
Service translating domain names to network addresses.
Electrical and sensing#
DO
Digital Output
Controller output switching equipment or relays on and off.
Software and data#
Docker
Docker Container Platform
Platform for packaging and running applications in containers with their dependencies.
Communication protocols#
DPT
KNX Data Point Type
Standardised KNX data type defining the meaning and encoding of a value.
HVAC and controls#
DX
Direct Expansion
Direct refrigerant expansion in a cooling coil.
HVAC and controls#
Economiser
Air-side economiser
Use of favourable outdoor conditions to reduce mechanical cooling.
IoT and integration#
Edge computing
Edge computing
Data processing near devices rather than solely in the cloud.
Cybersecurity#
EDR
Endpoint Detection and Response
Detection and response focused on computers and servers.
Software and data#
EEPROM
Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory
Non-volatile memory often used for small amounts of configuration and identification data.
HVAC and controls#
EER
Energy Efficiency Ratio
Ratio of cooling capacity to electrical input at specified conditions.
Energy and metering#
EMS
Energy Management System
A system for collecting, reviewing and analysing energy use and supporting optimisation.
Standards and regulations#
EN 15232
EN 15232 (historical)
Historic standard on building automation impact on energy performance; use current successor documents.
Standards and regulations#
EN ISO 52120-1
EN ISO 52120-1
Standard on the contribution of building automation and control to energy performance.
Energy and metering#
EnMS
Energy Management System (ISO 50001)
An organisational framework for systematic energy management, such as ISO 50001.
Communication protocols#
EnOcean
EnOcean
Low-power wireless technology used by sensors and switches.
Energy and metering#
EnPI
Energy Performance Indicator
Energy performance indicator, such as kWh per square metre.
Standards and regulations#
EPBD
Energy Performance of Buildings Directive
EU directive on building energy performance; obligations depend on current implementation.
Energy and metering#
EPC
Energy Performance Certificate / Energy Performance Contract
Depending on context: an energy certificate or an energy performance contract.
HVAC and controls#
ERV
Energy Recovery Ventilation
Ventilation recovering heat and, in some designs, moisture.
Software and data#
ETL
Extract, Transform, Load
Process of extracting, transforming and loading data into a target system.
Communication protocols#
ETS
Engineering Tool Software
Software for engineering and configuring KNX installations.
Building management#
FAS
Fire Alarm System
Fire alarm system; integration with BMS must respect fire-safety requirements.
HVAC and controls#
FCU
Fan Coil Unit
A fan-coil unit used for room heating or cooling.
Cybersecurity#
Firewall
Network Firewall
Security system allowing or blocking network traffic based on policies.
Software and data#
Firmware
Firmware
Software embedded in a controller or device to operate its core functions.
Software and data#
Flash Memory
Flash Memory
Rewritable non-volatile memory used in SSDs, USB drives and embedded systems.
Building management#
FMS
Facility Management System
Software supporting facility operations and maintenance; exact scope depends on the vendor.
IT and networking#
Forward Proxy
Forward Proxy
Proxy acting for clients when accessing external servers.
IT and networking#
FQDN
Fully Qualified Domain Name
Complete domain name identifying a host or service, such as server.example.com.
IT and networking#
FTP
File Transfer Protocol
Protocol for transferring files between clients and servers; it does not encrypt traffic or passwords by itself.
Software and data#
FTPS
FTP over TLS
FTP file transfer protected by TLS.
IoT and integration#
Gateway
Gateway
Device or software bridging and sometimes translating between systems.
Standards and regulations#
GDPR
General Data Protection Regulation
EU regulation on the protection of personal data.
Software and data#
Git
Git
Distributed version-control system.
Software and data#
GPU
Graphics Processing Unit
Processor optimised for parallel graphics and computational workloads including AI.
Building management#
GRMS
Guest Room Management System
Hotel room system managing HVAC, lighting and occupancy-related functions.
Software and data#
HDD
Hard Disk Drive
Mechanical magnetic drive with spinning platters for persistent data storage.
HVAC and controls#
HHW
Heating Hot Water
Hot water circulated for space heating.
Software and data#
Historian
Process historian
System storing long-term time series of process measurements and events.
Building management#
HMI
Human-Machine Interface
An operator interface for viewing states, alarms and controlling equipment.
HVAC and controls#
HRV
Heat Recovery Ventilation
Ventilation recovering heat from exhaust air.
Software and data#
HTML
HyperText Markup Language
Markup language defining web page structure, including headings, text, links, images and tables.
Software and data#
HTTP
Hypertext Transfer Protocol
Protocol for web requests and responses.
IT and networking#
HTTP 404
HTTP Status 404 Not Found
HTTP response indicating that the requested page or file was not found.
IT and networking#
HTTP 500
HTTP Status 500 Internal Server Error
Server-side error while processing a request; server logs are needed for diagnosis.
Software and data#
HTTPS
HTTP over TLS
HTTP communication protected with TLS.
HVAC and controls#
HVAC
Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning
Heating, ventilation and air conditioning.
Software and data#
Hypervisor
Virtual Machine Monitor
Software layer creating and managing virtual machines.
Cybersecurity#
IAM
Identity and Access Management
Management of user identities and access rights.
Building management#
IBMS
Integrated Building Management System
Integrated management of several building subsystems in one supervisory environment.
IT and networking#
ICMP
Internet Control Message Protocol
Protocol for diagnostic and control messages in IP networks, including ping.
Cybersecurity#
ICS
Industrial Control System
Industrial control system including controllers, networks and process supervision.
Software and data#
IDE
Integrated Development Environment
Development environment combining a code editor, debugger and build tools.
Cybersecurity#
IDS
Intrusion Detection System
System detecting suspicious activity or attacks.
Standards and regulations#
IEC 61131-3
IEC 61131-3
Standard for PLC programming languages, including ST and LD.
Standards and regulations#
IEC 62386
IEC 62386
Standards family supporting DALI lighting control.
Cybersecurity#
IEC 62443
IEC 62443
Standards family for cybersecurity of industrial automation and control systems.
Software and data#
IFC
Industry Foundation Classes
Open data schema used for BIM information exchange.
IoT and integration#
IIoT
Industrial Internet of Things
Connected devices and sensing in industrial applications.
Software and data#
INI
INI Configuration File
Simple text configuration file usually organised into sections and key–value pairs.
IoT and integration#
IoT
Internet of Things
Networked physical devices with sensing, connectivity and data exchange.
IT and networking#
IP
Internet Protocol
Network protocol for addressing and routing packets.
Electrical and sensing#
IP rating
Ingress Protection rating
Enclosure protection rating against solids and water ingress.
Cybersecurity#
IPS
Intrusion Prevention System
System detecting and potentially blocking attacks.
IT and networking#
IPv6
Internet Protocol version 6
IP version with a much larger address space than IPv4.
Standards and regulations#
ISO 16484-5
ISO 16484-5
Standard covering BACnet data communication in building automation.
Standards and regulations#
ISO 27001
ISO/IEC 27001
Requirements standard for information security management systems.
Standards and regulations#
ISO 50001
ISO 50001
International standard for organisational energy management systems.
Cybersecurity#
IT
Information Technology
Systems for processing, storing and communicating information.
Software and data#
Java
Java Programming Language
Programming language used for applications, backend services and industrial tools; it is distinct from JavaScript.
Software and data#
JavaScript (JS)
JavaScript
Programming language for logic in web browsers and on servers, for example through Node.js.
Software and data#
JSON
JavaScript Object Notation
Text-based data format widely used in web APIs.
Software and data#
JSON-RPC
JSON Remote Procedure Call
Remote procedure call protocol encoding messages as JSON.
Software and data#
JWT
JSON Web Token
Compact token format frequently used to convey identity claims.
Communication protocols#
KNX
KNX
Open standard for building control such as lighting, blinds and room functions.
Communication protocols#
KNX RF
KNX Radio Frequency
Wireless communication medium within the KNX building automation ecosystem.
Communication protocols#
KNX TP
KNX Twisted Pair
KNX communication over a twisted-pair bus.
Communication protocols#
KNXnet/IP
KNX over IP
Transport and routing of KNX telegrams over IP networks.
Energy and metering#
KPI
Key Performance Indicator
Key measure used to track performance or outcomes.
Software and data#
Kubernetes
Kubernetes Container Orchestration
System for deploying, scheduling and scaling containerised applications.
Energy and metering#
kVA
Kilovolt-ampere
Unit of apparent electrical power.
Energy and metering#
kvarh
Kilovolt-ampere reactive hour
Unit of reactive energy, relevant to power-factor analysis.
Energy and metering#
kW
Kilowatt
Unit of power indicating instantaneous demand or output.
Energy and metering#
kWh
Kilowatt-hour
Unit of energy; 1 kW sustained for one hour equals 1 kWh.
IT and networking#
L2
Layer 2
Data-link layer handling Ethernet frames and switching.
IT and networking#
L3
Layer 3
Network layer where IP routing takes place.
IT and networking#
LAN
Local Area Network
Local computer network within a site.
Standards and regulations#
LD
Ladder Diagram
Graphical ladder-style PLC programming language.
IT and networking#
Load Balancer
Load Balancer
Component distributing requests across servers for capacity and availability.
Energy and metering#
Load profile
Load profile
Time series showing electrical demand or consumption.
Software and data#
Log
Application / System Log
Record of events, errors and operations used for diagnostics and traceability.
Communication protocols#
LON
Local Operating Network
Established networking technology used in building and industrial automation.
Communication protocols#
LonWorks
LonWorks
Technology platform for distributed control and field-device networking.
Communication protocols#
LoRaWAN
Long Range Wide Area Network
Networking protocol for low-data-rate, long-range, low-power devices.
IoT and integration#
LPWAN
Low-Power Wide-Area Network
Long-range low-power network for small data volumes.
IoT and integration#
LTE-M
LTE for Machines
Cellular IoT technology supporting mobility.
HVAC and controls#
LTHW
Low Temperature Hot Water
Heating water at relatively low temperatures.
Energy and metering#
M&V
Measurement and Verification
Measurement and verification of savings relative to an agreed baseline.
Communication protocols#
M-Bus
Meter-Bus
Communication standard for reading utility meters.
Energy and metering#
MDM
Meter Data Management
System collecting, validating and processing meter data.
IT and networking#
mDNS
Multicast DNS
Local device name discovery without a conventional DNS server, often used in IoT networks.
Cybersecurity#
MFA
Multi-Factor Authentication
Login requiring at least two different authentication factors.
Electrical and sensing#
MID
Measuring Instruments Directive
EU directive applicable to specified measuring instruments and meters.
Communication protocols#
Modbus
Modbus
Widely used industrial protocol with registers and function codes.
Software and data#
Modbus Register
Modbus Register
Data field used by Modbus devices for measurements or commands; address notation depends on vendor documentation.
Communication protocols#
Modbus RTU
Modbus Remote Terminal Unit
Binary serial Modbus framing, often carried over RS-485.
Communication protocols#
Modbus TCP
Modbus over TCP/IP
Modbus communication carried over TCP/IP.
Communication protocols#
MQTT
MQTT
Lightweight publish/subscribe messaging protocol for connected devices.
IoT and integration#
MQTT broker
Message broker
Server receiving MQTT messages and delivering them to subscribers.
Software and data#
MySQL
MySQL Database
Relational database system used by many web and business applications.
Software and data#
NAS
Network-Attached Storage
File storage accessible over a network, often used for shared data and backups.
IT and networking#
NAT
Network Address Translation
Translation of IP addresses, often between private and public networks.
IoT and integration#
NB-IoT
Narrowband Internet of Things
Cellular connectivity technology for low-data-rate IoT.
Software and data#
Nginx
Nginx Web Server
Web server and reverse proxy commonly used for HTTPS, static files and routing to applications.
Cybersecurity#
NIS2
Network and Information Security Directive 2
EU directive establishing a common high level of cybersecurity measures.
Software and data#
Node.js
Node.js Runtime
JavaScript runtime outside the browser, also used to build Astro websites.
Software and data#
NoSQL
Not Only SQL
Database approaches beyond traditional relational tables, including document and key-value stores.
Electrical and sensing#
NTC
Negative Temperature Coefficient
Thermistor whose resistance decreases as temperature rises.
IT and networking#
NTP
Network Time Protocol
Protocol for synchronising device clocks over a network.
Software and data#
NVMe
Non-Volatile Memory Express
Protocol providing fast access to SSD storage over PCIe.
Cybersecurity#
OAuth 2.0
OAuth 2.0 Authorization Framework
Framework for delegated authorisation without sharing a user's password with another application.
Communication protocols#
OPC UA
OPC Unified Architecture
Platform-independent architecture for secure and structured industrial data exchange.
Software and data#
OPC UA Server
OPC UA Server
Service exposing structured data, statuses and methods through OPC UA to clients.
Cybersecurity#
OpenID Connect (OIDC)
OpenID Connect
Identity layer built on OAuth 2.0, widely used for application sign-in.
Software and data#
ORM
Object-Relational Mapping
Programming technique mapping application objects to relational database tables.
Software and data#
OS
Operating System
Operating system managing memory, processes, files and hardware.
Cybersecurity#
OT
Operational Technology
Technology operating and controlling physical equipment.
IoT and integration#
OTA
Over-the-Air update
Updating device software through a network connection.
Building management#
Override
Manual override
Temporary manual intervention in automatic control requiring clear status and return rules.
Building management#
P2P test
Point-to-point test
Verification that each sensor, actuator and displayed point is correctly connected.
IoT and integration#
Payload
Message payload
Data carried inside a message.
Energy and metering#
Peak demand
Peak demand
Highest measured demand over a specified interval.
Energy and metering#
PF
Power Factor
Power factor: relationship between active and apparent power under defined conditions.
Software and data#
PHP
PHP: Hypertext Preprocessor
Server-side programming language used for web applications, APIs and database access.
HVAC and controls#
PID
Proportional–Integral–Derivative
A controller combining proportional, integral and derivative action.
Cybersecurity#
PKI
Public Key Infrastructure
Infrastructure for certificates, public keys and trust.
Building management#
PLC
Programmable Logic Controller
A programmable controller for reliable equipment and process control.
IT and networking#
PoE
Power over Ethernet
Power supplied to devices over an Ethernet cable.
IT and networking#
PoE+
Power over Ethernet Plus
Enhanced power delivery over Ethernet cabling, used for access points, cameras and controllers.
IT and networking#
Port Forwarding
Port Forwarding
Mapping traffic arriving on a network port to an internal device address and port.
Software and data#
PostgreSQL
PostgreSQL Database
Open-source relational database used for measurement data, application settings and reports.
Communication protocols#
PROFIBUS
Process Field Bus
Industrial fieldbus connecting controllers and field equipment.
Communication protocols#
PROFINET
PROFINET
Industrial Ethernet protocol for automation and process data.
IoT and integration#
Provisioning
Device provisioning
Initial enrolment and configuration of a device.
IT and networking#
Proxy
Proxy Server
Intermediary server through which clients access other services; used for access control, logging or caching.
Electrical and sensing#
PT100
Platinum RTD, 100 Ω at 0 °C
Platinum resistance temperature sensor rated 100 Ω at 0 °C.
Electrical and sensing#
PT1000
Platinum RTD, 1000 Ω at 0 °C
Platinum resistance temperature sensor rated 1000 Ω at 0 °C.
Electrical and sensing#
PTC
Positive Temperature Coefficient
Device whose resistance increases with temperature.
IT and networking#
PTP
Precision Time Protocol
High-precision time synchronisation, common in industrial settings.
Energy and metering#
PUE
Power Usage Effectiveness
Data-centre metric: total facility energy divided by IT equipment energy.
Electrical and sensing#
PWM
Pulse-Width Modulation
Control method adjusting pulse duration at a selected frequency.
IT and networking#
QoS
Quality of Service
Traffic prioritisation and service-quality handling.
Software and data#
RAID
Redundant Array of Independent Disks
Arrangement of multiple drives for performance or fault tolerance; not a substitute for backups.
Software and data#
RAM
Random Access Memory
Volatile working memory holding data and programs while a device is running.
Cybersecurity#
Ransomware
Ransomware
Malware that may encrypt data and demand payment.
Cybersecurity#
RBAC
Role-Based Access Control
Permissions assigned according to user roles.
Software and data#
Regex
Regular Expression
Pattern used to search, validate or replace text, such as identifiers and data fields.
Software and data#
REST
Representational State Transfer
Architectural style for resource-oriented web services.
Cybersecurity#
Restore
Data Restore
Process of recovering data or settings from a backup.
IT and networking#
Reverse Proxy
Reverse Proxy Server
Server placed in front of web applications that routes incoming requests to backend services; it can manage HTTPS and load balancing.
Electrical and sensing#
RMS
Root Mean Square
Effective value of an alternating electrical quantity.
Software and data#
ROM
Read-Only Memory
Non-volatile memory for firmware or fixed data; modern devices often use rewritable flash instead.
Communication protocols#
RS-232
TIA/EIA-232 serial interface
Serial electrical interface generally used for point-to-point communication.
Communication protocols#
RS-422
TIA/EIA-422 differential interface
Differential serial electrical interface with good noise immunity.
Communication protocols#
RS-485
TIA/EIA-485 physical layer
Differential electrical interface for multipoint serial buses, commonly used by Modbus RTU and BACnet MS/TP.
IT and networking#
RSTP
Rapid Spanning Tree Protocol
Faster-converging variation of the Spanning Tree Protocol.
Communication protocols#
S7 protocol
Siemens S7 communication
Communication family for interfacing with SIMATIC controllers.
Software and data#
SAN
Storage Area Network
Dedicated network providing servers with block-level storage access.
Building management#
SCADA
Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition
Supervisory software for monitoring, controlling and collecting process data.
Building management#
Schedule
Operating schedule
Time-based instructions controlling equipment or operating modes.
HVAC and controls#
SCOP
Seasonal Coefficient of Performance
A seasonal indicator of heat-pump heating efficiency.
Software and data#
SDK
Software Development Kit
Tools, libraries and documentation for developing applications.
HVAC and controls#
SEER
Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio
A seasonal cooling efficiency indicator.
HVAC and controls#
Setpoint
Setpoint
Target value for control, such as a desired room temperature.
Software and data#
SFTP
SSH File Transfer Protocol
File transfer over SSH; distinct from FTP secured with TLS.
Cybersecurity#
SIEM
Security Information and Event Management
Collection and correlation of security logs and events.
Communication protocols#
SNMP
Simple Network Management Protocol
Protocol for monitoring and managing network devices.
Cybersecurity#
SOC
Security Operations Center
Team or function monitoring and responding to security incidents.
Electrical and sensing#
SPD
Surge Protective Device
Device protecting against transient overvoltages.
Software and data#
SQL
Structured Query Language
Language for querying and managing relational databases.
Software and data#
SQLite
SQLite Database
Lightweight embedded database that generally stores data in a local file.
Standards and regulations#
SRI
Smart Readiness Indicator
Indicator of a building's readiness for smart technologies.
Software and data#
SSD
Solid-State Drive
Storage drive without moving mechanical parts, typically faster than a mechanical hard disk.
IT and networking#
SSH
Secure Shell
Protocol for secure remote access and system administration.
IT and networking#
SSID
Service Set Identifier
Name identifying a Wi-Fi wireless network.
Cybersecurity#
SSL
Secure Sockets Layer
Obsolete predecessor to TLS; modern systems should use supported TLS versions.
Standards and regulations#
ST
Structured Text
Text-based PLC programming language under IEC 61131-3.
IT and networking#
STP
Spanning Tree Protocol
Mechanism preventing switching loops in Ethernet networks.
Software and data#
SVG
Scalable Vector Graphics
Vector image format for sharp logos, icons and technical diagrams at any scale.
Software and data#
Syslog
Syslog Message Protocol
Standard format and transport for log messages from network devices and servers.
IT and networking#
TCP
Transmission Control Protocol
Connection-oriented transport protocol providing ordered delivery.
IT and networking#
TCP/IP
Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol
Common name for the internet protocol suite spanning network and transport layers.
IoT and integration#
Telemetry
Telemetry
Automated reporting of device measurements and states.
Energy and metering#
THD
Total Harmonic Distortion
Total harmonic distortion used in power-quality assessment.
Software and data#
Time-Series Database (TSDB)
Time-Series Database
Database optimised for timestamped measurements such as temperature, power and energy.
Cybersecurity#
TLS
Transport Layer Security
Cryptographic protocol securing data in transit.
IoT and integration#
Topic
MQTT topic
Hierarchical messaging address used for subscriptions.
Energy and metering#
TOU
Time of Use
Time-dependent energy or network tariffs.
Software and data#
TrendLog
Trend log
Time-stamped measurement records for review and analysis.
Software and data#
TypeScript (TS)
TypeScript
JavaScript superset with static type checking, generally compiled into JavaScript.
IT and networking#
UDP
User Datagram Protocol
Connectionless transport without guaranteed packet delivery.
Software and data#
UEFI
Unified Extensible Firmware Interface
Modern firmware interface for hardware initialisation and operating-system boot.
Electrical and sensing#
UPS
Uninterruptible Power Supply
Power supply providing continuity during mains outages.
IT and networking#
URI
Uniform Resource Identifier
General resource identifier; a URL is a common URI form indicating where a resource can be accessed.
IT and networking#
URL
Uniform Resource Locator
Web address identifying a resource by scheme, host and path.
Software and data#
UTF-8
Unicode Transformation Format – 8-bit
Unicode character encoding that correctly represents Slovene diacritics and international text.
HVAC and controls#
VAV
Variable Air Volume
A ventilation approach that varies supply airflow by demand.
Electrical and sensing#
VFD
Variable Frequency Drive
Drive varying motor speed through frequency control.
IT and networking#
VLAN
Virtual Local Area Network
Logical separation of network traffic over shared switching infrastructure.
IT and networking#
VLAN trunk
Trunk port
Link carrying traffic from multiple VLANs through one interface.
Software and data#
VM
Virtual Machine
Software-defined computer running as an isolated guest on a host system.
IT and networking#
VPN
Virtual Private Network
Protected network connection over another network.
HVAC and controls#
VRF
Variable Refrigerant Flow
Air-conditioning system varying refrigerant flow to match unit demand.
HVAC and controls#
VRV
Variable Refrigerant Volume
Daikin-associated trade name for variable refrigerant-flow technology.
Electrical and sensing#
VT
Voltage Transformer
Transformer used for voltage measurement or protection.
Cybersecurity#
WAF
Web Application Firewall
Firewall inspecting HTTP requests to help protect web applications from selected attacks.
IT and networking#
WAN
Wide Area Network
Network linking geographically separated sites.
Software and data#
Watchdog
Watchdog Timer
Timer detecting stalled software and triggering a restart or safe device response.
IT and networking#
Web Server
Web Server
Server that returns web pages, files or application responses over HTTP/HTTPS.
Software and data#
Webhook
Webhook
Automatic HTTP callback triggered by a defined event.
Software and data#
WebP
WebP Image Format
Web image format often providing smaller files than JPEG or PNG at comparable quality.
IT and networking#
WebSocket
WebSocket
Persistent two-way communication between client and server over one connection.
IT and networking#
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi
Wireless local networking technology based on IEEE 802.11 standards.
Communication protocols#
wM-Bus
Wireless M-Bus
Wireless meter-reading communication derived from M-Bus.
Software and data#
WYSIWYG
What You See Is What You Get
Editing method showing content approximately as it will appear to a reader.
Software and data#
XML
Extensible Markup Language
Markup language for structured data and documents.
Software and data#
YAML
YAML Ain't Markup Language
Human-readable data format commonly used for configuration and automation.
Communication protocols#
Z-Wave
Z-Wave
Wireless protocol for home and building automation.
Cybersecurity#
Zero Trust
Zero Trust
Security approach requiring verification of access regardless of location.
Communication protocols#
Zigbee
Zigbee
Low-power wireless networking, often using mesh topologies.
No terms match these filters.