October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month, a good time to look at how your controllers talk to the network. If your building still runs X-Line controllers, they communicate at 10 Mbps and can’t encrypt their connection to CBAS.
The LX was built to close that gap. It is 10 times faster on Ethernet, 3 times faster on serial, and adds secure communication features the X does not have.
X vs. LX: Network Speed and Security
| Feature | X-Line | LX |
|---|---|---|
| Ethernet speed | 10 Mbps | 10/100 Mbps (10x) |
| Max serial (RS-485) speed | 38.4 kbps (9600/19200 baud in current CBAS) | 115 kbps (3x) |
| Ethernet network security | Network dependent | TLS secure sockets |
| File system | Standard | Secure file system |
| Processor | 386EX, 25 MHz | ARM Cortex-A8, 1 GHz |
On the X, network security comes from the building network: firewalls, VLANs, and how the network is managed.
What the Upgrade Gets You
- Better compatibility with modern IP networks. As networks evolve and get faster, older X controllers can cause performance issues. LXs will perform flawlessly on any modern network.
- Faster BACnet MS/TP trunks. X controllers are limited to 9600 or 19200 baud on their RS-485 ports. The LX runs up to 115200 baud, so trunks with many devices update and probe faster.
- Simpler BACnet setup. On an LX you add a BACnet On Controller channel directly. On an X you must add an Over TCP/IP channel, probe, import, and then convert it to On Controller.
- No more 64X secondary port issues. The 64X has BACnet limitations on its secondary port. The 64-LX does not.
- BACnet IP and Modbus IP hosted on the controller. Since May 2024, these channels can move from the DPU to an LX. Points, schedules, and logic keep running even when the DPU is off or CBAS isn’t in Real mode. The X cannot host these channels.
- Secure Connections to CBAS. The LX’s TLS secure sockets and authenticated connection protect traffic between the head end and the controller.
Important: You do not have to change your network on day one. The LX is a drop-in replacement for the matching X brain: verify power supply capacity, unplug the X, plug in the LX, power up. No reprogramming is required. Support faster speeds and secure connections when your building is ready.
Before You Swap: Quick Checklist
- Back up the database. Allows you to roll back if needed.
- Update CBAS first. Bring CBAS to the current version before the new LX goes in.
- Check licensing. Confirm CBAS has the licenses you need, then verify the license is valid on the LX diagnostic screen after the swap.
- Update LX firmware. Firmware dated May 2024 or later is needed to host BACnet IP or Modbus IP channels on the LX.
- Talk to your IT team. If you plan to enable secure connections, let them know before you change settings.
Call Tech Support before turning on secure connections or moving channels. We’ll walk you through it.
