Backup Device

 (AX-3.2 and later only) This button in the Bacnet Ws Device Manager allows you to backup the selected device’s configuration, as one or more “restorable” files on the BACnet Supervisor PC. If needed, you can use the Restore function later to reinstall this backup.

NoteThe target device must support the BACnet DM-BR-B BIBB, as part of the B-BC device profile conformance. Both the BACnet specification 135-2008 and addendum 135-2008n are supported. In addition, the device may require a password before it initiates a backup or a restore. Otherwise, a backup or restore job will immediately fail, showing the associated reason in the job log details. For example, you may see “Unrecognized Service” or “Security: Password Failure”.

When you click Backup, the standard Directory Chooser appears, in which you specify the target directory for the backup file(s). If needed, use the “new folder” control , as was done in the example shown in Figure B.9 to make a “Bacnet” folder under the system “backups” folder.

Figure B.9. Directory Chooser dialog to specify backup directory


Directory Chooser dialog to specify backup directory

After you choose the target directory, the Backup Device dialog appears, as shown in Figure B.10.

Figure B.10. Backup Device configuration dialog


Backup Device configuration dialog

Configuration fields in this dialog include the following:

When you click OK, the backup request is sent to the device. A Backup job is started, and as shown in Figure B.11 you can click on the job log control near the top of the manager to see the progress of the backup.

Figure B.11. Backup job started, Job Log details dialog


Backup job started, Job Log details dialog

When the job completes, it will post a success or failed status. A successful backup has the specified device subdirectory under the target base directory, containing one or more backup files for the device.

NoteAn invalid backup job typically fails immediately. However, a valid backup job may take several minutes to complete, depending on the implementation in the target BACnet device. Typically, the device executes some “preparation routine” first, before assembling and sending the backup files. In the case of AX-3.2 or higher stations running the Bacnet driver, there is a set server routine as well as associated properties, found in the LocalBacnetDevice of the BacnetNetwork. For more details, see Local Device backup and restore properties.