What are 'open' and 'closed' protocols?
'Protocol', in terms of electronic products, refers to the way
in which the products communicate with each other and are described
as 'open', 'closed', 'digital' and 'analogue'.
In the fire detection industry analogue addressable systems use
control panels, detectors and devices such as interfaces which
communicate with each other by means of a protocol. Some
manufacturers offer both panels and detectors and have no need to
disclose the nature of their protocol to anyone, since they offer
all the elements needed to provide an analogue addressable system.
No equipment supplied by other manufacturers is expected to be
compatible with such systems, so the protocol used is said to be
'closed'.
A number of manufacturers of detectors, including Apollo, make
no control panels; they have built up partnerships with independent
panel manufacturers and other companies. The detector manufacturer
determines the protocol used by the detectors and publishes the
information and technical data required by panel makers to design
compatible panels. Since all details of the protocol must be
disclosed, it is referred to as an 'open' protocol.
Apollo has a digital, open protocol.
For a fuller exploration of these issues, please download our
Protocols PIN sheet PDF.
Apollo's protocol is available to equipment manufacturers
subject to agreement by Apollo Fire Detectors. For details on
becoming an Apollo agreed protocol user, please contact our Product support
Department.