Patent ID: 7774441

Claim:
A method of configuring a node in a network of an automation control system wherein each of a plurality of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) devices is represented by a corresponding node in the network, the method comprising the steps of: removing a logical connection between the network and a node representing a first HVAC device, the HVAC device configured to alter a physical output of the HVAC system; storing the functional profile of the first HVAC device, the functional profile of the first HVAC device identifying at least one operating parameter relating to the physical output of the HVAC system; obtaining a functional profile of a second HVAC device, the functional profile of the second HVAC device identifying at least one operating parameter for the second HVAC device; comparing the functional profile of the first HVAC device to the functional profile of the second HVAC device; and reestablishing at least one logical connection between the network and the node based upon the comparison such that the node represents the second HVAC device; wherein the step of storing comprises the step of storing network variables associated with the first HVAC device, the network variables for the first HVAC device identifying dynamic operating parameters for the first HVAC device, and wherein the step of obtaining comprises obtaining network variables associated with the second HVAC device, and wherein the step of reestablishing comprises the step of configuring logical connections between the network and the node based on a comparison of the stored network variables and obtained network variables.