Patent ID: 8306064

Claim:
A system for extending a building automation communication protocol, the communication protocol comprising a number of message identifiers including a standard message identifier configured to cause a predefined functionality, an HVAC manufacturer-specific message identifier configurable by a manufacturer to cause a manufacturer definable functionality, and an unused message identifier, the system comprising: a memory; and at least one HVAC device configured to cooperate with the memory to construct a top level message having the HVAC manufacturer-specific message identifier in accordance with the communication protocol, the at least one HVAC device configured to construct a first level extension message having the unused message identifier, the first level extension message having the unused message identifier being associated with a second manufacturer definable functionality, and the at least one HVAC device further configured to retain protocol compliance by embedding the first level extension message in a data component of the top level message; wherein the first level extension message having the unused message identifier is associated with a functionality external to functionality associated with the standard message identifier and external to functionality associated with the HVAC manufacturer-specific message identifier.