System and method for zoning a distributed-architecture heating, ventilation and air conditioning network

A subnet controller for user in an HVAC data processing and communication network, comprising:

• a physical layer interface configured to interface to a data bus;
• and
• a local controller configured to:
• determine within said communication network a number of at least one environmental sensor, a number of at least one subnet and a number of damper controllers;
• and
• automatically set up said communication network for zoned operation only when said local controller determines that there are at least two of said at least one environmental sensor and either at least two of said at least one subnet or at least one of said damper controllers within said communication network.