4-2
Chapter 4 Networking
Introduction to the 4100 Network Interface Card
Overview The Network Interface Card (NIC) is a slave card that uses the standard 4100 serial bus to
communicate with the master. The NIC connects FACPs in a network, allowing for
communication between each panel via fiber, modem, or twisted shielded pair wire in a Style 7
wiring configuration.
The NIC is designed to be connected in a point-to-point arrangement, so that one wire fault
does not cause the entire system to fail. The point-to-point arrangement provides the most
secure and fault-tolerant wiring possible.
Two types of media boards can be used with the NIC card.
• The Fiber-Optic Media Card can be used for electrically noisy environments or for
connecting externally to other buildings.
• Non-4100ES/4100U only: the Modem Media Card is typically used when a large
transmission distance is required.
• The Wired Media Card is used in all other types of applications.
Up to two media boards can be plugged into each NIC. The same NIC can use a combination of
two types of media boards (for example, a NIC may have a wired media card connected to port
1 and a fiber-optic media card connected to port 2).