Fire Alarm Network Reference

Network Communications,
Options and Specifications
Features
Simplex Fire Alarm Network communications
are available for wired or fiber optic connections:
Wired communications are available on Network
interface modules; available with either wired
connections only, or as a modular design allowing
selection of either wired or fiber optic media modules
Fiber optic communications are available with fiber
media modules on the Network interface modules or
when using the higher performance multiple signal
fiber optic modems
Fiber optic links are point-to-point continuous
(unswitched) connections between Fire Alarm
Network nodes
LED status indicators assist with system setup and
servicing
Multiple communication signal modems use
laser optical transmitters to provide:
Increased transmission distances compared to copper
wiring (over 20 miles (32 km) may be possible with
low-loss single-mode fiber)
Designs are optimized for fiber type; models are
selected for single mode fiber, or multi-mode fiber
Multiple signal modems are two slot modules and are
available with separate enclosures if required for
smaller Network node control panels
Network modular interface modules provide:
Class B or Class X communications using wired
media or fiber optics; selectable separately to match
media requirements
Wired media module details:
Provides isolated earth detection
Compatible with Simplex isolated loop and
overvoltage protectors
Electrical characteristics are similar to RS-485
Network signal fiber optic media module:
Fiber optic links provide immunity to electrical
transients, short circuits, and ground conditions
LED based fiber optic media module uses two
multi-mode fibers to communicate; has type ST
connectors, compatible with 62.5/125 or 50/125 fiber
Bi-Directional Couplers are available to allow use of
single fiber cable (for Network communications)
Multiple communications fiber optic modules
provide:
Laser based half-duplex communications over single
fiber connections
Available for single mode, or multi-mode fiber
Refer to information summary on pages 2 and 3 and to
data sheet S4100-0049 for additional feature
description

Fiber Optics

Wired

Fire Alarm Network Communications, Wired or Fiber Optic

Features (Continued)
Physical Bridge Modules connect multiple
Network loops and provide Star topology
connections:
Physical Bridge Modules connect to Network
communications using wired or fiber optic media and
interconnect using modem media modules (refer to
data sheet S4100-0057 for details)
TCP/IP Physical Bridge Modules are similar but
provide LAN (Local Area Network) compatible
interconnections (refer to data sheet S4100-0029 for
details

Network Panel List

Network nodes include the following Simplex fire
alarm products:
4100ES, 4100U, 4010ES, and 4010 Series Fire Alarm
Control Panels and 4100ES or 4100U Network Display
Units (NDU)
4190 Series TrueSite Workstations (TSW)
4190 Series Network System Integrators
Legacy 4120 Series panels, NPU, and 2500 NDU; 4190
Series IMS and GCC systems; 4020, 4002 Series
systems and retrofitted 4100/4100+ and 2120 systems
NOTE: Refer to individual product data sheets for specific product listing details, see
reference data sheet list on page 3.

S4100-0056-4 2/2013

Network Communications Module Selection Reference

Network Interface Modules for Fire Alarm Control Panels and TrueSite Workstation
Product

4100ES/4100U

TrueSite
Workstation

Model
4100-6078
4100-6061

Description
Modular Network Interface for Master Controller
Modular Network Interface for Redundant Master Controller

4100-6056

Wired Media Module

4100-6057

Fiber Optic Media Module

Mounts on 4100-6078 or 4100-6061

Network Interface; also used with
Network System Integrator

4190-6060
4190-6061

Network Interface with fixed, wired media, PCI slot card

Modular Network Interface, PCI slot card

Requires two media modules (below)

4190-6036

Wired Media Module

4190-6037

Fiber Optic Media Module

4010

4010-9821
4010-9817

Network Interface with fixed, wired media

Modular Network Interface

4010ES

4010-9922

Modular Network Interface

4010/4010ES

4010-9818
4010-9819

Wired Media Module

Fiber Optic Media Module

Notes
Requires two media modules (below)

Mounts on 4190-6061 Network

Interface

Requires two media modules (below)

Mounts on 4010-9817 or 4010-9922
Network Interface

Network Multiple Signal Modems Reference (refer to data sheet S4100-0049 for additional information)
Model
4100-6072
4100-6074

Fiber Type
Single Mode
Multi-Mode

Description

Application

Left-Port Fiber Modem Assembly

For direct mounting onto a 4100ES/4100U

expansion bay; Fiber Modems are required to
be ordered in pairs (Left-Port Fiber Modems
communicate only to Right-Port Fiber Modems)

4100-6073
4100-6075

Single Mode
Multi-Mode

Right-Port Fiber Modem Assembly

4190-9023
4190-9026

Single Mode
Multi-Mode

Right-Port Fiber Modem Assembly; for Expansion

Cabinet Mounting

Select if required; one maximum

Fire Alarm Network Example with Multiple Communication Media

ST to ST Coupler
(by others)

4190-9010
Bi-Directional
Coupler

NODE 1

MODULAR CARD

62.5/125 or 50/125 Multi-mode, graded

index single fiber optic cable, requires
Bi-Directional coupler at each end

FIBER

WIRED

Circuit Protection is required when

wiring leaves or enters a building

NODE 2

NODE "N"

MODULAR CARD
WIRED

MODULAR CARD

FIBER

WIRED

WIRED

#18 twisted, shielded pair

Network communications
and Network audio can be
on the same fiber

Multiple signal modems are

2-slot modules and fit in
option bay or in separate
enclosure if required

Multi-signal modems
use single fiber

#24 twisted pair (requires overall shield)

NODE 5

Standard fiber optic media

modules require dual fiber
NODE 3

MODULAR CARD
WIRED

MODULAR CARD

FIBER

#24 twisted pair dry

lines (facility owned)

WIRED

WIRED

NODE 4

MODULAR CARD
FIBER

WIRED

Modular cards are single slot and

can fit in 4100ES/4100U CPU bay

S4100-0056-4 2/2013

Multiple Signal Fiber Modems

Below is a summary of the distance specifications for the
Multiple Signal Fiber Modems.

For Network communications, or local Control Panel

equipment communications, Multiple signal fiber
modems communicate a variety of system signal
combinations to a single fiber optic cable. These modules
are dual slot module sized and can be housed in external
cabinets for connection to smaller control panels. Please
refer to data sheet S4100-0049 for details.

Multiple Signal Fiber Optic Modem Distance Specifications (see page 4 for additional module reference)
General Note
Compatible Fiber

Fiber backbone components must meet or exceed standard EIA/TIA 568-B

(Electronic Industries Alliance/Telecommunications Industry Association)for
maximum power losses; single-mode fiber is preferred; attenuation should be
measured at 1310 nm

Single-Mode Nominal 9/125 m

Multi-Mode 50/125 m or 62.5/125 m graded index
Fiber Connector

Type ST

Allowed Fiber Connections

Three (3) external connections maximum per link (does not include connectors
on modems)

Transmit and Receive

Wavelengths

Left-Port Modems Transmit = 1310 nm; Receive = 1550 nm

Right-Port Modems Transmit = 1550 nm; Receive = 1310 nm
Maximum total attenuation = 15 dB

Transmission Distances for Single-Mode Fiber

(preferred fiber type; Modules 4190-6072,
4100-6073, and 4190-9023)
Note: These examples provide a safety margin of
5 dB or greater; a 3 dB safety margin is generally
acceptable

Transmission Distances for Multi-Mode Fiber

(Modules 4100-6074, 4100-6075, and 4190-9026)

Example 1 (low loss fiber):

Assume fiber with attenuation of 0.34 db/km; a target distance of 35,000 ft
(10.7 km); connector loss totaling 6 dB attenuation; calculate the safety
margin:
(10.7 km) x (0.34 db/km) = 3.68 dB fiber loss
15 dB - 3.68 dB - 6 dB = > 5 dB safety margin
Example 2 (higher loss fiber):
Assume fiber with attenuation of 0.6 db/km; a target distance of 25,000 ft
(7.7 km); and connector loss totaling 5 dB attenuation; calculate the safety
margin:
(7.7 km) x (0.6 db/km) = 4.62 dB fiber loss
15 dB - 4.62 dB - 5 dB = > 5 dB safety margin
5000 ft (1.6 km) maximum distance
Maximum total attenuation = 6 dB
50 m or 62.5 m GRIN (graded-index fiber)

Additional Network Product Reference

Subject

Data Sheet

Network Overview with Applications Reference

S4100-0055

Multiple Signal Fiber Optic Modems and Accessories

S4100-0049

Basic 4100ES Reference

S4100-0031

4100ES Network Display Unit (NDU)

S4100-0036

TrueSite Workstations

S4190-0016

4010ES Fire Alarm Control Panel

S4010-0004

4010ES Fire Alarm Control Panel (International)

S4010-0006

4010 Fire Alarm Control Panel

S4010-0001

Network Systems Integrator

S4190-0017

Physical Bridge Reference

S4100-0057

TCP/IP Physical Bridge Modules

S4100-0029
3

S4100-0056-4 2/2013

Fiber Optic Communications

4190-9010 Bi-Directional Coupler Requirements:

Modular Network Interface modules accept either a wired

or fiber optic media module. When using Fiber Optic media
module 4010-9819, 4100-6057, or 4190-6037 or fiber optic
communications use two multi-mode fiber optic cables; one
for transmit, and the other for receive. Distances can be
determined using the information and examples shown
below. (Refer to individual product data sheets for module
size and location information.)

1.
2.
3.

4.

With a Bi-Directional Coupler (model 4190-9010) at each

end, Network communications with the media modules will
operate over a single fiber optic cable with some reduction
in distance. Please refer to the coupler requirements and the
specifications below for details.

5.

Use with Fiber Optic Media Board part number 566-376,

or 565-261, revision C or higher.
Two 4190-9010 Bi-Directional Couplers are required per
connection, one at each node.
The 4190-9010 is equipped with type ST connectors. To
make type ST to type ST connections, an ST to ST
coupler, by others, is required.
ST to ST Couplers are available from:
Black Box, part # FO200
Fiber Instrument Sales, part # F1-8101
Newark Electronics, part # 95F2097
(or equivalent)
Refer to Installation Instructions 574-492 for additional
information. (4190-9010 cross references to part number
271-012.)

Modular Network Interface Media Modules Distance Specifications

Wired Media Module Communications Distances
(for Media Modules 4010-9818, 4100-6056, or 4190-6036)
Wire Size and Specifications

Data Rate (baud)

Distance

18 AWG Twisted, Shielded Pair (TSP);

58 pF/ft, 6.39 /ft (190 pF/m, 21 /m)
24 AWG Telephone cable with overall
shield; 22 pF/ft (72.2 pF/m)

9600

17,000 ft (5.4 km)

57.6 k

10,000 ft (3 km)

9600

12,000 ft ( km)

57.6 k

7,000 ft ( km)

Distance Note
Distance is with or without
Isolated Loop Protector or
Overvoltage Protectors

Dual Fiber Optic Cable Distance Reference

(Media Modules 4010-9819, 4100-6057, or 4190-6037, see notes below)
Fiber Type

MIFL

Power Margin

Maximum Distance

Budget

50/125
numerical aperture = 0.2

3 dB/km

3 dB

15,000 ft (4.57 km)

17 dB

62.5/125
numerical aperture = 0.275

3.75 dB/km

3 dB

15,000 ft (4.57 km)

21.4 dB

Single Fiber Optic Cable Distance Reference

(for Media Modules 4010-9819, 4100-6057, or 4190-6037 with 4190-9010 Bi-Directional Couplers; see notes below)
Fiber Type

MIFL

50/125
numerical aperture = 0.2

3 dB/km

62.5/125
numerical aperture = 0.275

3.2 dB/km

Power Margin

Maximum
Distance

Budget

4190-9010
Coupler Loss

21.4 dB

-9.4 dB

7650 ft (2.33 km)

2 dB

ST to ST
Coupler Loss
-3 dB

8200 ft (2.5 km)

-2 dB

Notes:
1. Fiber Type: Cable specifications are for 50 or 62.5 micron core with 125 micron cladding, multi-mode graded index fiber.
Wavelength = 850 nm.
2. MIFL: Maximum Individual Fiber Loss. Numbers shown are for reference only, refer to specific cable for exact specifications.
3. Distance: Maximum distance is determined by the distance listed or by reaching budget value, whichever is shorter. Budget
using 4190-9010 Bi-Directional Coupler is the same with either size cable because the coupler input cables are 62.5/125 fiber
allowing launch power to be the same.
4. Dual Fiber optic distances are using 4010-9819, 4100-6057 or 4190-6037 media modules. Single fiber optic distances require
using 4190-9010 Bi-Directional Couplers
5. Refer page 3 for Multiple signal fiber optic modem distance reference.

Tyco Fire Protection Products Westminster, MA 01441-0001 USA

www.simplexgrinnell.com

S4100-0056-4 2/2013

2013 Tyco Fire Protection Products. All rights reserved. All specifications and other information shown were current as of document revision date and are subject to change without notice.