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This chapter describes how to turn a basic 4100U-S1 into a network node. This process
consists of the following:
Step 1. Mounting media cards to the network interface card (NIC)
Step 2. Mounting the network cards in the panel
Step 3. Wiring between panels
Each step is described in this chapter. Before beginning the installation, review the next
few pages for a detailed description of network cards and the media cards that mount onto
them.
The Network Interface Card (NIC) is a slave card that uses the standard 4100 serial bus to
communicate with the CPU. The NIC connects 4100U-S1 and other panels in a network,
providing communication between each panel via fiber or shielded twisted pair cable.
The NIC is designed to be connected in a loop or ring arrangement, so that a single cable
fault does not cause the entire system to fail. The ring 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 uses multimode optical fibres to connect network
nodes. This can be used for electrically noisy environments or for connecting
externally to other buildings.
• The Wired Media Card is used in all other types of applications. This uses
ordinary screened paired cable to connect network nodes.
Up to two media boards can be plugged onto 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).
Continued on next page
Getting Started
Overview
Introduction to the 4100 Network Interface Card (NIC)
Overview