5 Steps to Upgrade Your Fire Alarm System from Copper to Ethernet Communication

When a fire alarm system depends on RS-485 copper for communication, you're eventually going to run into trouble. Copper has distance limits. It suffers interference. It ages. For a long time, RS-485 was the backbone of reliable multiplex signaling. But your network has moved on, and your communication path has to move with it.

Upgrading from copper to Ethernet isn't just an IT upgrade anymore. It's a life-safety upgrade. The good news is you don't need to replace every panel or field device you own. With a smart plan, you keep the equipment that still works, upgrade only the weak links, and gain the stability and reach of Ethernet in the process.

Here's how one facility made the transition - and how you can follow the same path in five clear steps.

1. Assess Your Existing Configuration

Every upgrade starts with a clear inventory. In this case, a private educational campus already had two Digitize Prism LX systems running in a redundant setup. The head-end servers were backed by a 32-line Multiplex Driver Rack and several Remote Annunciators tied in over D-LAN.

The system had delivered reliable service for years, but the limits of copper-pair RS-485 were starting to show. Distance, noise, and aging cable made it harder to trust the link during real events, and the campus knew it was time to move forward.

To evaluate your own system, begin by identifying:

• The number and model of Prism LX units in service
• Active communication options installed (especially Option 9-80)
• Total number of Muxpads and their FACP (Fire Alarm Control Panel) interfaces
• The physical wiring infrastructure used (copper pair, fiber, etc.)
• Current support and firmware status for your Prism systems

For the upgrade to Ethernet, both Prism units must be current on annual support and capable of enabling Ethernet multiplex communication via Option 9-80. This is usually confirmed by sending in the CPU "restart" data from the system. That's essentially a diagnostic dump that verifies firmware level and options.

2. Enable the Multiplex Ethernet Option (Option 9-80)

Prism LX systems are modular, and that includes support for Ethernet-based multiplex communication. The feature unlock comes through Option 9-80, a licensed upgrade that enables Ethernet as a transport path for multiplex signaling.

For the project we're discussing, once the restart data is received, Digitize technicians will check whether Option 9-80 can be activated remotely. If it can, the campus doesn't need a new Prism CPU. A configuration update is enough to enable the option and prepare the system for Ethernet signaling.

Why does this step matter so much?

• Security: Ethernet signaling supports encryption and network-level isolation.
• Supervision: Multiplex supervision remains intact - each device is polled, and line integrity is monitored.
• Scalability: Ethernet removes the physical distance constraints of RS-485, especially useful for campuses and large facilities.

3. Install the SIPPDD-25 Ethernet Line Driver Board

This board is the heart of the conversion. The SIPPDD-25 Line Driver Card allows the Prism LX to communicate with Muxpad II or DGM devices over Ethernet. It's designed for plug-and-play installation into the existing 32-line rack (there's no rewiring that you have to do).

Even though only one board is technically required, many facilities choose to install multiple SIPPDD-25 boards to segment their Muxpads across several logical lines. This provides:

• Easier fault isolation. If one board fails or a network issue occurs, it only impacts a subset of the system.
• Network load balancing. Devices can be distributed evenly for improved performance.
• Organizational alignment. Grouping Muxpads by building, zone, or department simplifies future maintenance.

The client in this case received pricing for a single board, with the option to expand later. This incremental strategy is particularly useful when system budgets are tight.

4. Upgrade Each Muxpad with Ethernet-Ready Hardware

Each Muxpad or DGM (Data Gathering Module) on the network needs two small additional components to function over Ethernet:

• Configurator Board - Converts and conditions the signal for Ethernet communication.
• Mounting Plate - Provides physical structure for secure installation.

These upgrades are done on a per-device basis. In this example proposal, the client estimated 16 to 18 Muxpads on campus, each interfacing with third-party FACPs. Since final counts can vary, pricing was provided per board, giving the flexibility to scale up or down as needed.

This model supports the phased rollout strategy mentioned earlier: you can start with one or two zones, test performance and reliability, then expand campus-wide.

What Makes Muxpad II Ideal for Ethernet?

Muxpad II units support supervised, bi-directional polling and are already used across a variety of fire panels from popular vendors, including:

• Hochiki
• Notifier
• Gamewell
• EST (Edwards)
• Simplex
• Firecom, Mircom, and more

This wide compatibility makes them perfect for sites with mixed-vendor systems or legacy panels.

5. Leverage On-Site Support for Deployment and Training

Digitize offers optional on-site help for upgrades like this. That support and training often pays for itself by preventing mistakes and cutting downtime.

In this case, the client chose two days of on-site assistance to guide the installation and train their team. The visit covered:

• Supervised setup of the SIPPDD-25 board and its Ethernet configuration
• Validation of line supervision and overall communication health
• Best-practice advice for network segmentation and firewall rules
• Hands-on training for facilities and IT staff

For campuses with limited fire system expertise in-house, this support ensures the upgrade is done right the first time.

Copper-to-Ethernet Upgrades Are a Smart Move in 2025

Ethernet isn't just a faster cable. It's a fundamental shift in how your alarm data flows. When you transition to Ethernet multiplexing, you're unlocking advantages in every area:

Feature	RS-485 Copper	Ethernet
Max Distance	~4,000 ft	Virtually unlimited (via LAN/WAN)
Interference Resistance	Low	High (shielded & fiber-capable)
Signal Clarity	Analog voltage	Digital packets
Integration with IT	Difficult	Native
Scalability	Limited by voltage drop	Easily expandable
Protocol Support	Proprietary only	Supports SNMP, encrypted protocols

You're not just replacing a wire. You're aligning your fire system with modern IT infrastructure.

Avoid a Full Rip-and-Replace

During fire system upgrades, many facilities assume they need to start from scratch: new panels, new wiring, new architecture. The Digitize approach is different. It protects the investment you've already made.

The Prism LX stays in place as your command center. Your Muxpad II units stay in the field as proven collectors. The only change is the communication path - moving from analog copper to digital Ethernet for faster, cleaner, and more scalable performance.

This approach saves time, reduces cost, and avoids unnecessary compliance work.

What to Do Next

If you're still operating on copper RS-485 lines for multiplex communication, you're operating on "borrowed time". Start your upgrade process with these key steps:

• Collect your Prism LX serial numbers and restart files
• Inventory your Muxpad II devices and confirm model compatibility
• Request a quote for SIPPDD-25 cards, Configurator Boards, and Mounting Plates
• Decide whether optional on-site support is right for your team

Ready to see how this upgrade could look at your facility? Request a technical assessment and your own custom-tailored quote.