NL4 and NLC are both part of the LifeSafety Power NetLink family, but they are from different generations.
NL4 is part of the earlier NetLink generation. It provides network connectivity for managed power systems and supports monitoring and control of connected power modules.
NLC, or NetLink Connect, is the newer network connectivity module. It is the primary module in the NetLink Connect technology suite and is used in newer managed power systems.
The main difference is that NLC is designed for the newer NetLink Connect architecture. NLC uses RS485 communication and can support more managed modules than NL4. It also supports the newer NXB expansion approach, where NXBs connect through one NLC.
In practical terms:
- NL4 = earlier NetLink network module
- NLC = newer NetLink Connect network module
- NL4 supports up to 4 managed modules
- NLC supports up to 32 managed modules through RS485, plus NXBs through OSDP
- NLC is the forward-looking platform for new managed power systems
For existing systems, upgrade path depends on the power supply generation. Systems powered by Gen 2 red power supplies may be upgradeable by replacing the NetLink board with NLC and adding RSMOD modules to the applicable FPO and M8 boards. Systems powered by Gen 1 green power supplies are not upgradeable to the new NetLink Connect architecture.
If you are trying to determine whether your existing system can move from NL4 to NLC, please include:
- Existing NetLink model
- Power supply generation if known
- FPO model
- Number of M8 boards
- Whether everything is in one enclosure or multiple enclosures
- Photos only if they do not expose sensitive site/customer information