Managed power supplies have already changed the game. From facilitating real-time data monitoring to enabling the remote power cycling of devices, they give security teams unprecedented control. And like security, they are always evolving, with the next generation set to amplify the very advantages that current managed power users have come to rely on.
The new NLC and NXB NetLink Connect modules from LifeSafety Power promise a host of benefits for managed power systems. These benefits translate directly to time, cost, and efficiency savings, ultimately delivering greater security and scalability for users.
Typical managed power systems are often limited by cabling and space restrictions. Pulling extra network drops and managing a bundle of wires can turn a simple install into a multi-day, labor-intensive project. The new NLC + NXB modules simplify this process.
Instead of requiring a dedicated network drop for each NetLink board, a single network drop now connects directly to one NLC. From there, the NLC links up to 31 NXBs via a single wire, each supporting up to 32 managed modules. Depending on the configuration of power modules and doors, this setup enables the remote management for up to 240 doors from a single network connection.
The likelihood of a system designed with 100+ doors tied to one drop is unlikely, but that’s not the point. In the past, security teams had to carefully weigh trade-offs: How many devices could be connected, how many enclosures would fit on the wall, and how many costly network drops were required to keep it all online. With NLC + NXB, those trade-offs virtually disappear. The ceiling for scalability has been raised so high that it will likely never be reached. This provides the freedom to design systems around specific needs rather than arbitrary hardware limits.
To get a sense of how these capabilities look in real-world deployments, check out this Application Note.
With the NLC + NXB, data is protected from the inside out. Communication between boards within an enclosure leverages an internal RS485 buss to deliver a more stable performance than legacy options. For connections that extend beyond the enclosure (NLC to NXB), the system leverages an external RS485 buss with Open Supervised Device Protocol (OSDP) encoding. This communication standard adds an additional level of encryption, safeguarding data as it travels between secured enclosures and minimizing potential vulnerabilities.
New NetLink Connect Installations
Prior NetLink Installations
The NLC + NXB serve as a replacement for LifeSafety Power’s existing NL2, NL4 & NLX boards. By transitioning to these next-generation modules, you benefit from a streamlined managed power architecture. Benefits include:
NLC + NXB modules were engineered with the future in mind. These new NetLink Connect hardware devices enable future software and cybersecurity enhancements. The LifeSafety Power team is also constantly working behind the scenes to deliver updates that enhance system performance and security.
The NLC + NXB are fully compatible with existing NetLink browser-based software and Multi-Site Manager (MSM) Enterprise software from LifeSafety Power. MSM delivers real-time insights into critical information and data related to networked power solutions, ensuring a familiar experience for existing users. Additional integrations with well-known industry access control and security platforms are also in the works.
Managed power has always been about control, visibility, and reliability. The NLC + NXB serve to simplify access to such capabilities. For integrators, these products support easier, faster installs. For end users, they deliver peace of mind and scalability. For both, they future-proof investments.