Abstract: A system and method for synchronizing a plurality of networked fire alarm panels is disclosed. A plurality of fire panels (i.e., nodes) are arranged on a peer-to-peer network, such as a token ring network. One node is designated as a SyncHost, and the remaining nodes are periodically reset to the clock time associated with the SyncHost to ensure all nodes remain substantially synchronized to a single time. As such, when an alarm condition is signaled, the visual notification devices (i.e., strobe lights) of all the fire panels (nodes) will flash at substantially the same time, in accordance with government guidelines. To accomplish the synchronization, the SyncHost sends periodic attendance polls around the network, noting the transit times of the polls. The individual nodes on the network also note times associated with the polls.

Abstract: A system and method for synchronizing a plurality of networked fire alarm panels is disclosed. A plurality of fire panels (i.e., nodes) are arranged on a peer-to-peer network, such as a token ring network. One node is designated as a SyncHost, and the remaining nodes are periodically reset to the clock time associated with the SyncHost to ensure all nodes remain substantially synchronized to a single time. Upon alarm, the visual notification devices (i.e., strobe lights) of all the fire panels (nodes) will flash at substantially the same time. To accomplish the synchronization, the SyncHost sends periodic attendance polls around the network, noting the transit times of the polls. The nodes also note times associated with the polls. The SyncHost sends a sync message to the nodes, and each of the nodes resets its clock according to the sync message and internal compensations. Other embodiments are disclosed and claimed.