Abstract: The present invention provides for devices and methods for the transmission of data over nodes of a specific network. A device may comprise at least two network nodes, a bus having a transmitting line and a receiving line for interconnecting the network nodes. The respective network node has a fault protection circuit which is to bypass the network node in the event of a fault and is capable of reversing the polarity of the transmitting line and of the receiving line, a detection means for detecting a reverse in polarity of the transmitting line and of the receiving line by the respective upstream network node, and a fault-locating means for locating a fault in the upstream network node when a reverse in polarity of the transmitting line and of the receiving line has been detected.