Medical monitoring network sensor interface device

An interface device 16 in a monitoring system 10 receives data from a plurality of sensors 18 and transmits the sensor data over a communication network 20 to one or more of a number of monitors 12, 26. The interface 16 may operate in one of two modes - peripheral mode where the interface transfers sensor data to a single chosen monitor 12 (further data transfer to other parts of the network can only occur through the chosen monitor), and stand-alone mode where the interface 16 can transmit data to any of the monitors 26 on the network. The interface processes and interprets sensor data to allow various types of sensors 18 to be connected to monitors. The embodiment shows the transfer of patient data (e.g. ECG, respiration, blood pressure) across a health care monitoring network 10. Also disclosed is a system having a single monitor connected to a plurality of interface devices 16, a single one of these devices serving as a peripheral device for the monitor.