Interface device and method for a monitoring network

An interface device receives data from a plurality of sensors and transmits the data over a communication network to one or more of a plurality of monitors. The interface device is capable of operating in both a peripheral mode of operation and a stand-alone mode of operation for the plurality of monitors. In another embodiment, a monitor is connected to a plurality of interface devices by way of a communication network. A separate visible physical communication link or other identification link is used to visually identify which of the interface devices is serving as a peripheral device for the monitor.