A network management card puts a UPS on your network, so you can see its status, receive alarms and shut down servers cleanly during a long outage. Cards are made per manufacturer and per slot type, so the first step is always the exact UPS model.
1. Match the card to the UPS family and slot
Each manufacturer publishes a compatibility list. APC's Network Management Card 3 (AP9640, AP9641) installs in the SmartSlot of compatible Smart-UPS models, and APC keeps a card compatibility chart per UPS [1]. Eaton's Gigabit Network Card (Network-M3) fits models such as the 5P, 5PX, 5PX G2, 9PX, 9SX and 9130 [2]. Cards from different manufacturers are not interchangeable.
2. Decide what you need it to do
- Monitoring and alarms: status, load, runtime and e-mail or SNMP alerts.
- Automated shutdown: the card signals servers and virtual hosts to shut down before the batteries run out; check that your shutdown software supports the card.
- Environmental monitoring: some cards accept a temperature and humidity probe (for example the AP9641 includes environmental monitoring [1]).
- Security: current cards support encrypted protocols; older cards may not meet your network's security rules.
3. Check what the UPS already has
Some models ship with a card installed (APC models ending in "NC", for example). Check the UPS label and the slot before ordering a second card.
Not sure which card fits?
Send us the UPS model and what you need (monitoring, shutdown, sensors). We will confirm the card before you order. Browse network management cards.
Sources: [1] Schneider Electric product pages AP9640 and AP9641, and FAQ FA237786 "UPS Network Management Card (NMC) Compatibility Chart" (se.com, read 2026-09-29). [2] Eaton Gigabit Network Card (Network-M3) catalogue page and connectivity-card compatibility brochure (eaton.com, read 2026-09-29).