The ComNet FDW1000 data extenders provide optical connectivity between one card reader and its associated door or gate locking hardware, to any Wiegand, MagStripe, or F/2F-based control panel. The connection is completely supervised and secure, and a pair of these units will support a single locking gate or door and its associated reader using two multimode or singlemode optical fibers. When used with the ComNet EXP-100 Expansion Module, up to 7 gates or doors and readers may be integrated onto the same network. A service mode provides easy and fast set-up and configuration when the EXP-100 is used, and user selection of the reader formats via DIP-switch setting is included. An auxiliary I/O (input/output) interface is available for determining door, gate, and control panel status and signaling, and a relay interface provides the door strike or gate activation functions. These extenders are designed for long-term, reliable operation in harsh industrial environments, and a fault-specific LED indicator is provided for rapidly ascertaining the operating status of the extender and the link. Packaged in a rugged aluminum housing, the FDW1000 is designed for shelf or surface mounting. The FDW1000 series are supplied as a remote unit for door or gate locations, and a central unit for control panel installation.