In a fire alarm system, which component serves as the central hub connecting and monitoring inputs and outputs?

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The central hub of a fire alarm system is the Fire Alarm Control Panel, which acts as the brain of the system. It links all inputs from initiating devices (like smoke and heat detectors or manual pull stations) with outputs to signaling devices (such as horns and strobes) and other connected equipment. The panel continuously monitors each circuit for faults, processes signals, and determines when and how to activate alarms and other system actions. It may also relay status to annunciators or fire department interfaces, and manage features like circuit supervision and system testing. An auxiliary device is meant to support the system but does not serve as the main control hub, while signaling devices and local alarms are the output components that actually alert occupants rather than coordinate the system.