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Connecting to a NMEA 2000 Network
A NMEA 2000 network is a communications link between two or more
devices that transfer NMEA 2000 information. LowranceNET is the
NMEA 2000 networking system developed by Lowrance Electronics. A
NMEA 2000 network functions like the phone wiring in a house.
If, for example, you pick up a phone in the living room you will be able
to hear the conversation someone is having on a phone in the bedroom.
In similar fashion, a NMEA 2000 network allows multiple display units
to receive data from a GPS antenna or multiple sonar units to receive
messages sent by a temperature sensor. A NMEA 2000 network gives
you the flexibility to view information like engine diagnostics and fuel
level data on digital gauges or display units located anywhere on your
boat.
There are two types of LowranceNet red connectors: the single T
connector (left) and the double T connector (right).
Network Backbone and Network Nodes
A network bus backbone consists of network cabling, terminators and T
connectors. Network nodes are made by fitting T-shaped connectors into
the backbone (using the sockets on the sides) and attaching any network
device to the bottom of the T.
Staying with the previous phone wiring example, T connectors on the
backbone are the equivalent of phone jacks spread throughout a house.
To pick up a phone and be able to hear a conversation from another
phone in the house, both phones have to be connected to the main phone
line. In similar fashion, only sensors and display units plugged into the
NMEA network can share information. The network backbone is like the
phone wiring that runs throughout a home.
It connects the network nodes, allowing them to communicate across the
network. Connections found in the middle of the bus could have T
connectors or backbone network cable plugged into one or both sides.
Connections at the end of a network will have the backbone cable plugged
into one side and a terminator plugged into the other, as shown in the
following figure.