NMEA 2000 networks can allow up to 50 different compatible devices to connect to each other.Unlike NMEA 0183, having different baud rates is not an issue with NMEA 2000 networks.They are self-configuring and no setup is required, meaning you can easily add or remove any compatible equipment without needing to restart the network. It’s simple connection makes an NMEA 2000 network easy to install. You can view the comprehensive list of officially certified products here.
Such devices have met all the NMEA requirements and have received full certification. If you want complete peace of mind when building your NMEA 2000 network you should use NMEA 2000 certified devices. It is important to remember that the NMEA is not for profit (NFP) and the standards create an important source of income so that they can continue to exist.
There is a common misconception that the term ‘open standard’ means freely available when in fact it means that the standard is available to buy at a reasonable cost from their website. NMEA 2000 is an open standard designed by the NMEA to help them achieve their mission by standardising the messages and connector system used for devices in the marine industry. In a nutshell, they’re a not-for-profit organisation whose mission is to improve data communications between marine electronics manufacturers. The NMEA stands for National Marine Electronics Association.