Linear Backbone Construction
The backbone is the main communication path of the NMEA 2000® network, so it is extremely important to construct the backbone properly. An improperly constructed backbone may prevent the network from functioning, or you may experience unexpected performance.
The backbone consists of a combination of T-connectors and cables, terminated on both ends. All T-connectors must connect to the sides of one another either directly or through a backbone cable extension. The top of a T-connector is used to connect a device or power to the network only, and the backbone cannot route through the top of a T-connector.
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Female terminator installed correctly The terminator must connect to the side of the last T-connector in the backbone. |
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NMEA 2000 devices and power NMEA 2000 drop cables and network power cables must connect to the top of a T-connector, and never to the sides. |
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Backbone cable If needed, the backbone can be extended using a cable connected to the sides of a T-connector. The maximum length of a single backbone cable is 100 m (328 ft.) |
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Male terminator The terminator must connect to the side of the last T-connector in the backbone. |
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NMEA 2000 devices and power NMEA 2000 drop cables and network power cables must connect to the top of a T-connector, and never to the sides. |
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Male terminator installed incorrectly The terminator must connect to the side of the last T-connector in the backbone, and cannot connect to the top of a T-connector. |
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Female terminator installed correctly |
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Backbone cable installed correctly |
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T-connector installed incorrectly T-connectors must connect to one another using the sides only, never the top. |
